Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala solemnly observes Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2026 with tributes, discussions, and cultural programmes, honoring Language Movement martyrs and reaffirming commitment to mother tongue rights worldwide.
The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala observed Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2026 with due respect and solemnity at its premises in Agartala on Saturday. The day was marked by floral tributes, prayers, discussions, and renewed calls for the protection of mother tongue rights worldwide.
The observance was conducted in two phases, reflecting the historic importance of the day that commemorates the sacrifices of the language martyrs of 1952. The programme began at 9:00 am with the hoisting of the national flag of Bangladesh at half-mast, accompanied by the national anthem. Officials and staff members of the mission, led by Assistant High Commissioner Hasan Al Bashar Abul Ulayee, gathered in solemn remembrance.
Following the flag ceremony, floral tributes were placed at a temporary Shaheed Minar erected within the mission premises. The symbolic monument, representing the spirit of the 1952 Language Movement, served as the focal point of the day’s commemorations. Officers and employees of the mission paid homage to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in the struggle to protect their mother tongue.
Students and teachers from Ishwar Pathshala also participated in the ceremony by offering floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar. Their presence underscored the continuing relevance of the Language Movement’s ideals among younger generations. After the official homage, the Shaheed Minar was opened to members of the public who wished to pay their respects.
Messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh were read out during the programme. The messages emphasized the historical significance of the Language Movement and its enduring influence on the nation’s political and cultural identity. Special prayers were offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of the language martyrs and continued progress and prosperity for Bangladesh.
A documentary film on the Language Movement, provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was screened as part of the morning session. The visual presentation revisited the events of 1952 and highlighted how the movement laid the groundwork for later struggles that shaped the nation’s destiny.
The second phase of the programme commenced in the afternoon, with invited guests joining the mission officials in paying floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar. A one-minute silence was observed in memory of the martyrs, reinforcing the solemn atmosphere of remembrance.
A discussion session on the significance of the day followed. First Secretary Sharif Ahmed delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for reflective and meaningful deliberations. Among the distinguished speakers were Ratan Kumar Saha, Vice Chancellor of Techno India University; Dr. Anup Saha, Principal of Agartala Government Medical College; businessman Priyanath Saha; senior journalist Amit Bhowmik; and Dr. Srilekha Roy, President of the Voluntary Health Association of Tripura.
The speakers paid heartfelt tribute to Salam, Barkat, Rafique, Jabbar, Shafiul, and other martyrs whose sacrifices in 1952 became a defining moment in the history of Bangladesh. They acknowledged the historic contribution of the Language Movement in establishing linguistic rights and shaping the spirit of Bengali nationalism.
In his concluding remarks, the Assistant High Commissioner emphasized how the Language Movement laid the foundation for a secular, democratic, and language-based state system. He noted that the movement was not merely a struggle for linguistic recognition but also a broader fight for cultural dignity and political identity.
Recalling the sacrifices of the martyrs, he stated that the events of 1952 ultimately played a crucial role in fostering unity and laying the ideological foundation for the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent nation. He further expressed hope that children across the world would continue to enjoy the fundamental right to speak and learn in their mother tongues, stressing that education in one’s native language is essential for intellectual and emotional development.
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The event concluded with light refreshments for invited guests, bringing the day’s solemn observance to a dignified close. Through the commemorative programme, the Bangladesh mission in Agartala reaffirmed its commitment to preserving the legacy of the Language Movement and promoting linguistic diversity and cultural harmony worldwide.
