The Bangladesh High Commission in Brunei organised a seminar focusing on the pivotal role of the Language Movement of 1952 in shaping the history and identity of Bangladesh, a press release said on Tuesday.

Held at the High Commission premises in Bandar Seri Begawan, the event welcomed 22 students from the University Technology Brunei, accompanied by two esteemed professors, Dr Malai Zeiti and Dr Lee.

The High Commissioner commenced the session on this morning by paying homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, acknowledging his monumental contributions as the architect of Independent Bangladesh and the Father of the Nation.

Under the theme "Explore Bangladesh: A Tapestry of History, Language, and Global Challenges," the seminar provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and contemporary global engagements.

A central focus of the seminar was the commemoration of Language Martyrs Day, observed annually on February 21st in Bangladesh. Participants paid tribute to the brave individuals who sacrificed their lives during the Language Movement of 1952, advocating for the recognition of Bengali as the mother tongue of the Bengali-speaking population.

The seminar delved into the historical context of the Language Movement, highlighting the protests and demonstrations that ensued following the imposition of Urdu as the sole official language of Pakistan. Through peaceful resistance and unwavering determination, Bengali-speaking activists succeeded in securing recognition for Bengali as one of the official languages of Pakistan in 1956, laying the groundwork for Bangladesh's eventual independence.

Furthermore, the seminar underscored the global significance of International Mother Language Day, recognised annually on February 21st by UNESCO. Participants discussed the importance of linguistic diversity and the preservation of mother tongues as integral components of cultural heritage and identity.

While celebrating achievements in language rights and cultural preservation, the seminar also shed light on contemporary challenges facing Bangladesh, including the Rohingya crisis and the nation's proactive stance on climate change mitigation and energy sustainability.

The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of solidarity, resilience, and global citizenship in overcoming challenges and fostering meaningful connections between nations.

The seminar concluded with a call to action for participants to amplify the voices of the marginalized, advocate for positive change, and engage in cross-cultural dialogue to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.

The Bangladesh High Commission extended its gratitude to all participants for their active engagement and vowed to continue collaboration in promoting cultural exchange and mutual respect between Bangladesh and Brunei Darussalam.