Bangladesh Embassy Washington DC observes Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day

USA NEWS: Bangladesh embassy in Washington DC yesterday observed National Martyrs’ Day and International  Mother Language Day in a  befitting manner. The day’s program began in the morning with the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast on the premises of the Embassy. Bangladesh Ambassador to USA and State Minister  Akramul Qader hoisted the national flag in presence of the officers, officials and employees of the Embassy. Messages of the President and the Prime  Minister  were read out on the occasion. One minute silence was also observed to pay respect to the martyrs of the Language movement and liberation war of Bangladesh. A special prayer was offered for the eternal peace of the departed souls who had laid down their lives during the language movement in 1952 and Independence war in 1971, and also seeking divine blessings  for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.  Holy Quran, Holy Geeta, Holy Bible and Holy Tripitaka were read out on the occasion.Earlier on February 20, on the weekly holiday, to mark the occasion, a discussion meeting was organized on the significance of the language movement and International Mother Language Day at Bangabandhu auditorium  of the Embassy. The speakers said that the UNESCO had  recognized the sacrifice of the language martyrs by declaring 21 February as International Mother Language Day. Julia Phelan Sylla, Director of Critical Language Scholarship program, Corinne Hoogakker, a Bangla language student, and Dr Mohammad Naqibuddin, Research Program Coordinator of Johns Hopkins University spoke as designated speakers.Paying rich tribute to the language movement martyrs, Ambassador Qader  said  international mother language day has now become a day of celebration of the 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. He also mentioned about the establishment of International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Ambassador Qader urged all concerned including the expatriate Bangladesh nationals to work together to implement various development programs of the present Government under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

A colorful cultural program followed the discussion session. Performers from Bangladesh, China, India, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Colombia, Sri Lanka and Nepal participated in the program. Members of Bangladesh Embassy also took part. Diplomats, representatives of social and cultural organizations, a large number of foreign guests and expatriate Bangladesh nationals enjoyed the program. The guests were entertained with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.