New York Desk: The Consulate General of Bangladesh in New York marked Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day with due solemnity and respect.
The event, held on Friday, February 27, was attended by freedom fighters, political, social, and cultural personalities, professionals, journalists, youth, and members of the Bangladeshi community.
At the beginning of the program, messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read aloud. A minute of silence was observed in memory of the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War, and those who lost their lives during the July–August 2024 movements. Special prayers and supplications were offered for their souls and for the continued peace and prosperity of Bangladesh.
Consul General Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain delivered a speech highlighting the historical significance of Shaheed Day and International Mother Language Day. He noted that the foundation of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh was laid through the 1952 Language Movement and fully realized in the 1971 Liberation War. He paid deep tribute to the language martyrs Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, Shafiur, all 1971 war heroes, martyred intellectuals, and the martyrs of July–August 2024.
The Consul General emphasized that language is not merely a means of communication but an inseparable part of a nation’s political, cultural, social, and psychological identity. He underscored that every individual has the fundamental right to speak, write, and practice their mother tongue. He also reminded attendees that UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999, which has been celebrated globally since 2000.
Regarding national developments, he mentioned that a new government was formed following the parliamentary elections on February 12. He expressed optimism that under the leadership of newly elected Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, the government would work to protect the linguistic and cultural rights of all citizens, including expatriates.
During the discussion session, New York-based freedom fighters and community leaders also delivered remarks. The program concluded with a short cultural performance in front of the attendees.
