The Embassy of Bangladesh in Berlin, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Students' Association in Bremen, organised a discussion session followed by a cultural programme to commemorate International Mother Language Day on 23 February 2025, at the University of Bremen.

Rahat Bin Zaman, chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of Bangladesh, highlighted the historical significance of International Mother Language Day, which is being celebrated worldwide as its Silver Jubilee year.

In his speech, he referred to it as a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s struggle for self-emancipation and independence. He emphasised that the Language Movement, in which martyrs sacrificed their lives to preserve their mother tongue, remains a unique event in contemporary history.

Rahat Bin Zaman also underscored the resilience of Bangladeshis as a nation and the spirit of the International Mother Language Day in promoting freedom of speech and a society free from discrimination, as reflected in the Monsoon Revolution.

He also noted that 40% of the world's population lacks access to education in a language they speak or understand. He stressed on the importance of using learners' native languages at the primary and secondary levels to provide a strong foundation for learning, which not only boosts self-esteem and critical thinking skills but also plays a crucial role in intergenerational learning, language revitalization, and the preservation of cultural and intangible heritage.

There was a question-answer session “Ask your Embassy." He urged the audience, specifically the students and the professionals, to reach out to the Embassy with their ideas of knowledge- technology transfer or entrepreneurial initiatives so that the Embassy could connect them to the appropriate authorities in Bangladesh.

The event concluded with a vibrant cultural programme featuring performances that celebrated Bangladesh's rich linguistic and cultural heritage.