Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States Muhammad Imran has urged the Bangladeshi diaspora in the USA to spread country’s rich language, culture and heritage among all.

Paying his deep respect to all language martyrs and Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he termed the great Language Movement as an unforgettable event in the national life in Bangladesh and called upon all to uphold the spirit of immortal Ekushey.

The Ambassador was speaking as the chief guest at a function in Arlington, Virginia on Saturday evening on the occasion of “Mohan Shaheed Dibosh” and the International Mother Language Day.

DC Ekushey Alliance, a platform of various socio-cultural organizations in and around the US capital region, organized the event under the supervision of Dhaka University Alumni Forum Inc (DUAFI).

Describing the background of the language movement, Ambassador Imran mentioned that the movement taught the Bangalees not to tolerate injustice and inequalities and not to bow down to repressive forces.

The spirit of immortal 21 February gave us endless inspiration and courage in achieving self-determination, struggle for freedom and the War of Liberation led by Bangabandhu, he said.

The Bangladesh Ambassador also highlighted the importance of protecting the endangered languages and culture of smaller communities under the threat of extinction.

Christian Dorse, Chair of the Arlington County Board, addressed the function as the special guest, while its members also spoke on the occasion.

The Chair of the Arlington County Board referred to Bangladesh’s initiatives for realizing recognition of the 21st February as the International Mother Language Day and mentioned that Bangladeshi people fought for preservation of their own language and culture in 1952 and then presented it as a gift to the rest of the world.

On the occasion, a colorful cultural function was arranged which featured performing of chorus song and group dance, recitation of poems and staging drama by Bangladeshi and foreign artistes.

Later, the Ambassador and the officers of Bangladesh Embassy paid tributes to the language martyrs by placing a floral wreath at the makeshift Shaheed Minar on the dais. Leaders of all the participating organisations also paid respect to the martyrs with floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar.

Dr. Ishrat Sultana Mita was the coordinator of the event, while Dr. Aminur Rahman and Dr. Runa Haque jointly conducted it.