RIYADH, 23 February 2004 - The Bangladesh Embassy here celebrated the International Mother Tongue Day with members of the community. Mohammed Ali Akbar, deputy chief of the mission, hoisted the national flag amid a distinguished gathering. In his brief speech, Akbar said the day was an inspiring event in the annals of the country since it was the day when mother tongue was declared as the national language in 1952. On this occasion, the nation pays tribute to the people who sacrificed for their mother tongue. Their contribution made even the United Nations to recognize this day as the International Mother Tongue Day, Akbar added.