DHAKA, Feb 22, 2022 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Embassy in the US capital Washington DC observed the "Shaheed Dibosh" and the "International Mother Language Day" on February 21 with due solemnity.

     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 hours, according to a press release received here today.

     Along with the envoy, embassy officials 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 on this occasion were read out.

     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.

     Ambassador Islam stressed the preservation of all mother languages in the world in order to preserve knowledge, culture and diversity among the humankind.

     "Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we all should work tirelessly to materialise the dreams of Bangabandhu, and to build a poverty-and-hunger-free, peaceful, progressive 'Sonar Bangla'," he concluded.

     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.