Bangladesh High Commission in Canada presented a truly international Immortal Ekushe in Ottawa with a befitting event involving some other Embassies and immersing the members of diplomatic corps and other participants in the deeper renditions of Bangladeshi culture and traditions.
The commemoration of the ‘Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2025’ in Ottawa strived to disseminate linguistic and cultural diversity as well as multilingualism to promote culture of peace. In her welcome address at the event, Bangladesh High Commissioner for Canada paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of the language martyrs of 1952 as well as the 2024 July Uprising and emphasized the global significance of International Mother Language Day. She stressed the role of multilingualism in fostering peace and inclusivity. She also echoed the theme of UNESCO’s 25th anniversary of the International Mother Language Day in accelerating progress on linguistic diversity to build a more inclusive and sustainable world by 2030. Colourful and diverse cultural performances were presented by Bangladesh, Nepal and Thailand to convey the spirit of culture of peace embodied in the International Mother Language Day.
The programme of the day began in the morning with the half-masting of Bangladesh’s national flag by High Commissioner Nahida Sobhan at Bangladesh House in Ottawa. This was followed by placing a floral wreath by the High Commissioner along with the members of the community at the High Commission to pay homage to the language martyrs of 1952. One minute silence was observed in remembrance of the martyrs of Language Movement, Independence War and the 2024 July Uprising. Messages issued on the occasion by Hon’ble Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and Hon’ble Adviser for Foreign Affairs Md. Touhid Hossain were read out. Two documentaries – The Economist’s ‘Country of the Year 2024’ and ‘July Anirban’ were screened. A discussion session on the significance of the day was also arranged with High Commissioner Nahida Sobhan at the Chair. Prominent community members and youth representatives spoke at the discussion session.
The members of diplomatic corps and the guests highly praised the initiative of the High Commission of Bangladesh in Ottawa for organizing the event befittingly involving performances of other countries and showcasing cultural integration and harmony.
