International Mother Language Day was observed with due respect and solemnity at the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan.
The day was marked through a series of programmes, including officials and staff wearing black badges, laying wreaths at a temporary Shaheed Minar, formally lowering the national flag to half-mast at the High Commission premises, recitation from the Holy Qur’an, reading of messages, screening of a video documentary, discussions, special prayers, and a cultural event. The mission premises were decorated with banners, Bengali alphabets, and posters highlighting Language Day.
On the occasion, a temporary Shaheed Minar was constructed to pay tribute to the language martyrs. High Commissioner Md Iqbal Hussain Khan, accompanied by officials, staff members, and children, laid wreaths at the monument. At the time, all present joined in chorus to sing "Amar bhaiyer rokte rongano Ekushey February, ami ki bhulite pari?" (My Brothers’ Blood-Spattered February 21, How Can I Forget).
Messages from the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. A video message from the President of the 43rd General Conference of Unesco, Khondker M Talha, was also screened.
In his concluding remarks, the High Commissioner paid deep tribute to the language martyrs who sacrificed their lives on February 21, 1952 to establish the right to Bangla as the mother tongue. He also expressed special respect for those who were martyred in the Liberation War and in various movements for the establishment of democracy.
He said that the significance of the Language Movement in the nation’s struggle for emancipation is immeasurable and remains an unforgettable chapter in history. Through the Language Movement, the foundation was laid for a non-communal, democratic, language-based state structure.
Following the discussion, special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of the language martyrs and the continued welfare of the country and the nation. In the afternoon, children took part in a drawing competition and a cultural programme. Prizes were distributed among the winners.
