DHAKA, Feb 22, 2022 (BSS) - The Shaheed Dibosh and International Mother Language Day was observed in Bangladesh missions abroad in a befitting manner, according to messages received here today. 

Marking the day, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington DC observed the ‘Shaheed Dibosh and the International Mother Language Day’ with due solemnity on Monday. 

The day's programme started with placing of a floral wreath by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam at the altar of the Shaheed Minar on the Embassy premises at one-minute past zero hour. 

Embassy officials and members of their families were present during this time. 

They stood in solemn silence for one minute in front of the Shaheed Minar as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Martyrs. 

A floral wreath was also laid at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Corner. 

 Earlier, a discussion session on the significance of the day was organized at the Bangabandhu Auditorium of the Embassy. 

The messages issued by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out on the occasion. 

Special prayers were offered seeking divine blessings for the martyrs of the Language Movement and the Liberation War as well as Bangladesh’s continuous prosperity. 

The ambassador, in his speech, paid rich tributes to the Language Martyrs of 1952. 

He also paid deepest homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his immense contribution during the Language Movement since 1947 that ultimately led to an independent and sovereign country in 1971. 

Later, the ambassador accompanied by all officials hoisted the National Flag of Bangladesh at half-mast in front of the chancery premises in the morning. 

International Mother Language Day was celebrated with due dignity at the United Nations (UN) Headquarters. 

The UN secretariat and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) co-sponsored the event. 

UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid participated in this special event organized at the UN Headquarters, a press release said. 

Director-General of UNESCO Audrey Azoulay and New York City Mayor Eric Adams gave welcome speeches in it. 

 The Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations Rabab Fatima, during her speech, paid deep tribute to the language martyrs of February 21, 1952 and the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the pioneer of the language movement. 

She also recalled the initiative and contribution of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in establishing the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka. 

Prior to the celebration of International Mother Language Day at the UN Headquarters, another programme was also organized at the UN Permanent Mission to Bangladesh to observe the day. 

Visiting Local Government, Rural Department (LGRD) and Cooperatives Minister Tajul Islam and Local Government Division Senior Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed were also present on the occasion. 

The Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York observed the Shaheed Dibosh and International Mother Language Day on its premises on Monday. 

LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Tajul Islam, Local Government Division Senior Secretary Helaluddin Ahmed, Consul General Md Monirul Islam and all the officials and employees of the Consulate laid wreaths at the temporary Shaheed Minar at the Consulate premises. 

A one-minute silence was observed in memory of all the great language martyrs of '52. 

 The messages of the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out on the occasion. 

A documentary on the Shaheed Dibosh and the International Mother Language Day screened during the time. 

 Besides, Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa, Canada, Bangladesh Consulate in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh Consulate General in Toronto, Canada, Embassy of Bangladesh in Copenhagen, Denmark, Bangladesh embassy in Brasilia, Brazil, Bangladesh Embassy in Brussels, Belgium and Bangladesh embassy in Yangon, Myanmar also observed the day in a befitting manner with similar programmes.