RIYADH/JEDDAH, 22 February 2006 — Bangladesh expatriates celebrated the “Great Shaheed Dibash” (martyrs day) and international mother language day across Saudi Arabia yesterday.
In Riyadh, Bangladesh Ambassador S.M. Ikramul Haque hoisted the country’s flag at half-mast at the embassy.
Consul General Ashraf Uddin presided over the ceremony at the consulate in Jeddah. Both the ambassador and the consul general read the messages from President Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khalida Zia and Foreign Minister Morshed Khan.
“We should remember our culture and language, and march ahead to brighten our future,” Haque told the gathering that included school children.
“It’s our earnest hope that this day will establish an everlasting unity and amity among the present and future generations of Bangladesh in particular and mankind in general,” he added.
“UNESCO recognized the people’s sincere love and sacrifice in 1999 and since then the day is being observed as international mother language day,” he said.
The ambassador recalled that the spirit of nationalism of all segments of the people, including students who took part in the historic language movement, inspired the nation to take part in the great war of liberation.
“The message of Feb. 21 is to be respectful to the will of the majority and stand against suppression, oppression and injustice,” the consul general said and urged the community to continue to uphold the dignity and positive image of the country.
Bangladesh International School’s English and Bengali sections in both Riyadh and Jeddah also observed the day.