In an attempt to commemorate the martyrs and to celebrate International Mother Language Day, an event was organised by the Bangladesh High Commission at the High Commission premises in the national Capital on Sunday. The event saw the presence of dignitaries, elites, eminent academicians, members of the Bangladesh and Bengali communities and friends of Bangladesh.
The day’s programme started with the hoisting of the flag at half-mast and reading of messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh.
The evening’s programme included a panel discussion on the significance of the Day. High Commissioner Syed Muazzem Ali who, as Bangladesh’s permanent representative to the UNESCO, at the direction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, had spearheaded the drafting and passage of the resolution for the proclamation of the Day as International Mother Language Day in November 1999, moderated the discussion.
The Bangladeshi envoy inter alia called for the preservation, enriching and internationalising of our mother tongue in this digital era of globalisation.
Other participants in the discussion were Dr Kavita Sharma, President of South Asian University and Dr Rakesh Batabyal, Professor of Jawaharlal University, New Delhi. They deeply appreciated the efforts undertaken by Bangladesh, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for preservation of all mother languages in Bangladesh and beyond.
Thereafter, a dazzling cultural program was presented to the distinguished audience. Members of the High Commission presented the legendary song of Amar Ekushey: Amar bhai-er rokte rangano Ekushey February amiki bhulite pari. Poems commemorating the shaheeds were also recited by them. A rich array of Bangla songs and poems exulting the martyrs and the soldiers of the Language Movement were presented by renowned singer Jayati Ghosh and her troupe.
The evening’s program was rounded off with high tea where Bangladesh delicacies were served.