London: Members of the UK Parliament and envoys from various nations have highlighted the critical need to safeguard linguistic diversity, viewing multilingualism as integral to cultural identity, inclusion, and global peaceful coexistence. They expressed these views during an event organized by the Bangladesh High Commission in London to commemorate International Mother Language Day 2026, hosted in a committee room of the House of Commons.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event gathered British MPs and Lords such as Rupa Huq, Rushanara Ali, Shockat Adam, Mohammad Yasin, and Imran Hussain, as well as Lord Rami Ranger, diplomats, and senior officials. Key diplomatic figures included Costa Rican Ambassador Rafael Ortiz F brega, Indonesian Ambassador Desra Percaya, North Macedonian Ambassador Katerina Stavreska, and Ghanaian High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson. Senior officials from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the UK National Commission for UNESCO were also in attendance.
The programme commenced with a saxophone rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” performed by Ambassador Percaya and his colleague Marlon Gabriel, and was moderated by Baroness Manzila Uddin. Bangladesh High Commissioner Abida Islam spoke about Bangladesh’s pioneering role in gaining global recognition for International Mother Language Day, emphasizing the importance of multilingualism and the role of youth in preserving linguistic heritage.
Professor Zhu Hua, Director of the UCL International Centre for Intercultural Studies, delivered the keynote speech, advocating for mother language learning as essential for intercultural and multilingual imagination. She stressed the right of every learner to be educated in a language they understand.
Ambassador Rafael Ortiz F brega underscored the significance of the mother tongue as an identity marker and not merely an academic concept. He emphasized Costa Rica’s commitment to safeguarding indigenous languages. Ambassador Desra Percaya highlighted Indonesia’s linguistic diversity, asserting that unity in diversity is an asset.
Ambassador Katerina Stavreska remarked on North Macedonia’s historical tolerance and coexistence of multiple languages, stating that mother-tongue-based multilingual education is crucial for inclusion and sustainable development. High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson highlighted the linguistic diversity in Ghana and commended Bangladesh’s initiative that led UNESCO to recognize 21 February as International Mother Language Day.
Lord Rami Ranger reflected on the Language Movement’s impact on Bangladesh’s independence and noted the UK’s legal protection of diversity. He emphasized that discrimination hinders progress.
Speakers, including British MPs and representatives from the FCDO and UNESCO, concurred on the necessity of protecting linguistic and cultural diversity for inclusive development, intercultural dialogue, and harmonious communities in an interconnected world.