PORT LOUIS, Feb 21, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh High
Commission (BHC) in Port Louis today observed Martyrs' Day
and International Mother Language Day 2025 with due dignity,
paying tributes to the language heroes.

As part of the special programme, the national flag was
officially lowered at half-mast in the morning of February 21 at
the High Commission premises, according to a press release.

It said Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Diplomats from
several Embassies and High Commissions including, Japan,
Russia, Saudi Arab, Egypt, Madagascar, South Africa, the USA,
Australia, China, Libya attended the programme.

Representatives of International Organization, and University
of Mauritius also participated in the programme.

Jean Yvan Robert Hungley, Vice-President of the Republic of
Mauritius attended the event as the chief guest with
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Mauritius Zokey Ahad in
the chair.

The theme retained for the Day is 'Make language count for
sustainable development'.

At the beginning of the programme, one minute's silence was
observed in memory of all the martyrs of the language
movement.

On the occasion, the messages of the Chief Adviser of the
Interim Government of Bangladesh and Foreign Adviser were
read out.

All members of diplomatic corps participated in the programme
by saying few sentences in their own languages and with
translation in English.

Jean Yvan Robert Hungley, Vice-President of the Republic of
Mauritius paid his deepest gratitude and respect to the
language martyrs of Bangladesh.

He said that this day is not just an observance of linguistic
diversity but also a reminder to the sacrifices of the spirit of
humanity, unity and identity.  

He expressed in a multicultural island like Mauritius, this day
holds special meaning.

Zokey Ahad, the High Commissioner paid his deepest tribute to
the martyrs and survivors of the July Revolution of 2024.

He expressed deepest gratitude and respect to the language
martyrs of 1952 who sacrificed themselves in the struggle to
protect the existence and dignity of the mother tongue.  

In his speech, he mentioned that the International Mother
Language Day has created an opportunity to show respect and
opportunity to preserve all the languages of the world.

High commissioner along with members of diplomatic corps,
Bangladesh communities and mission officials and family
members laid floral wreaths in front of the martyrs’ monument
(Shaheed Minar), with due solemnity and fervour.