Abu Dhabi: In a bid to hold fast to their language and heritage, Bangladeshi community members across the UAE today (Sunday) marked International Mother Language Day.
Languages are a window into a culture’s soul and this is why it is so important to prevent them from dying out, Muhammad Imran, Bangladeshi Ambassador to the UAE, told Gulf News on the occasion. He said that nearly 700,000 Bangladeshis live in the UAE.
“We treasure the impact of Bangla on our individual identities, and in a multicultural society like the UAE, every language spoken by the various communities lends flavour to their traditions,” Imran said.
“So, as we mark this occasion, we also seek to create more awareness about the role and beauty of all native languages worldwide. And we support the UAE’s concerted efforts to preserve and popularise the Arabic language,” he added.
In Bangladesh, February 21 has historically been observed as Martyrs’ Day. This pays tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives in 1952 to establish Bangla as a state language. In 1999, the day was also recognised as International Mother Language Day by Unesco.
Today, the occasion began in the capital with dignitaries laying floral wreaths on a symbolic model of Bangladesh’s Martyrs’ Monument, known as the Shahid Minaar. Thereafter, the flag was raised at half-mast to honour the fallen martyrs.
Folklore performances, cultural tributes and skits were also organised at the embassy-run Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bangladeshi Islamia School.
“The language movement in our country was an inspiration for our citizens to protest any form of oppression, injustice or human rights violation. This is why we observe this day each year, and remind ourselves to ensure equality and fairness in all walks of life,” Imran said.
He added that this year’s commemoration is also a means to pay tribute to Emirati martyrs, who are sacrificing their lives to protect human rights and ensure the stability of the region.
