International Mother Language Day observed outside UN headquarters in New York

A child places the first wreath at a temporary Shaheed Minar in Dag Hammarskjöld Park

International Mother Language Day has been observed outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, with expatriate Bangladeshis paying tribute to the language martyrs despite adverse weather.

The programme began at 1:01pm local time on Friday, marking the first hour of Ekushey in Bangladesh, at a temporary Shaheed Minar in Dag Hammarskjöld Park, where the youngest participant laid the first floral tribute.

A minute of silence followed to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the mother tongue.

Despite the persistent downpour, the event proceeded with collective renditions of traditional songs, poetry recitals, and a discussion session.

In a video message, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury noted that through this event, the community is not only remembering the past but also entrusting the responsibility of language and culture to future generations.

He believes the new generation growing up abroad will draw inspiration from this history and remain committed to the practice of Bengali literature and culture.