International Mother Language Day was observed today at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commissions in Guwahati and Agartala through various programmes marking the significance of February 21. In Guwahati, the observance began at 10 am with the laying of wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. Assistant High Commissioner Zikrul Hasan Fahad paid floral tributes to the martyrs. This was followed by the singing of Ekushey February songs in chorus.
In the afternoon, a discussion on International Mother Language Day and an Iftar gathering will be organised. The programme will included the reading of messages from the President and Prime Minister of Bangladesh, a discussion on the significance of Mother Language Day, special prayers, and Iftar. In Agartala, the programme commenced in the morning with the national flag being flown at half-mast. Assistant High Commissioner Hasan Al Bashar Abdul Ulayee paid floral tributes at a temporary Shaheed Minar set up within the mission premises. Students from various schools also offered floral tributes.
Messages from the President, Prime Minister, and Foreign Minister were read out on the occasion. Special prayers were offered in memory of the martyrs of the Language Movement, followed by the screening of a documentary on the Language Movement. A cultural programme featuring songs by students was also held. Later in the afternoon, distinguished guests will lay wreaths at the Shaheed Minar. After observing a minute of silence in memory of the Language Movement martyrs, a discussion on International Mother Language Day will be organized at the High Commission office.