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 observing 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyr's Day and the International Mother Language Day on Friday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of mother tongue Bangla. The day is also being observed around the world as UNESCO recognised Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar. President Shahabuddin arrived at the Shaheed Minar exactly at 11:59pm and placed a wreath as the clock struck 00:01. DU VC and other university officials met and greeted the president. Chief Adviser Yunus placed a floral wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar shortly after zero hours. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan welcomed the Chief Adviser upon his arrival at the Central Shaheed Minar. Foreign diplomats based in Dhaka also placed wreaths at the monument in the first hour. Inspector General of Police, Border Guard Bangladesh’s Director General Major General Md Ashrafuzzaman Siddiqui also paid profound respect to the language movement heroes at the Shahid Minar at the first hour of February 21. Moreover, several political, social, cultural and voluntary organisations paid their tribute to the martyrs. 10-day 'Amar Ekushey Natyotsab 2025' kicks off at Suhrawardy Udyan Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life are paying their respect to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan of which Bangladesh was a part until its independence in 1971. Earlier in a message, CA Prof Yunus said “On the occasion of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, I pay tribute to people of all languages in the world, including Bangla. Since 2000, Bangladesh and UNESCO have been jointly observing this day in a befitting manner.   "Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development’ as this year’s UNESCO topic is justified,” said Yunus. He said the interim government established through the July uprising is working consistently to defend the dignity of the nation and its languages, which are essential to growth and prosperity. “It is also working to ensure that the Bangla language is used in information technology. Textbooks in the mother languages of various ethnic groups, including Braille books, are being distributed free of charge,” he added. On February 21, 1952, students and 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 several 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. The day is a public holiday. CA to open Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Feb 1 National dailies published special supplements marking the day and Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private radio stations and television channels are supposed to air special programmes on the occasion. Multi-tier security measures were taken at the Central Shaheed Minar ahead of 21st February.

President Shahabuddin and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the historic Language Movement by placing wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar marking ‘Amar Ekushey’—the International Mother Language Day and Shaheed Dibosh. President Shahabuddin arrived at the Shaheed Minar exactly at 11:59pm and placed a wreath as the clock struck 00:01. DU VC and other university officials met and greeted the President. Mother Language Day: CA releases commemorative postage stamp Chief Adviser Yunus placed a floral wreath at the Central Shaheed Minar shortly after zero hours. Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Professor Niaz Ahmed Khan welcomed the Chief Adviser upon his arrival at the Central Shaheed Minar, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Earlier in a message, the Chief Adviser said, “On the occasion of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, I pay tribute to people of all languages in the world, including Bangla. Since 2000, Bangladesh and UNESCO have been jointly observing this day in a befitting manner. ‘Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development’ as this year’s UNESCO topic is justified.” Dr Yunus said the interim government established through the July Uprising is working consistently to defend the dignity of the nation and its languages, which are essential to growth and prosperity. “It is also working to ensure that the Bangla language is used in information technology. Textbooks in the mother languages of various ethnic groups, including Braille books, are being distributed free of charge,” he added. DMP issues route guidelines to Central Shaheed Minar on Feb 21 The nation is observing 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyr's Day and the International Mother Language Day on Friday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of mother tongue Bangla. The day is also being observed around the world as UNESCO recognised Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life will pay their respect to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, students and 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. DMP Chief calls for traffic police involvement in road accident investigations Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar and a few other brave sons of the soil were killed in police firing 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. The day is a public holiday.

The nation is set to observe 'Amar Ekushey', the Language Martyr's Day and the International Mother Language Day on Friday, marking the supreme sacrifice of the language heroes for upholding the dignity of mother tongue Bangla. The day will also be observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the Ekushey February as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999. Walking barefoot to Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar with wreaths and flowers singing 'Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano Ekushey February', people from all walks of life will pay their respect to the heroes of the Language Movement who sacrificed their lives for achieving the recognition of Bangla as the state language of erstwhile Pakistan. On February 21, 1952, students and 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. Strict security measures in place at Shaheed Minar: DMP Commissioner 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. The day is a public holiday. Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus issued a message on the eve of the day. “On the occasion of Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, I pay tribute to people of all languages in the world, including Bangla. Since 2000, Bangladesh and UNESCO have been jointly observing this day in a befitting manner. ‘Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development’ as this year’s UNESCO topic is justified,” said Dr Yunus.  He said the interim government established through the July Uprising is working consistently to defend the dignity of the nation and its languages, which are essential to growth and prosperity. “It is also working to ensure that the Bangla language is used in information technology. Textbooks in the mother languages of various ethnic groups, including Braille books, are being distributed free of charge,” he added. DMP issues route guidelines to Central Shaheed Minar on Feb 21 National dailies will publish special supplements marking the day and Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh Television and private radio stations and television channels will air special programmes on the occasion. Multi-tier security measures were taken at the Central Shaheed Minar ahead of 21st February. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md Sajjat Ali on Thursday said  floral tributes will be organised in three phases, with VVIPs and VIPs laying flowers from 12:01 am to 12:40 am. To avoid inconvenience, the general people were requested not to arrive during this period. Addressing a security briefing in Dhaka on Thursday regarding preparations for the observance of International Mother Language Day, Commissioner Sajjat Ali urged visitors to adhere to the designated timings and maintain discipline while paying tribute at the monument. People want to establish their rights inspired by the spirit of 21st February: BNP According to a DMP media release, attendees are advised to follow these designated routes. The prescribed entry route for the Shaheed Minar includes Palashi Crossing – Sculpture Crossing – Jagannath Hall Crossing, while the exit route will be via Ramna Crossing – Doel Chattar. Diversions will be enforced at Shahbagh Crossing, Nilkhet Crossing, Shahidullah Hall Crossing, Chankharpul Crossing, Palashi Crossing, and Bakshibazar Crossing to ensure smooth movement and security. Authorities have called on the public to follow these instructions to facilitate an orderly and safe tribute at the Central Shaheed Minar.

In a video published on February 21, on the United Nations in Bangladesh official Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube accounts, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, together with the staff of the UN in Bangladesh, representing various foreign and indigenous languages of different states and parts of the country wished the people of Bangladesh a happy International Mother Language Day. On the same day, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis and UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Officer-in-charge Dr Susan Vize wrote an op-ed on the importance of International Mother Language Day and its legacy. "On 21 February, we mark International Mother Language Day, a celebration of the world’s linguistic and socio-cultural diversity. We are particularly honoured to mark this day here in Bangladesh as the 21st February is also a worldwide tribute to the people of Bangladesh who have courageously fought for recognition of the Bangla language.” “Embracing and protecting our linguistic diversity must be reinforced by not allowing anyone to use language as a tool to provoke conflicts and any forms of discrimination. “It is important to respect all languages: big and small, widely and less spoken, indigenous and foreign. Read more: Making Bangla UN's official language involves huge money: Shahriar Alam “The diversity of languages is vital in intercultural dialogue to build inclusive societies” “On behalf of the staff of the UN in Bangladesh, representing foreign and indigenous languages of different states and parts of the country from Teknaf to Panchagarh we wish the people of Bangladesh a happy International Mother Language Day. The day the country courageously fought for, and the legacy of which should not be forgotten," Gwyn Lewis and Susan Vize said in the op-ed on International Mother Language Day published on 21 February.  

International School Dhaka (ISD) has recently arranged separate assemblies for primary and secondary schools to observe International Mother Language Day 2022. Students from playgroup to Grade 12, their parents, and school staff attended the event online. Read: Discussion on International Mother Language Day held at Russian House There were performances by enthusiastic students on this occasion, including an instrumental entry in piano playing “Amar Bhai Er Rokte Rangano”.  The assembly came to an end with the concluding speech by Thomas Van der Wielen, the director of ISD)l. ISD is a community of 32 different nationalities, and throughout these assemblies, they have celebrated language diversity in their community.

Russian House in Dhaka hosted a discussion marking the International Mother Language Day jointly with Liberation War Academy Trust. Director of Russian House in Dhaka Maxim Dobrokhotov paid deep respects to all language martyrs and young students from Dhaka University, who made on this day in 1952 their sublime sacrifice for establishing Bangla as a state language of the erstwhile Pakistan.  He also said that in recognition of the Language Movement in Bangladesh, UNESCO declared February 21 International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic and cultural diversity in the UN member-states.  READ: Russian House lauds growing presence of online journalism in Bangladesh The declaration was made on November 17, 1999. He reminded that The Language Movement inspired the Bengali nation to fight against injustices and exploitation unto achieving national independence in 1971. Language activist and renowned linguist Dr. ABM Amanullah highlighted that despite the status of the official language, Bengali is not still used as mother tongue properly in Bangladesh and often replaced by English and this is really shameful. Seventy-seven percent of primary schools in Bangladesh do not have language martyr memorials to pay homage to them and so many students construct martyr's minaret on their own initiative, said Asif Mazhar, a linguistic expert and academician, quoting several dailies in Bangladesh.  Freedom fighter Md. Abdur Rauf Bhuiyan recalled that this year is a year of celebration of the 50th anniversary of friendly relations between Bangladesh and Russia and recited an emotional self-written poem on 50 years of friendship between the two countries, said a media release on Tuesday.  Liberation War Academy Trust Chairman Dr. Abul Azad also spoke on the occasion.  Prominent freedom fighters of the country, family members of freedom fighters, cultural activists and students of various educational institutions were present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that those who fail to appreciate the country’s achievements are the “weeds of the land” and the people have to think what they would do with this section. “The Father of the Nation used to say one thing, the land of the country is so much fertile that there are plenty of crops along with weeds. This is the reality, these weeds will remain, Bengalis have to think what they will do with these weeds,” she said. The prime minister was addressing a discussion organised by Awami League at its central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue, marking Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. She said that all have to remain alert on one issue, whenever Bengalis achieved something or attain dignity or are advancing towards development and prosperity many conspiracies started brewing. Read: Subsidy on gas and electricity should end in phases, PM tells an Ecnec meeting “There are some vested quarters among the Bengalis to whom these achievements are nothing to feel proud. They like to remain under the chains of subordination,” she said. She said that there is one section of people, they never know how to live with the self-dignity, they get satisfaction thorough selling out their dignity. “That class still remains in our society…….even the whole world appreciates Bangladesh some people of our country remains blind and they never see the developments,” she regretted. She said that this section of people feel embarrassed while talking about these achievements. She said she does not understand why this section keeps such a mentality. The PM briefly described the role and contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Language Movement pointing out that a section of intellectuals tried to erase his name from the history of the Language Movement. “It’s a matter of regret that this intellectual section of the country never gave proper credit to these contributions (of Bangabandhu),” she said. She mentioned that the role of Bangabandhu was unearthed from the Intelligence Branch reports of the then Pakistan. “There were attempts to erase the truth, this is highly unfortunate, but I always believe that truth can’t be kept under cover, one day truth shall come out with its own glory, and that becomes reality now,” she said.

The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington has observed 'Shaheed Dibosh' and 'International Mother Language Day' with due solemnity. The programme started with the placing of a floral wreath by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam at the altar of Shaheed Minar on the Embassy premises at one minute past zero hour. Embassy officials and their family members stood in solemn silence for one minute in front of Shaheed Minar as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Martyrs. A floral wreath was also laid at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Corner. Also read: Grateful nation remembers language martrys amid pledge to fulfill their dreams Earlier, a discussion session on the significance of the day was organised at Bangabandhu Auditorium in the Embassy. The messages issued by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs on this occasion were read out. Special prayers were offered seeking divine blessings for the martyrs of the Language Movement and the Liberation War as well as Bangladesh’s continuous prosperity. The Ambassador, in his speech, paid rich tributes to the Language Martyrs of 1952. He also paid deepest homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his immense contribution during the Language Movement since 1947 that ultimately led to an independent and sovereign country in 1971. Also read: Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi pays homage to language martyrs Ambassador Islam stressed the need for preservation of all mother languages in the world in order to preserve knowledge, culture and diversity among the humankind. "Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we all should work tirelessly to materialise the dreams of Bangabandhu, and to build a poverty-and-hunger-free, peaceful, progressive 'Sonar Bangla'," he said. Later, the Ambassador, accompanied by all officials, hoisted the National Flag at half-mast in front of the chancery premises in the morning.

The nation on Monday paid homage to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, marking 'Amar Ekushey' 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 tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement at the start of day. On behalf of the president, his Military Secretary Major General SM Salahuddin Islam placed 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  placed a wreath at the Central Shahid Minar in Dhaka at one minute past midnight. President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid rich tribute to the language heroes. Sheikh Hasina also released a special commemorative postage stamp, an opening day cover and a data card marking 70 years of Amar Ekushey and Golden Jubilee of observing Amar Ekushey in the independent Bangladesh. Read:Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi pays homage to language martyrs