The Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi marked International Mother Language Day on Friday, hosting a series of events to honor the day’s significance, said a press release.

The day’s observance began with Acting High Commissioner Md Nurul Islam raising the national flag at the High Commission’s premises, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Shaheed Minar, a memorial to the language martyrs.

In the morning, two documentaries were screened, and speeches from Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus and Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain were read out to underscore the importance of the day.

Later in the evening, a cultural programme was held, attended by officials from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, as well as diplomats from different foreign missions.

Addressing the audience, Acting High Commissioner Nurul Islam reflected on the sacrifices of the language martyrs, noting that their struggle laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s 1971 independence movement. “Let us all recognize the power of language in shaping our identity,” he said.

Nurul Islam also highlighted the special significance of celebrating the day in India, a country where more than 115 million people speak Bengali.