DHAKA, Feb 22, 2018 (BSS) – The long time desire of the expatriate Bangladeshis living in the Netherlands and in other European countries for construction of a permanent language monument is going to be fulfilled as foundation stone of the work has already been laid in The Netherland’s capital the Hague on Monday.
Foreign Secretary Md. Shahidul Haque laid the foundation stone for construction of Shaheed Minar (language monument) at the Zuiderpark in The Hague on Monday ahead of International Mother Language Day observed worldwide on Wednesday.
According to a message received here today, the Embassy of Bangladesh, The Hague has been working for years to disseminate the message of humanity and multilingualism encouraged by the spirit of the War of Independence.
“As a result of arduous and sustained effort of the Embassy, The Hague municipality agreed to approve our demand for a permanent language monument in The Hague,” a statement issued by Bangladesh embassy in Hague said.
As a result of consistent effort, it said The Hague Municipality authority allocated a land in Zuiderpark- the heritage park of The Hague on October last year.
A large number of non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) joined the programme braving rain and chilly weather from different parts of the Netherlands and other parts of Europe.
Prior to laying foundation stone of the monument, a minute silence was observed for eternal peace of the martyrs of language movement in 1952 in Bangladesh.
The foreign secretary paid tribute to the language martyrs and expressed gratitude to The Hague municipal authority for allocating land for construction of Shaheed Minar and highlighted the importance of preservation of all mother languages.
In this connection, he referred to contribution of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the great war of independence and for building a nation.
Deputy Mayor of The Hague Rabin Baldewsingh and Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands Sheikh Mohammed Belal, among others, also spoke on the occasion.
Despite of the inclement weather over 100 people joined the programme to show their love and respect to the immortal 21st February.