RIYADH/JEDDAH, 23 February 2005 — Members of the Bangladeshi community in the Kingdom observed Martyrs Day and International Mother-Language Day on Monday.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador Retired Maj. Gen. S.M. Ikramul Haque hoisted the country’s national flag at half-mast at the mission’s premises to mark the occasion. The ceremony was followed by the reading of messages of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, President Dr. Iajuddin Ahmed and Foreign Minister Morshed Khan. The national flag is flown at half-mast on the occasion.
Ambassador Haque said the language movement of 1952 is a significant event in the national history.
“People’s sincere love and sacrifice have been recognized by UNESCO in 1999 and since then, the day is being observed with dignity and respect internationally,” he added. The ambassador also attended a function at the Bangladesh International School (English Section).
In Jeddah, Bangladesh Consul General Ashraf Uddin presided at the ceremony and read out messages of the Bangladesh president, the prime minister and the foreign minister.
