Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2023, observed in Italy in a befitting manner

Oru Leonard 

Bangladesh Embassy in Rome, Italy observed “Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day-2023” in a befitting manner.

The 2-day programme commenced on 20 February 2023 at 7.01 pm (Bangladesh time 12.01 am, 21 February 2023). All the officers and officials of the Embassy and their family members led by Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy, Montenegro and Serbia, laid floral wreath at the permanent Shaheed Minar in Yitzhak Robin Park in Rome.

Leaders of various social, cultural and political organizations and a large number of expatriate Bangladesh nationals including children walked barefoot upto the monument with flowers in hands and humming “Amar Bhaiyer Roke Rangano Ekushey February……Ami Ki  Bhulite Pari” recalling the supreme sacrifices of the language heroes in 1952.

In his remarks, the Ambassador highlighted the significance of the day and thanked all for their tribute to the martyrs. He especially thanked the Italian government in erecting the permanent  Shaheed Minar at a prominent site in Rome.

As a second part of the programme, the national flag was hoisted at half-mast at the Embassy premises in the morning of 21 February 2023 by Mr. Md. Shameem Ahsan, Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy, Montenegro and Serbia. 

All the officers and officials of the Embassy were present at the program of the day commenced at 10 am on 21 February 2023. At the beginning of the program, one-minute silence was observed to pay deep tribute to all the martyrs of the liberation war and language movement.

Ambassador Md. Shameem Ahsan, further paid deep tribute to the language martyrs who sacrificed their lives to protect the rights to their mother tongue.

While recognizing the leadership role of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in organizing the language movement, he said that Bangabandhu was not only the supreme leader of the epic struggle of the Bangalees but was also the architect  of the only country in the world whose name is associated with the mother tongue of its people. He noted that the  day, at the global level, represents the right of all people to their mother languages, so that linguistic diversity could build a peaceful and inclusive world.  Later, the messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Director General of UNESCO were read out on the occasion.

A special documentary produced by the Department of Films and Publications on this occasion was also screened. The programme ended with special prayers for the departed souls of the martyrs and for the continued peace and prosperity of the country.

A multilingual and multicultural event to mark the International Mother language Day with the participation of artists from a large number of countries will be held in the last week of this month with the presence of foreign audience.