Dhaka: Former Vice Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University (Santiniketan) Pabitra Sarker has praised Bangla Academy as ‘unique in world history’. 

He said this during a program organized by Bangla Academy on its 61st founding anniversary.

As part of the programme, tribute was paid to the language movement heroes at the Central Shaheed Minar in the early morning. 

Pabitra Sarker delivered the keynote speech while Prof Emeritus of Dhaka University Dr. Anisuzzaman presided over the programme. 

Pabitra Sarker said “We have a great history behind the establishment of the Bangla Academy. We conducted a language movement where some heroes sacrificed their lives. No other country has this type of history in the world over language. This is the main difference among the other academies of the world with Bangla Academy.” 

He added “Bangla Academy is attached to our emotions. This example is unique in the world. It not only connects our 16 crore population in one platform but also connects the Bangla-speaking people who live in the other parts of the world.” 

He added that the establishment of the academy contributed to Bangladesh’s independence. 

“This is the platform of the combined dream of Bengalis,” added Sarkar. 

A cultural programme was also organised on the academy premises on the occasion.