Dhaka: Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Tuesday observed Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day with due honour to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

The day’s programmes started with lowering the national flag at half-mast by Deputy High Commissioner Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury in chancery premises, reports UNB.

Ekushey messages from President Abdul Hamid, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam were read out at the gathering of officers, officials and their spouses.

A discussion meeting and a cultural programme were held to wrap up the day’s programmes in the evening.

While addressing the event, High Commissioner to India Syed Muazzem Ali paid glowing tributes to the language martyrs.

He recalled Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina special move to get Unesco to approve a Dhaka-led resolution to declare Feb 21 as the International Mother Language Day in 1999.

Visiting State Minister for Post and Telecommunications Tarana Halim MP and UNESCO representative in India Shigeru Aoyagi also spoke at the function.

Tarana Halim said the youths should be imbued with the spirit of Ekushey and patriotism.

In his speech, Shigeru said it was because of the language heroes of Bangladesh the world today is observing International Mother Language Day highlighting the importance of diversity in language and culture.

The discussion on the history and significance of Amar Ekushey was participated by Dr Sushmita Dasgupta, Joint Chief Economist at the Steel Ministry of India and Joyanta Roy Chowdhury, senior editor of Telegraph daily.

It was moderated by Farid Hossain, minister (press) at the High Commission.

The musical event was presented by Ohang Artiste Troupe.