The Embassy of Algeria in Bangladesh on Sunday observed World Arabic Language Day 2025 through a formal ceremony at its premises in Dhaka, highlighting the global significance of Arabic and its evolving role in the digital age.
The event brought together diplomats, academics, technologists, journalists, business leaders, Islamic scholars, students from various educational institutions, members of the Bangladesh Scouts, and guests from diverse professional backgrounds.
Speakers at the program underscored Algeria’s historic and ongoing role in promoting the Arabic language at the international level, particularly within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations.
Speakers at the program underscored Algeria’s historic and ongoing role in promoting the Arabic language at the international level, particularly within multilateral platforms such as the United Nations.
A key moment in this advocacy came in 1974, when Algeria’s then president Houari Boumediene delivered a speech in Arabic at a special session of the United Nations General Assembly on the Palestinian issue. The speech is widely regarded as a turning point that strengthened Arabic’s status and usage in international diplomacy and contributed to its recognition as an official UN language.
Delivering the keynote address, Algeria’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdelouahab Saidani, spoke in line with this year’s theme, “Arabic Language: Challenges and Prospects in the Era of New Communication Technologies and the Information Technology Revolution.”
Delivering the keynote address, Algeria’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Abdelouahab Saidani, spoke in line with this year’s theme, “Arabic Language: Challenges and Prospects in the Era of New Communication Technologies and the Information Technology Revolution.”
He highlighted the deep civilizational roots of the Arabic language and its enduring contributions to science, philosophy, culture, and diplomacy.
The ambassador noted that in an era shaped by artificial intelligence, digital platforms, and rapid technological transformation, the future of Arabic depends on its successful integration with modern technologies, while safeguarding its linguistic richness and cultural authenticity.
He also outlined Algeria’s initiatives to strengthen Arabic globally, including enhancing language education, promoting digitalization and linguistic research through universities and research institutions, supporting Arabic literature, publishing, and translation, encouraging academic forums and cultural exchanges, and advocating multilingualism as a tool for international cooperation.
Professor Dr Ruhul Amin of the University of Dhaka’s Department of Arabic delivered a scholarly presentation, describing Arabic as both a language of civilisation and faith. He traced its historical journey and contemporary relevance, recalling President Boumediene’s 1974 UN speech as a landmark event that paved the way for Arabic’s official recognition at the United Nations.
Dr Amin also discussed the challenges and opportunities facing Arabic in the age of digital communication, artificial intelligence, and online education, stressing the importance of investing in technology, digital content creation, and youth engagement to ensure the language’s vitality in the modern world.
One of the highlights of the program was speeches delivered by four Algerian children, who spoke eloquently about the beauty and importance of the Arabic language, drawing appreciation from the audience.
The event also featured the screening of a short documentary marking World Arabic Language Day, showcasing Arabic’s rich historical heritage alongside its expanding role in the digital era.
Through the celebration, the Algerian Embassy reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Arabic as a dynamic and living language of knowledge, dialogue, and innovation—deeply rooted in tradition while actively engaging with the future.
