International Mother Language Day Observed In South Korea

UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk : The Shaheed Day (Language Martyrs’ Day) and International Mother Language Day 2018 was observed by the Embassy in Bangladesh in Seoul with due ambience and fervour. On this occasion, Bangladesh Ambassador paid floral tribute at the first hour of the day at the permanent Shaheed Minar (Martyrs monument) in Ansan City. Then Mr. Je Jong-geel, Mayor of Ansan City paid floral tribute with the presence of high officials of his office. Different social and political organizations of Bangladeshis living in Korea as well as migrant Bangladeshis paid their tribute and respect to the language martyrs. This was the first time floral tribute was paid on the occasion of 21st February at the Shaheed Minar after its inauguration in November 2017. Hundreds of people gathered at the Shaheed Minar ignoring the chilling February cold. In the morning, the Ambassador put the national flag in half-mast at the Embassy premises with the presence of embassy officials. Thereafter, reading out from Holy Scriptures, one-minute silence, reading out the messages given by Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and State Minister were carried out. In her speech, the Ambassador paid deep homage to all the language martyrs. She also said that the Language Movement has been a great source of inspiration for us in times of struggle over the years.

Most important programme of the day was the “Forum in Commemoration of 2018 UNESCO International Mother Language Day and Bangladesh Language Martyrs’ Day” jointly organized with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO (KNCU) at latter’s place. The event was attended by Mr. Kim Kwangho, Secretary-General of KNCU, Mr. Wee Joonseok, Director, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassadors of India, Sri Lanka, Jordan, Cambodia, Ghana, Timor-Leste, Ivory Coast, diplomats of other embassies and members of Bangladesh community in Korea. At the outset, the message by H.E. Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO was read out. Then Secretary-General of KNCU delivered the opening remarks and Bangladesh Ambassador delivered welcome remarks. For the first time MOFA, Korea gave a message on this occasion, which was read out by Director Mr. Wee Joonseo.Mr. Keshab K. Adhikary, Assistant Professor, Inha University delivered the keynote speech. He mainly highlighted on the background of the Language Movement, its significance and similarity of language struggle between Bangladesh and Korea in their respective history. Mr. Wonhyong Cho, Lecturer, Seoul National University and Mr. Namwook Kang, Assistant Professor, Gyeongin National University discussed on the keynote speech.

The last segment, cultural performance, began with the chorus of legendary song ‘Amar vaiyer rokte rangano’ performed by the officials of the Embassy and family members. The dance and musical performances by Nepal, the Philippines and Korea mesmerized the audience. The programme ended with the dinner with sumptuous traditional Bengali foods. Press Release.