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Published : 21 Feb 2025, 07:52 PM
Foreign students studying at different educational institutions in Bangladesh have performed the song “Ami Banglay Gaan Gai” while two Bengali artists sang the classic “Jamaica Farewell” in Chakma and Bengali languages.
The foreign ministry observed the International Mother Language Day and Martyrs Day celebrating linguistic diversity by bringing together voices from home and abroad on Friday.
At the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, the ministry officials and employees, along with representatives from several foreign missions in the capital, took part in the celebrations.
The performances featured an array of songs, poetry, and dance in languages ranging from Bengali and Chakma to Hausa-Swahili from Africa, Malayalam from South India, and Russian.
The ceremony began with a march. It was followed by honouring the day with wreaths placed in front of the Foreign Service Academy by Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin, Foreign Service Association President Nazrul Islam, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Moroccan Ambassador to Dhaka, Majid Halim, and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, or UNESCO, Representative to Bangladesh Susan Vize, among other diplomats.
The cultural performances followed the discussion session, where the foreign secretary delivered the keynote speech as the chief guest.
The foreign secretary said the martyrs, including Salam, Jabbar, Rafiq, and Barkat, not only established the right to their mother tongue but also stood against cultural oppression, shedding their blood to protect their identity, individuality, and cultural heritage.
"The July-August uprising in 2024 and the sacrifices of young people have created a rare opportunity to establish equality and justice while eliminating all forms of cultural exploitation," Jashim added.
He also urged policymakers, academics, professionals, and entrepreneurs to take proactive steps in preserving the Bengali language in the technological arena of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
"The July-August 2024 uprisings and the sacrifices of young people have created a rare opportunity to establish equality and justice while eliminating all forms of cultural exploitation," Jashim added.
He said Feb 21 serves as a beautiful moment to remember the countless known and unknown people across the world who have continuously played a vital role in preserving their culture.
UNESCO Representative Susan stressed the importance of taking action to preserve all languages, including those that are endangered.
According to UNESCO estimates, there are 8,322 languages in the world, with around 7,000 currently in use.
However, 1,300 languages are either extinct or on the brink of extinction.
“This year’s slogan is: ‘My language matters too,’ meaning every language is important. Bangladesh also has endangered languages, and we must work to preserve them,” she said,
Officials from the foreign ministry performed “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February”.
Five African trainees from the Foreign Service Academy performed “Mata Kudumtare”, a Hausa song about women’s roles in family and society, and another Kenyan song.
Foreign ministry official Samia Ishrat Ronee recited poet Abu Zafar Obaidullah’s Kono Ek Maa-ke alongside her daughter Lilaboti.
Trainees from the Foreign Service Academy sang “Surjodoye Tumi, Surjasteo Tumi” while another official, Rabiul Islam, performed “Ma Go Bhavna Keno”.
Officials from the 40th batch of the foreign ministry presented several folk songs, including “Loke Bole, Bole Re Ghor Bari Bala Nai Amar”.
Chinese artists performed the traditional “Shao” dance, blending acrobatics and music.
Anne Mary, an official from the Indian High Commission in Dhaka, sang in Malayalam.
