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

Shamim Ahmad, Washington D.C.: Offering rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1952’s Great Language Movement, Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C. Sunday observed the Shaheed Dibash and the International Mother Language Day.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the U.S.A. M Shahidul Islam began the Day’s programs by placing wreath at the altar of the Shaheed Minar on the embassy premises at 12-01am. He was followed by officials, employees and members of their families. At this time, the immortal song “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushe February… Ami Ki Bhulite Pari” was played.

Later, the Ambassador placed wreaths at the bust of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and observed silence for a while as a mark of respect for the great leader. The officers and employees were present.

Speaking on the occasion at Bangabandhu Auditorium, Ambassador Shahidul Islam said the Bengali nation has created an unprecedented event by sacrificing life for the mother tongue. As a recognition to this sublime sacrifice, UNESCO has declared 21^st February as International Mother Language Day, which was subsequently approved by the United Nations. Now, he said, the whole world observes February 21 as the International Mother Language Day. On this day, respects are being shown to all languages of the world.

The Ambassador said: “When the entire world is following our path, we should not feel hesitate to show appropriate respect to our own language and our own culture.”

Afterwards, the message of Hon’ble President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. Minister (Economic) Md. Mahadee Hassan, Defence Attaché Brig. Gen. M Moinul Hassan, Minister (Political) Dewan Ali Ashraf and Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman read out the messages respectively.

First Secretary and HOC Md. Mahmudul Islam conducted the programs. Later, a special prayer was offered seeking divine blessings of the martyrs and continued peace and prosperity of Bangladesh.