Diplomatic Desk:
The ‘Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day-2026′ was celebrated with due dignity at the Bangladesh Consulate General in New York on Friday (February 27, 2026).
Messages given by the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out on the occasion. A minute’s silence was observed in memory of the martyrs of the Language Movement, the Great Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising. During this time, special prayers were offered for the forgiveness of the souls of all the martyrs and for the continued peace and prosperity of the country.
Consul General Mohammad Mozammel Haque, in his speech, highlighted the historical context and significance of the ‘Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day-2026′. He said that the foundation of independent sovereign Bangladesh was laid through the Language Movement of 1952, which was completed through the great Liberation War. He paid deep respect to all the martyrs, martyred intellectuals in the Great Language Movement of 1952 and the Liberation War of 1971, and all the martyrs of the July-August 2024 mass uprising.
He said that the proper practice of an individual’s intellectual, mental, cultural and social skills is developed through his mother tongue. Therefore, the right to write and use his mother tongue is essential for every person. The main spirit of February 21st and the International Mother Language Day is to establish the right to protect the identity of all languages and cultures of the world.
The Consul General further said that a new government has been formed through the 13th National Parliament elections. He expressed his strong hope that under the strong leadership of the newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, the current government will uphold the language-based rights of every person in the country, regardless of religion or caste.
In the open discussion, New York-based freedom fighters and community leaders expressed their feelings. Guests including political, social and cultural figures, various professionals, journalists, the new generation and community members were present.
