Bangladesh Consulate General in New York observes “Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day”

UsaNewsOnline.com : Bangladesh Consulate General in New York observed “Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day” in a befitting manner. The national flag was hoisted at half-mast in the morning of February 21 on the premises of the Consulate. Messages from the Hon’ble President, Hon’be Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. A special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed souls of those who laid down their lives during the language movement in 1952 and War of Independence in 1971, and also seeking divine blessings for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

A discussion meeting was organized in the Auditorium of the Consulate General on Tuesday (24 February,2015) which was  followed by a multilingual cultural show, first of its kind at the Consulate in New York. Paying rich tribute to the language martyrs, Consul General Md. Shameem Ahsan,ndc  in his  remarks said  that  International Mother Language Day has now become a day of celebration of linguistic diversity around the world. In this context, he recalled the contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the historic language movement as well as his speech in Bangla at the UNGA in 1974. He also underlined the significance of the language movement in the evolution of the national history culminating into the independence of Bangladesh.

Other speakers included,  Mr. A.K. Abdul Momen, Ambassador and PR of Bangladesh to UN, Dr. Fredrick A. Boswell, Executive Director and CEO, SIL International and Mr. Jamaluddin Hossain, recipient of  Ekushey Padak.

The discussants spoke about the spirit of oneness in the celebration of the International Mother Language Day which they described as a powerful and inspirational manifestation of unity.

The discussion was rounded off with a colorful multicultural function. The stellar performance by the artists from the Consulate family, community and foreign countries (Bulgaria, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Turkey), first of its kind, enthralled the audience and manifested a unique harmony of the nations for the protection of cultural diversity. Officials from the State Department, diplomats from various Consulates, representatives from social and cultural organizations, and a large number of the members of the Diaspora attended alongwith their families.

The guests were served with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.