NEW DELHI, Feb 22, 2024 (BSS) - Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi has observed the 'Shaheed Dibash' (Martyrs Day) and the International Mother Language Day in a befitting manner.

The day's programmes began yesterday morning with hoisting the national flag at half-mast and placing wreaths at the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman here.

As part of the programmes, mission officials and expatriate Bangladeshis joined the "Ekushey Prabhat Pheri" brought out at the Chancery premises.

They also laid wreaths at the Shaheed Minar set up at the High Commission premises.

A minute's silence was observed in memory of the language martyrs.

Later, a special discussion was organized on the occasion.

Messages from President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister were also read out as a documentary film titled 'Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib and the Language Movement' was screened.

Taking part in the discussion, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Mustafizur Rahman highlighted the instrumental role of the Bengali Language Movement in the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state.

He stressed ensuring the use of Bengali language at all levels and preserving it duly. He attaches importance to learning other languages and saving endangered languages from extinction.

Rahman urged all to contribute to the development of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, holding the spirit of Ekushey and Bangabandhu's ideals in their hearts.

As part of the day long programmes, a multilingual cultural function was organized at the High Commission's Bangabandhu Hall in the evening.

Apart from Bangladesh and the host country India, cultural troupes from Chile, Ghana, Japan and Nepal performed in the programme showcasing their respective history and culture.

The representative of the UNESCO Regional Office in New Delhi also read out the message given by the Director General of UNESCO on the occasion of the 'International Mother Language Day 2024'.

A special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed souls of all the martyrs, including the language heroes and those who played a historic role in all stages of freedom and independence movement of Bangladesh and for the continued peace, progress and prosperity of the country.

Eminent persons of the host country, high-ranking officials, journalists and diplomats from different missions based in New Delhi and expatriate Bangladeshis attended the programmes.