DHAKA, Feb 21, (V7N) - The Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad today observed the Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day with due respect and solemnity, commemorating the supreme sacrifices of the 1952 Language Martyrs.

The programme began with the national flag hoisted at half-mast at the chancery premises. High Commissioner Md Iqbal Hossain Khan, officials, staff, and children laid wreaths at a temporary Shaheed Minar and sang “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February.”

Messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. A video message from UNESCO General Conference President Khondkar M Talha was also screened.

The observance included Qur’an recitation, a discussion session, documentary screening, and special prayers for the martyrs. In his remarks, the High Commissioner underscored the Language Movement’s role in shaping a secular, democratic, and language-based state, and paid tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs of democratic struggles.

In the afternoon, a children’s drawing competition and cultural programme were held, followed by prize distribution.

END/AJ/RH