The Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu observed the ‘Shaheed Dibas’ and ‘International Mother Language Day’ on 21st February, 2017 with due solemnity and pageantry. 

Embassy of Bangladesh organized a day-long program to commemorate the day which began with the hoisting of the national flag by Ambassador Shaheed Minar.

Wreaths were also laid by representatives of the expatriate Bangladesh community, SAARC secretariat and Biman Bangladesh Airlines stationed in Kathmandu. One minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect for the language-martyrs.

Followed by a ‘Doa Mahfil’ with prayers offered for the eternal peace of the souls of martyrs of the language movement in 1952 and the War of Liberation in 1971.

The morning’s program concluded with the screening of a documentary on Amar Ekushey produced by the External Publicity Wing, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka. The morning’s program was attended by the ambassador, officers and members of the staff of the Mission, representatives of the SAARC Secretariat, Bangladesh Biman officials and the expatriate Bangladesh community living in Kathmandu.

The Nepal Bhasa Parishad, a cultural group which promotes the local Newari language, also participated in the cultural program by reciting poetry in the various languages of Nepal. The Head of the Office of UNESCO in Kathmandu attended the program made a short statement highlighting the significance of the day and outlining UNESCO’s plans for commemorating the day.

Earlier Ambassador attended a seminar organized on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day 2017 by the Nepal Academy as Guest of honor. The Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal Jeeban Bahadur Shahi attended the program as Chief Guest.