The Embassy of Bangladesh in Washington has observed 'Shaheed Dibosh' and 'International Mother Language Day' with due solemnity. The programme started with the placing of a floral wreath by Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States M Shahidul Islam at the altar of Shaheed Minar on the Embassy premises at one minute past zero hour. Embassy officials and their family members stood in solemn silence for one minute in front of Shaheed Minar as a mark of profound respect to the memories of the Language Martyrs. A floral wreath was also laid at the bust of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Corner. Also read: Grateful nation remembers language martrys amid pledge to fulfill their dreams Earlier, a discussion session on the significance of the day was organised at Bangabandhu Auditorium in the Embassy. The messages issued by the President, the Prime Minister, the Foreign Minister, and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs on this occasion were read out. Special prayers were offered seeking divine blessings for the martyrs of the Language Movement and the Liberation War as well as Bangladesh’s continuous prosperity. The Ambassador, in his speech, paid rich tributes to the Language Martyrs of 1952. He also paid deepest homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his immense contribution during the Language Movement since 1947 that ultimately led to an independent and sovereign country in 1971. Also read: Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi pays homage to language martyrs Ambassador Islam stressed the need for preservation of all mother languages in the world in order to preserve knowledge, culture and diversity among the humankind. "Under the able leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, we all should work tirelessly to materialise the dreams of Bangabandhu, and to build a poverty-and-hunger-free, peaceful, progressive 'Sonar Bangla'," he said. Later, the Ambassador, accompanied by all officials, hoisted the National Flag at half-mast in front of the chancery premises in the morning.

A Bangladeshi national in Qatar was admired by the authorities concerned of Qatar for displaying his civic responsibility and humanitarian gesture.

Italian fashion company, Teddy Group, has committed to stay beside Bangladesh during this coronavirus pandemic mentioning Bangladesh as a trusted partner.   They made this pledge at a virtual meeting, recently took place with the Embassy of Bangladesh in Rome, Italy.   The company also informed that they did not have any cancellation or holding order at the moment and gave assurance of this intention if the current production plans and the work environment continue.   Moreover, they would be giving a demand letter of a big amount at the end of this month, the company representative added, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.   However, they acknowledged that the amount might be slightly less compared to the same season of the previous year due to lower demand currently at global level.   But, they hope the situation will be normal within three or four months, subject to the pandemic situation.   The Embassy of Bangladesh appreciated Teddy for their responsible business conduct and thanked them for setting an ideal example for others.   The Embassy assured its readiness to extend any kind of support to the company. Teddy Group is one of the top fashion industries in Italy founded in 1961. It has six brands including Terranova, Calliope and Rinascimento.   They have over 600 stores in 40 countries. Bangladesh is a top business hub for them from which it sources more than USD 200 million per year apparel products.   They set up an office in Bangladesh in 2004 where, currently, 80 people including two Italian nationals are working.   Bangladesh Embassy in Rome has taken an initiative to hold meetings with the top 10 Italian importers of apparel products from Bangladesh for the sake of continued business operation during the coronavirus pandemic and to strengthen long-term business partnership.