United News of Bangladesh

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Mexico observed International Mother Language Day 2025 with deep  respect. The day kicked off with a discussion session, jointly organised by the Embassy and IBERO AMERICANO University emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity and cultural heritage. Bangladesh Ambassador to Mexico M Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey in his welcoming speech said language is not just a medium of communication; it is the reflection of our nation’s identity, culture, and heritage. Bangladesh embassy in Tokyo observes International Mother Language Day Paying tribute to the martyrs of the language movement, he said, “Bangladesh is the only country where people sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue. Language is the foundation of our history, culture, and independence.” He also expressed concern over the rapid extinction of languages worldwide. He said that the death of a language is the death of history and called for urgent global efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and resist cultural erosion. Moderated by Professor @AribelContreras of @IBERO_mx, the event featured distinguished speakers, including: Ambassador Ly D'jerou Robert Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Beryl Rose Sisulu of South Africa, Ambassador Jamal Sharfuddin Johan of Malaysia. They shared insights from their respective countries, underscoring the collective responsibility to safeguard linguistic and cultural diversity. Besides, former Mexican and Presidential candidate Senator Xochitl Galvez, distinguished scholar Dr. Juan Manuel Gonzalez from @IBERO_mx, and Francisco Mosquda, a representative from the Mexican Foreign Ministry, delivered compelling speeches. The event commenced with a documentary screening on the significance of International Mother Language Day. Ambassador of the Philippines LILYBETH R. DEAPERA, Indian Charge ‘d affairs Deepti Ganji and Diplomats from Palestine Fakhry Taha, alongside officials from various Mexican government departments, university students, and members of the Bangladeshi community, actively participated in the program. Ambassador Mushfique paid homage at the Shaheed Minar located at Sor Juanma de la Cruz Cultural Center in Napantla.  He also expressed his gratitude to the local authorities for organising the event. He highlighted the strong cultural linkage between Mexico and Bangladesh. Several prominent local figures, including Fatima Orquidea, Undersecretary of Culture and Tourism, Hugo Loaiza Almaraz, Director of Cultural Services and Abelardo Rodriguez, Constitutional President of Tapetlixpa, were also paid their respects.  

The nation is paying deep respects to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, marking 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day. The great Language Movement, a significant event in the nation’s history, was aimed at establishing the right of the mother tongue as well as protecting self-entity, and culture and heritage. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement marking ‘Amar Ekushey’ -- the International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibosh. On behalf of the President Abdul Hamid, his Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam paid the homage by placing a wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past midnight. On behalf of the Prime Minister, her Military Secretary Major General Naquib Ahmed Chowdhury paid the homage by placing a wreath at the Central Shahid Minar in Dhaka at one minute past midnight. Walking barefoot to the Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rakte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life are paying rich tributes to the heroes of the Language Movement who laid down their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, students and the common people in Dhaka took to the streets in protest against the then Pakistani government's denial of Bangla as the national language and imposition of Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firings on this day in 1952 when students came out in a procession from the Dhaka University campus breaching section 144 to press home their demand for the recognition of Bangla as a state language of then Pakistan. Being a source of ceaseless inspiration, ‘Amar Ekushey’ inspired and encouraged the nation to a great extent to achieve the right to self-determination and struggle for freedom and the Liberation War.

BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain on Monday alleged that the government has ‘ruined’ the spirit of Amar Ekushey just ‘to stay in power by force’.