Beijing: The Bangladesh Embassy in Beijing observed Language Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day on Saturday with due dignity and solemnity. The day-long programme began in the morning with Bangladesh Ambassador to China Md. Nazmul Islam lowering the national flag at half-mast on the embassy premises and placing a wreath at the Shaheed Minar. Embassy officials and staff, members of the Bangladeshi diaspora, and Chinese guests attended the ceremony.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the afternoon session opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a minute's silence in memory of the language martyrs. Messages from the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. In his speech, Ambassador Nazmul said the national consciousness of the Bengali people developed through the 1952 Language Movement, which later led to the Liberation War of 1971 and the birth of an independent Bangladesh. He called on members of the diaspora to work together to uphold the dignity of their mother tongue.
Professor Dong Yuchen, President of the International Society of Bengal Studies, and Yu Guang Yue, Director of the Bengali Department at China Media Group, also spoke at the event in Bengali. Professor Dong said the Language Movement is not only part of Bangladesh's history but also a shining example of preserving global linguistic diversity. Yu Guang Yue said efforts to promote the Bengali language in China would continue, adding that the day serves as an inspiration.
A special prayer was offered for the souls of the language martyrs and for the peace and prosperity of the nation. The programme concluded with an iftar and reception. The event highlighted cultural ties between China and Bangladesh and fostered a sense of national awareness among the Bangladeshi community in Beijing.