The Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia observed Language Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day 2023 with due fervour and solemnity.
The day-long programme commenced with the hoisting of national flag at half-mast by Md Golam Sarwar, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Malaysia. Then, the High Commissioner paid respect to the language martyrs placing floral wreath at the Shaheed Minar along with the officials of the Mission officials and distinguished members of Bangladeshi community in Malaysia. A special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed souls of language martyrs and one-minute silence was observed. It was followed by reading out the messages from the Honourable President, Honourable Prime Minister, Honourable Foreign Minister and Honourable State Minister for Foreign Affairs. A short documentary titled ‘Bangabandhu and Language Movement’ was screened on the background of the Language Martyrs Day and the International Mother Language Day.
During the occasion, in his speech, the High Commissioner offered a rich tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the martyrs of language movement, three million martyrs and 2 lakh brave women for their supreme sacrifice at the Liberation War. He said that the Language Movement paved the way for the ultimate independence of the country. He also urged everyone to know the true history of Bangladesh and work harder to realize Bangabandhu’s Golden Bengal under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
For the third consecutive time, the Bangladesh High Commission participated in a virtual International Mother Language Day program in collaboration with the United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong). During the event, the High Commissioner emphasized on the contribution of mother languages in preserving cultural diversity, nurturing creativity, and promoting multilingualism. He also thanked the organizers for arranging a program that involves the core identity of human being—the language.
In the afternoon, Bangladesh High Commission co-organized a grand virtual event titled “Unity in Diversity” in collaboration with Centre for Genocide Studies, Dhaka University, School of Liberal Arts, Taylor’s University Malaysia and Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Malaysia. The event comprised a high-level event, panel discussion and multicultural event participated by Malaysia, Taylors University and the Embassies/High Commissions of Argentina, China, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Viet Nam, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Nigeria in Malaysia. The event was opened with the iconic song Amar vaiyer rokte rangano and a short documentary depicting the history of International Mother Language Day was screened as a remembrance of the sacrifices and martyrs of this historical event.
During the High-level segment, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr. A K Abdul Momen MP in his video message emphasized on the critical importance of ‘unity in diversity’ in maintaining peace and stability for the shared prosperity of any nation. He added that in a way, the celebration of 21st February as the International Mother Language Day, therefore, gives us a sense of pilgrimage to preserve linguistic diversity.
Manuel Balaguer Silas, Ambassador of Argentina to Malaysia in his message, highlighted on the importance of the preservation of mother language while recalling the Language Movement of Bangladesh in 1952. He informed that the govt. of Argentina has decided to reopen the Embassy of Argentina in Dhaka to further strengthen the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Argentina. He also recognized the expressions of affection and support on Argentina Football team received by the Bangladeshis all over the world on the occasion of the World Football Cup held in Qatar and highlighted on the strengths of sports as an universal language of unity in diversity.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Malaysia Md. Golam Sarwar in his opening remarks stated that a cross border multilingual program on this auspicious occasion of the International Mother Language Day 2023 would work as a bridge of language and cultural connectivity among the South and South East Asian countries
Ali Hussain Didi, the High Commissioner of Maldives to Malaysia, Mr Shigeru Aoyagi, Director for the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Regional Bureau for Education, Bangkok also pointed out the instrumental role of ‘unity in diversity’ in promoting peace in the society. Head of School, School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Taylor's University delivered a vote of thanks.
Then, a panel discussion themed “Role of language in promoting Unity in Diversity” and moderated by Professor Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Director of the Centre for Genocide Studies (CGS), University of Dhaka was held. The panellists of the discussion were Dr. Meghna Guhathakurta, Executive Director, Research Initiative, Bangladesh, Prof. Anas Zubedy from Taylor's University, Malaysia, and Professor Surichai Wun’Gaeo from Chulalongkorn University of Thailand. The Panel discussion was followed by a cultural event participated by different countries projecting the beauty of multiculturalism and multilingualism through the depiction of respective heritage through plays, musicals, and dance performances. The event brought together diverse cultures and languages reflecting the true essence of the International Mother Language Day.