UsaNewsOnline.Com Desk : Following the solemn observance of the ‘Language Martyrs’ Day’ in the morning by the Embassy, the programme on the occasion of the ‘International Mother Language Day’ started in the evening. The Hon’ble Minister of Ethiopia for Culture and Toursim, H.E. Dr. Hirut Woldemariam graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Also present on the occasion were the Ambassadors of the resident Mission of nearly 35 countries based in Addis Ababa, the Resident Co-ordinator of UN in Addis Ababa, Heads of UNESCO and other UN bodies, International Organizations, senior officials of the Ethiopian Government, local Ethiopian and foreign dignitaries and members of the Bangladeshi expatriate community. At the onset, the guests were welcomed in foreign languages of different countries. Following the welcome, a video clip was screened themed on the proud language struggle of the Bangalees and how the International Mother Language Day came into being. One-minute silence was observed in respect for the martyrs who laid down their lives for the language movement.

The Messages of Hon’ble President, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Foreign Minister and Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh were read out for the audience. Director, UNESCO gave the welcome address and read the message of Director General, UNESCO given for the occasion. A music video in participation of different nationalities and linguistics paying tribute to the International Mother Language Day was screened next. The Guest of Honour in her address extended her appreciation to Bangladesh Embassy and UNESCO for arranging the programme. She highlighted some of the initiatives taken by her Government for the development of mother languages of more than 70 ethnicities and for the education in the native tongues of the people and emphasized the significance of observing the day.Following the address of the Guest of Honour, the local and international community members showcased their respective mother languages and performed music, dance, recitation and other cultural events. The performance in more than 15 languages including Amharic (Ethiopian), English, German, Hindi (Indian), Italian, Japanese, Javanese (Indonesian), Korean, Russian, Spanish, Turkish, Urdu (Pakistani) in addition to Bangla were experienced by an applauding crowd. After the multi-cultural segment, a discussion session with people’s spontaneous participation ensued where the Ambassadors and other guests took part and contributed in their respective native tongues.In his concluding remarks, H.E. the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Ethiopia paid his homage to all martyrs of the liberation struggle including the language movement and urged all to spread the significance of ‘International Mother Language Day’ across the globe. He briefly highlighted the initiatives and achievements of the current Government under Hon’ble Prime Minister and Daughter of the Father of the Nation H.E. Sheikh Hasina. He requested the expatriate community to contribute for the progress and prosperity of the country and maintain peace and harmony. With the programme drawing to its end, the guests were entertained with traditional Bangalee cuisine. Press Release.