As recognition of this sublime sacrifice, UNESCO declared Feb 21 as the International Mother Language Day, which was subsequently approved by the United Nations.

Now, he said, the whole world observes Feb 21 as the International Mother Language Day.

On this day, respects are being shown to all languages of the world.

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

The Ambassador said: “When the entire world is following our path, we should not feel hesitant to show appropriate respect to our own language and our own culture.”

Offering rich tributes to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, DC observed the Shaheed Dibash and the International Mother Language Day.

Ambassador Islam began the Day’s programmes by placing wreath at the altar of the Shaheed Minar on the embassy premises at 12:01am.

Also read: Nation pays tributes to Language Movement martyrs

He was followed by officials, employees and members of their families. At this time, the immortal song “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushe February… Ami Ki Bhulite Pari” was played.

Later, the Ambassador placed wreaths at the bust of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and observed silence for a while as a mark of respect for the great leader.

Afterwards, the message of the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out.

Also read: Language Martyrs Day on Friday

Minister (Economic) Md Mahadee Hassan, Defence Attaché Brig Gen M Moinul Hassan, Minister (Political) Dewan Ali Ashraf and Minister (Consular) Mohammad Habibur Rahman read out the messages respectively.

First Secretary and HOC Md Mahmudul Islam conducted the programmes.

Later, a special prayer was offered seeking divine blessings of the martyrs and continued peace and prosperity of Bangladesh.