The Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Uzbekistan observes ‘Martyrs’ Day 'and ' International Mother Language Day’ in a befitting manner today (21 February 2025) by organizing various programmes and events.

The first part of the program began with the national flag of Bangladesh being flown at half-mast by the Bangladesh Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Dr. Mohammad Monirul Islam. This was followed by the laying of floral wreath, in memory of the language heroes of Bangladesh, at the temporarily built ‘Shahid Minar’ (Language Martyrs’ Monument) at the Embassy premises. A special prayer was offered for the salvation of the language martyrs of 1952 and the continued peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Bangladesh and beyond. Special messages, signifying this particular occasion, were issued by the Bangladesh leadership.

In the second part of the program, the Bangladesh Embassy and the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies co-hosted a multilingual cultural event at the University auditorium. More than seven hundred distinguished guests, including the Ambassadors of Egypt, Korea and Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan, a good  number of foreign diplomats, senior officials from the Uzbek Foreign Ministry and other government offices, University rectors, professors, researchers and students attended this remarkably significant event.

Paying deep homage to the memory of the language martyrs, the Bangladesh Ambassador Dr. Islam, in his remarks, highlighted the historical context and background of the great Bengali Language Movement as well as the meaning and significance of the International Mother Language Day. He expressed hope that the recognition of the 21st February  as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO would not only help preserve all  mother languages of the world, but also strengthen the bonds of friendship, harmony and understanding between peoples of different languages and cultures. He urged everyone to work together, in the spirit of cohesion and collaboration, to promote linguistic and cultural diversity across the globe in further advancing peace, progress and prosperity of the world.

Rector of the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Professor Gulchehra Rikshieva delivered a welcome speech on the occasion.

Traditional and patriotic poetry, music and dance of Bangladesh, Korea, Japan, Turkey, Iran and Uzbekistan were performed by renowned artists of Uzbekistan and students of the Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, which were greatly appreciated by the audience.