The event started with placing the floral wreath in the memory of the language martyrs at the temporary Shaheed Minar of the mission by Ambassador Shahabuddin Ahmed.

Later, the national flag was hoisted at half-mast playing the national anthem by the Ambassador at embassy premises followed by observance of a minute’s silence in respect of the Language Martyrs.

Considering the pandemic situation and following the guidelines of the Japanese government, the mission organised an online discussion on the significance of the day. The discussion started with offering a special prayer (Munajat) for the peace and salvation of language martyrs and for the progress of Bangladesh.

Then, messages issued by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs on the occasion were read out to the audience.

Also read: Show respect to mother tongue, culture: Envoy

Ambassador Shahabuddin paid homage to the valiant language martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

Explaining the background of the Mother Language Movement of 1952, the Ambassador said, “Language Movement and February 21 are closely connected with our history, cultures and traditions.”

He said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu played a vital role in the Language Movement.

Mentioning the recognition of February 21 as THE International Mother Language Day by UNESCO in 1999, he SAID, “February 21 is our pride, our inspiration and the day is now for all the nations of the world.”

He said the supreme sacrifices made by the language martyrs teach us righteousness and justice, therefore, we all should work together to preserve the ethnicity and diversity of our languages and cultures.

Also read: Amar Ekushey: Nation paying tributes to language heroes

Ambassador Masato Watanabe, President of the Japan Bangladesh Society, promised to extend their support in strengthening Japan-Bangladesh bilateral relations. Masaki Ohasi, Professor at the University of Sacred Heart, Tokyo discussed the significance of Bangla Language.

In a video message, Mayor of Toshima city Yukio Tanako said that the International Mother Language day remind them their own language and informed that Toshima city is the host town for Bangladesh for the Tokyo Olympic.

Deputy Secretary-General of Japanese National Commission for UNESCO Yoshiaki Ishida, in a separate video message expressed his gratitude for inviting him to the programme.

A noticeable number of expatriate Bangladeshis joined the event. Representatives of the Bangladeshi community living in Japan also participated in the open discussion.

Also read: Nation pays tributes to Language Movement martyrs

All the officials and staff of the embassy joined the event.

The programme ended with screening a video documentary on the background and significance of the day named “My Mother Tongue.”