The Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa observed Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day with due solemnity, paying tribute to the language martyrs and reaffirming its commitment to linguistic rights and democratic values.
Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Md. Jasim Uddin inaugurated the programme by hoisting the national flag at half-mast at Bangladesh House in Ottawa.
A special munajat was offered, seeking eternal peace for the souls of the language martyrs.
A discussion session followed at the High Commission auditorium, attended by mission officials and staff, along with members of the Bangladeshi community in Canada.
At the outset of the event, the High Commissioner laid a wreath in honour of the language martyrs.
In his address, he paid deep tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement, the Liberation War of 1971 and the July Mass Uprising of 2024. He said the movement to establish Bangla as a state language was not merely a cultural demand but the beginning of a political awakening that ultimately led to Bangladesh’s independence.
He noted that UNESCO’s recognition of February 21 as International Mother Language Day reflects global acknowledgement that linguistic rights are fundamental human rights.
Describing expatriate Bangladeshis as an integral part of the nation, he highlighted their role in preserving national heritage abroad and strengthening intergenerational ties with their roots.
Referring to the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he reaffirmed its commitment to democratic rebuilding, good governance and the creation of an inclusive society that safeguards all languages and cultures.
.jpg "Bangladesh records 4 more measles-related deaths in past 24 hours")
