The Shaheed Dibash and the International Mother Language Day was observed with due respect in Canberra with the wider participation of Bangladesh community and foreigners.
People representing government offices, ACT ministers, ambassadors, multilingual community groups and Bangladeshi diaspora assembled at dawn and spontaneously joined the “Probhat Fery” with flowers, festoons and banner singing the song of Ekushey “Amar bhaier rokte rangano ekushe February, ami ki bhulite pari”.
Australian dignitaries, including the Australian Capital Territory Attorney General and Leader of the ACT Greens Shane Rattenbury, Minister for Health, Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs and Minister for Families and Community Rachel Stephen-Smith, ambassadors, including from India and Russia and other members of the diplomatic corps, First Assistant Secretary of North and South Asia Division of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Gary Cowan, and Bangladesh community members passionately attended the “Probhat Fery” at the cusp of dawn.
“Probhat Fery” was organised for the fourth consecutive year around Manuka Oval that ended at makeshift Shaheed Minar at Telopia Park.
After the walk, the ministers and other dignitaries paid their homage to the language heroes by placing floral wreaths at the altar of the Saheed Minar.
Ekushey observed in Canberra with participation of Bangladesh community, foreigners
High Commissioner Sufiur Rahman emphasised on revitalizing dying languages and promoting respect for each mother tongue.
He commended the role of Bangladesh diaspora in Australia in creating greater awareness on preservation of mother languages through various initiatives.
The dignitaries underscored significance of Ekushey and linguistic diversity and multiculturalism.
They highlighted the importance of multilingualism and cultural inclusion to face the challenges of this turbulent time.
The speakers praised Bangladesh in the global campaign for securing honour for all languages and promoting multiculturalism.
Later, the High Commissioner hoisted the national flag at half-mast at the Chancery premise.
The messages of the president, prime minister, foreign minister and state minister for foreign affairs were read out.
A Special munajat was also offered for the salvation of the departed souls of the language martyrs and for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh.
The evening programme for the Bangladesh community commenced with a discussion session on the significance of Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.
Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Tapan Kanti Ghosh also spoke among others.
The discussion session was followed by a colourful cultural programme with songs, dance and recitation of poems that enthralled the audience.
Like previous years, the temporarily installed “Shaheed Minar” at the Telopea Park will, remain in place till 24 February 2022 for public viewing and reflection.
Source: United News of Bnagladesh