Dhaka: Hundreds of children, men and women from as many as 10 countries joined in a solemn pledge at Zuiderpark in The Hague, Netherlands saying they will do what they all can to save their mother tongues, cultures and unity in diversity.

They made the pledge while celebrating Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day, 2016 organized by the Embassy of Bangladesh in the Netherlands with due solemnity and fervor, according to a message received here on Monday.

India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand and Nepal Embassies joined Embassy of Bangladesh to celebrate the day.

While paying rich tributes to the Bangla language martyrs of 1952, Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Sheikh Mohammed Belal urged to celebrate humanity in the spirit of International Mother Language Day.  

In the morning, the national flag was hoisted at half-mast at the Chancery premises by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal.  

The messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs issued on this occasion were read out to the audience.  

A special prayer was offered for the salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs of 1952 Language Movement.  

The afternoon session of the Day’s programme at Zuiderpark in The Hague commenced by placing floral wreaths at the make-shift Shaheed Minar by Ambassador Sheikh Mohammed Belal, Deputy Mayor of The Hague, members of diplomatic community including Ambassadors of India, Sri Lanka and Thailand to the Netherlands and the Deputy Chiefs of Missions of Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, and members of Bangladesh Community living in the Netherlands to pay respect to the language martyrs of 1952.

Deputy Mayor of The Hague Rabin Baldewsingh, Ambassador of India JS Mukul, Ambassador of Sri Lanka AM Sadiq, Ambassador of Thailand Ittiporn Boonpracong, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of Indonesia Ibnu Wahyutomo, and President of Holland Awami League Mayeed Farque took part in the discussion session.  

A cultural programme was also organised on this occasion.