Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday paid tributes to the 1952 language martyrs by placing wreaths at a Shaheed Minar at the chancery.

The national flag was hoisted at half-mast. A special prayer was held seeking divine blessings for the martyrs. One minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs.

The Ekushey song “Amar Bhaiyer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February” was sung at the parade along the chancery premises, said a media release.

The High Commissioner said UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999 thanks to efforts made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He also praised the historic role of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to establish Bangla as a state language.

The High Commissioner said, "Now it’s very important for us to make our young generation conversant with our rich and proud history, our heroes, the culture and heritage."

The Mission’s officers read out the messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam.

A cultural performance by Bangladeshi performers was held in the evening.

A documentary was also screened on international mother language day.

The programme was attended by a number of Ambassadors, diplomats, local elites, media personalities, and Bangladeshi students.