Ottawa: Bangladesh High Commission in Canada marked ‘Amar Ekushe’ and International Mother Language Day with a daylong event in Ottawa, attended by members of the Bangladesh community, embassy officials, and the diplomatic corps. The event aimed to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism to foster a culture of peace.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in her welcome address, Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Nahida Sobhan honored the language martyrs of 1952 and the 2024 July Uprising, highlighting the global importance of International Mother Language Day. She emphasized the role of multilingualism in promoting peace and inclusivity, echoing UNESCO’s 25th-anniversary theme to accelerate progress on linguistic diversity for a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2030.
The event featured cultural performances by Bangladesh, Nepal, and Thailand, reflecting the spirit of peace embodied in International Mother Language Day. The day began with the hoisting of the national flag at half-mast by High Commissioner Nahida Sobhan at Bangladesh House, followed by the laying of wreaths at the high commission to honor the language martyrs.
A minute of silence was observed to remember the martyrs of the Language Movement, the War of Independence, and the 2024 July Uprising. Messages from Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain were read, and documentaries ‘Country of the Year 2024’ by The Economist and ‘July Anirban’ were screened. A discussion on the day’s significance was also held, chaired by High Commissioner Nahida Sobhan, featuring speeches by prominent community members and youth representatives.