DHAKA, Feb 21, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said Dhaka keeps continuing its efforts to make Bangla as an official language of the United Nations (UN).

"We know there are hurdles (to achieve the goal). But today, this is our dream to make Bangla as an official language of the UN," he said while paying deep respect to language movement heroes.

The foreign minister was speaking as the chief guest at a programme hosted by the foreign ministry at Foreign Service Academy coinciding with Shaheed Dibash (Martyrs Day) and International Mother Language Day.

Mahmud recalled with deep respect the role of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the language movement in 1952 as a young leader.

The foreign minister also paid homage to Bangabandhu, his family members, and those who sacrificed during the War of Liberation in 1971.

He also described how Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is taking forward the country to the next level of development.

Referring to Sheikh Hasina's participation in the Munich Security Conference-2024, Mahmud said everyone in the global event praised her leadership.

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen also spoke at the event where various foreign missions stationed in Dhaka performed.

Foreign Service Academy Rector Mashfee Binte Shams, diplomats stationed in Dhaka and senior officials of the Ministry, and their children were present.

The nation today paid glowing tributes to language martyrs on the occasion of 'Shaheed Dibash'.

People from all walks of life paid homage to the memories of the language movement heroes, the valiant sons of this soil who made supreme sacrifice to establish the rights of the mother tongue, Bangla, in 1952.

The day is also being observed around the world as the UNESCO recognised the 21st February (Ekushey February) as the International Mother Language Day on November 17, 1999.

This year's theme of the day is "Multilingual education: a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning".