USA Bureau

“Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day” were celebrated with due dignity at the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York on Friday Feb 25).

The event was attended by valiant freedom fighters, political, social and cultural figures, journalists, various professionals, new generation and community members, as well as local and foreign guests.

The messages of the Principal Adviser and the Foreign Adviser were read out on the occasion. One minute of silence was observed in memory of the language martyrs of 1952, the martyrs of the Liberation War of 1971 and the martyrs of July-August 2024. Special prayers and supplications were offered seeking forgiveness for their souls. In addition, two documentaries named “Economist's Country of the Year 2024” and “July Anirban” were screened.

Consul General Dr. Nazmul Huda, in his welcome address, highlighted the historical context and significance of the day. He shed light on the connection between the language movement and the freedom struggle and its significance. Paying tribute to the language martyrs, he said that the practice and preservation of the mother tongue is an essential part of human existence. On the occasion of the silver jubilee of International Mother Language Day, he appreciated the contribution of the diaspora in the promotion and spread of the mother tongue.

He further said that the mass uprising of 2024 has added an important chapter in the history of Bangladesh and created a unique opportunity to reform the state system.

In the open discussion of the program, New York's brave freedom fighters, political figures and community leaders expressed their views. A delightful cultural program was held with the performance of local Bangladeshi community artists, which was widely appreciated by the audience.

At the end of the program, the guests were treated to traditional local food. In addition, the Consul General participated in other Ekushey February programs organized by the Sammilit University Alumni Association and Bangladesh Society and paid tributes to the temporary Shaheed Minar.