Bangladesh missions abroad observed ‘Amar Ekushey’ and the ‘International Mother Language Day’ on Tuesday with due solemnity and respect.
According to separate message received from the Bangladesh Permanent Missions in New York, High Commissions in New Delhi, Colombo, Islamabad, Brunei, Embassies in Washington DC, Beijing, Rome, Mexico, Brussels, Cairo, Moscow, Ottawa, Riyadh, Beirut, Kathmandu, Bangkok, Tokyo, Consulates General of Bangladesh in New York in Hong Kong, Kunming, Los Angeles, Istanbul, Jeddah and Assistant High Commission, Guwahati, the missions celebrated the day with elaborate programmes.
Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi paid tributes to the 1952 language martyrs through probhat ferry and placing wreaths at a Shahid Minar, at the chancery on the day. The national flag was hoisted at half mast. A special prayer was held seeking divine blessings for the martyrs. One minute silence was held in memory of the martyrs.
The probhat ferry (dawn procession), led by HE High Commissioner Mustafizur Rahman, Senior Journalist and veteran freedom fighter, Abed Khan, Officers, Staff of the mission and Bangladeshi students from different universities joined the procession.
The day celebrated at the UN headquarters for the 7th consecutive year. The Permanent Missions of Bangladesh, Denmark, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Morocco and Timor-Leste jointly organised the event in partnership with the UN Secretariat and UNESCO.
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 programme performed by Bangladeshi artists was held in the evening.
Leaders of various social, cultural and political organisations and a large number of expatriate Bangladesh nationals, including children walked barefoot upto the monument with flowers in hands and humming “Amar Bhaiyer Roke Rangano Ekushey February……Ami Ki Bhulite Pari” recalling the supreme sacrifices of the language heroes in 1952.
(2) Bangladesh High Commissioner in Ottawa Dr Khalilur Rahman,
(3) Bangladesh Embassy in Brussels, Belgium and
(4) Bangladesh Permanent Missions in New York, observed the “International Mother Language Day” on Tuesday.