Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observes the Language Martyrs’ Day

Washington DC,  21 February 2016 : Bangladesh Embassy in Washington DC observed the Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day with a renewed pledge to preserve and enrich Bangla, the language of more than 250 million people of the world.
The day’s program began at one minute past zero hour Sunday paying glowing tributes to the valiant sons of Bangladesh who made supreme sacrifices to establish rights of the mother tongue in 1952.
Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin placed wreaths at the altar of the Shaheed Minar built for the first time on the embassy premises. The Ambassador was followed by the embassy officials, staff, family members and expatriate Bangladesh nationals.
They stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the language heroes.
The mourners wearing black badges sang immortal song– “‘Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February, Ami Ki Bhulite Pari’ creating a feeling of emotion and melancholy on the embassy compound.
In the morning Ambassador Ziauddin hoisted the national flag at half-staff in front of the chancery building in presence of all officers and staff members of the embassy.
Later, the messages of the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out and special prayers were offered seeking divine blessings for the martyrs of the Language Movement and the Liberation War as well as peace and progress of Bangladesh.
In the afternoon a brief discussion followed by a colourful cultural program was organized at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the embassy highlighting the significance of the day.
In his speech the Ambassador called for renewing the pledge to preserve and enrich the Bangla language saying that mother language is the most natural means to assert one’s identity. He said the dissemination of mother languages encourages linguistic diversity and multilingual education throughout the world.
“In fact, respect for each other’s language, inspires international solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue,” he said.
Referring to the UNESCO’s proclamation of the International Mother Language Day and the acknowledgement of the Day in its “Culture of Peace” resolution in 2008, he said Bangladesh as the pioneer of the resolution has a scared obligation not only to protect Bangla but also all the other languages.
The Ambassador noted “Today we live in a globalized world and such a world must be based on cultural diversity and linguistic pluralism. Human resources have to be developed collectively and not at the cost of one another.”
Dr. Anca Nemoianu, lecturer and director (linguistic) of the Catholic University of America in Washington DC, also spoke on the occasion.
Later, cultural troupes from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Paraguay, Russia, Japan, Sri Lanka and USA presented songs and dances. Members of the embassy family also sang patriotic songs. More than two-hour cultural soiree enthralled the packed auditorium.
Mrs. Yasmin Ziauddin distributed certificates of appreciation among the performers. Ms. Samia Israt Ronee, the first secretary at the embassy, condcuted the cultural program.
Diplomats of different embassies, political leaders, representatives of social and cultural organizations and expatriate Bangladeshis enjoyed the program. The guests were entertained with traditional Bangladeshi cuisine. PRESS RELEASE