Shaheed Dibash & Int’l Mother Language Day Observed in Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.

UsaNewsOnline.Com, Washington, D.C, 21 February : Artistes from Bangladesh and nine foreign nations presented traditional dance and songs displaying linguistic diversity and multilingualism marking the Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. Wednesday. Performances were presented by Ukraine, USA, Guyana, Afghanistan, Japan, Nepal, Thailand, India and Cameroon. Besides, Ms. Jazzzelle Love of Jazz and the embassy family performed songs and enthralled the guests in the packed Bangabandhu Auditorium.Speaking on the occasion, Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin said the dissemination of mother languages encourages linguistic diversity and multilingual education throughout the world. He said respect for each other’s language, inspires international solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.

Referring to the UNESCO’s proclamation of the International Mother Language Day, he said Bangladesh as the pioneer of the resolution has a sacred obligation not only to protect Bangla but also all other languages.Diplomats from different embassies, political leaders, journalists, representatives of social and cultural bodies and expatriate Bangladeshis largely attended the function.  Ms. Samia Israt Ronee, the first secretary (cultural affairs) at the embassy conducted the cultural program.Earlier, at one minute past zero hour, the Martyrs’ Day program began paying glowing tributes to the languages heroes who made supreme sacrifice to establish Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan in 1952.The Day vowed to preserve and enrich Bangla, the language of more than 25 million people of the world.

Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin placed wreaths at the altar of the Shaeed Minar on the embassy premises. The Ambassador was followed by the embassy officers, staff, family members and expatriate Bangladeshis. They stood in solemn silence for a while as a mark of deep respect to the memories of the language heroes.The Ambassador also hoisted the national flag at half-staff. Later, the messages of the Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs were readout and special prayer was offered seeking divine blessings for the martyrs of the Language Movement and the Liberation War.