In a moving tribute to the heroes of the 1952 Language Movement, Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud expressed Bangladesh’s aspiration to designate Bangla as an official language of the United Nations. Addressing a ceremony commemorating National Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day at the Foreign Service Academy, Hasan acknowledged the challenges but emphasized the national dream.
“Our dream is to make Bangla the official language of the UN. I know there are many hurdles, but this is our dream today,” he declared.
The ceremony, attended by Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen and various foreign missions in Dhaka, also saw praise for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s role in the 1952 Language Movement. Hasan highlighted Bangabandhu’s decision to organize a protest rally on February 21, 1952, while he was in jail.
The event paid homage to the martyrs of the 1971 War of Liberation, and Hasan commended Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, citing accolades received at the Munich Security Conference 2024.
International Mother Language Day, endorsed by UNESCO and the UN General Assembly, celebrates linguistic diversity and advocates for multilingual education. The 2024 theme, “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” emphasizes education in one’s mother tongue.
Bangladesh’s observance of ‘Amar Ekushey’ underscores its commitment to cultural and linguistic preservation. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laying wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar symbolize a national moment of unity and remembrance, echoing the anthem ‘Amar Bhai-er Rakte Rangano Ekushey February.’
