Bangladesh Embassy in Nepal observes International Mother Language Day

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Nepal observed Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2026 in Kathmandu with due solemnity and fervour.

The observance featured a two-day programme held at the Embassy premises, comprising a discussion session and a cultural programme reflecting the linguistic diversity and cultural heritage of different parts of the world.

The event was graced by heads of mission and diplomats from various embassies and international organisations based in Kathmandu, representatives of the SAARC Secretariat, officials of ICIMOD, linguists, academicians, officials of Biman Bangladesh Airlines, members of the Bangladesh Club, the Nepal–Bangladesh Friendship Association, the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Nepali businesspersons, and members of the Bangladeshi community in Nepal.

As part of the programme, members of the diplomatic corps in Nepal laid floral wreaths at the Shaheed Minar located at the Embassy premises. Messages from the president, prime minister, foreign minister and state minister for foreign affairs of Bangladesh, issued on the occasion, were read out by Embassy officials.

A video message from the president of the UNESCO General Conference was also screened.

In his welcome remarks, the ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal Shafiqur Rahman paid deep homage to the language martyrs for upholding the sanctity of Bangla in 1952.

He underscored the importance of preserving and promoting mother tongues and highlighted the necessity of multilingual, mother-tongue-based education as the foundation of a quality education system contributing to overall development.

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Describing language as a powerful and unifying force that connects people, he emphasised unity in diversity among communities and networks.

He lauded this year’s theme of the day, “Youth voices on multilingual education,” and stressed the vital role of young people in revitalising languages and harnessing technology to promote linguistic diversity.

The ambassador reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working with Nepal and the international community to advance the ideals of linguistic diversity, cultural preservation, and inclusive development.

The head of office of UNESCO in Nepal delivered remarks as special guest. Heads of Mission from Finland, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Russia, along with the deputy representative of UNICEF, delivered remarks in their respective mother tongues—Finnish, Sinhala, Malay, Russian and Korean.

In addition, the UN resident representative in Nepal and the acting chairperson of the Language Commission of Nepal addressed the gathering.

All speakers highlighted Bangladesh’s leadership in promoting the observance of International Mother Language Day worldwide and emphasised the importance of mother-tongue-based multilingual education for sustained learning and development, particularly the role of the younger generation.

The discussion session was followed by a vibrant multicultural cultural programme featuring musical performances in Nepali, Newari and Tamang, alongside Bangla songs.

The cultural segment also included a traditional Tharu dance of Nepal.

The programme was organised in collaboration with a local school in Kathmandu, with additional performances by singers from the Bangladeshi community in Nepal.

The event concluded with a dinner featuring Bangladeshi cuisine.

The observance began on 21 February with the national flag flown at half-mast. A probhat feri was organised, during which floral wreaths were laid at the Shaheed Minar established at the Embassy premises.

The first day’s programme concluded with special prayers offered in remembrance of the language martyrs.