The event was held at UNESCO House in Paris with a daylong language exhibition where participating countries put up colourful banners, books and periodicals in their official as well as in various ethnic languages.
The event was drawn up in line with United Nation-declared Year of Indigenous Languages , and UNESCO’s theme for the Day - Indigenous Languages matter for peace building and reconciliation, said a press release on Saturday.
The Language Exhibition was inaugurated by the Bangladesh Ambassador to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO Kazi Imtiaz Hossain.
Participants were provided with a blank banner to write, in their mother tongue “Amar Bhasha Amar Porichoy” which they enthusiastically did.
Later in evening, a discussion on the significance of the day was held.
Taking part in the discussion, the discussants paid tribute to the Language Martyrs noting their contribution in the then language movement in Bangladesh.
The Iranian Ambassador to UNESCO also recalled Bangladesh’s active contribution and lead role in the proclamation of 21 February as International Mother Language Day.
Moez Chakchouk, Assistant Director General of UNESCO in his speech appreciated Bangladesh delegation for organizing the event and said that International Mother Language Day serves as a unique opportunity to underline the need to respect the use of mother languages and to support the promotion and preservation of linguistic diversity.
In his remarks, Ambassador Hossain underscored the need to uphold the values of linguistic and cultural diversity in order to foster understanding, mutual respect and building peace.
He reiterated Bangladesh’s full commitment to protect and promote all languages including ethnic languages within and beyond the country.
Following the discussion session, a cultural program was held with the participation of artists from Sri Lanka, Iran, Lithuania, Serbia, India, Nepal and Poland.
The Bangladeshi cultural troupe presented captivating performance of Chakma Jhoom dance, Marma Umbrella dance and Lusai Bamboo dance.
Ministry of Cultural Affairs had send six-member cultural troupe comprising artists of various ethnic groups to take part in this event.
The event ended with a reception where traditional and ethnic food from as many as fourteen countries were served.