The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday paid tributes to the language martyrs of 1952 by placing wreaths at a Shaheed Minar at the chancery, reports UNB.
Marking the occasion, the national flag was hoisted at half-mast. A special prayer was held seeking divine blessings for the martyrs and one minute silence was observed in memory of them.
The dawn procession led by High Commissioner Mustafizur Rahman was participated by senior journalist and veteran freedom fighter Abed Khan, officers, staff of the Mission and Bangladeshi students from different universities.
The Ekushey song “Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February” was sung at the parade along the chancery premises, said a media release.
The High Commissioner said UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999 thanks to efforts made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He also praised the historic role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to establish Bangla as a state language.
The High Commissioner said, "Now it’s very important for us to make our young generation conversant with our rich and proud history, our heroes, the culture and heritage."
The Mission’s officers read out the messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam.
The message of the President was read out by Selim Md. Jahangir, Minister (Consular) and message from the Prime Minister was read out by Dr. A.K.M. Atiqul Haque, Minister Commerce.
A cultural performance by Bangladeshi performers was held in the evening.
A documentary was also screened on international mother language day.
The programme was attended by a number of Ambassadors, diplomats, local elites, media personalities, and Bangladeshi students.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
