ZCZC
BSS-25
EKUSHEY-CANBERRA
Amar Ekushey observed at Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra
DHAKA, Feb 21, 2020 (BSS) – Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra today
observed ‘Shaheed Dibash and the International Mother Language Day with due
respect.
To mark the day, Bangladeshi expatriates and Australians participated at a
Probhat Fery at Telopia Park where a Shaheed Minar has been temporarily
installed. Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra organized the Probhat Fery
for the second consecutive year around Manuka Oval that ended at the Shaheed
Minar.
Australian dignitaries, including the Australian Capital Territory Justice
Minister Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the Opposition Alister Coe, Ambassadors
and members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the Department of
Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Bangladesh community members
passionately attended the Probhat Fery at the cusp of dawn.
More than a hundred men and women representing government offices,
Ambassadors, school teachers and Bangladeshi origin Australian professionals
and students assembled in the dawn and marched together with flowers,
festoons and banner singing the song of Ekushey “Amar bhaier rokte rangano
ekushe February, amiki bhulite pari”.
After the walk, the dignitaries, followed by others, placed floral wreaths
at the altar of the Saheed Minar. The High Commissioner and other dignitaries
greeted the crowd on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day
and spoke on the significance of Ekushey and linguistic diversity and
multiculturalism.
After that, the High Commissioner hoisted the national flag at half-mast at
the Chancery premises. The messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign
Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. A Special
munajat was also offered for salvation of the departed souls of the language
martyrs and for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh.
The evening programme commenced with a discussion session on the
significance of Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. While briefly
touching upon the history of the evolution of the Bengali language, the High
Commissioner underscored the need for protecting mother tongues as languages
become extinct, delinking the community from their rich history and culture.
He urged greater practice of mother-tongue, maintaining a balance between
standard form for understanding past developments, accessing scientific and
philosophical attainments and the imperative for gradual change as per
popular expectation.
The High Commissioner referred to the imperatives for Bangladesh to lead
the evolution of Bangla, given the declining role of West Bengal. He also
touched upon challenges for Bangali diaspora to continue to practice Bangla
in foreign lands.
The High Commissioner paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman for securing self-determination for the Bengali nation that he argued
will help to keep Bangla alive in an assured state of sovereignty.
The discussion session was followed by a colourful cultural programme with
songs, dances and recitation of poems that enthralled the audience. Renowned
dancer of Bangladesh Ms Warda Rihab and her team performed there.
The temporarily installed “Shaheed Minar” at the Telopea Park will remain
there till February 24, 2020 for public. Different schools and colleges would
bring their students as per schedule to the attend briefing organised by the
High Commission for the students.
BSS/PR/SSS/1945 hrs