Foreigners joined Bangladeshis to pay respect to language martyrs in Canberra

Press release (High Commission of Bangladesh Canberra)

 Bangladeshis and Australians participated at a Probhat Fery and collectively observed Ekushey in Canberra today at Telopia Park where a Shaheed Minar has been temporarily installed.

Australian dignitaries, including the Australian Capital Territory Justice Minister Shane Rattenbury, Leader of the Opposition Alister Coe, Ambassadors and members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Bangladesh community members passionately attended the Probhat Fery at the cusp of dawn. Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra organized the Probhat Fery for the second consecutive year around Manuka Oval that ended at the temporary Shaheed Minar.              More than a hundred men and women representing government offices, Ambassadors, school teachers and Bangladeshi origin Australian professionals and students assembled in the dawn and marched together with flowers, festoons and banner singing the song of Ekushey “Amar bhaier rokte rangano ekushe February, ami ki bhulite pari”.         

         After the walk, the dignitaries, followed by others, placed floral wreath at the altar of the Saheed Minar. The High Commissioner and other dignitaries greeted the crowd on the occasion of the International Mother Language Day and spoke on the significance of Ekushey and linguistic diversity and multiculturalism.

After that, the High Commissioner hoisted the national flag at half-mast at the Chancery premise. The messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs were read out. A Special munajat was also offered for salvation of the departed souls of the language martyrs and for a peaceful, inclusive and prosperous Bangladesh.

The evening programme commenced with a discussion session on the significance of Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. While briefly touching upon the history of the evolution of the Bengali language, the High Commissioner underscored the need  for protecting mother tongues as languages become extinct, delinking the community from their rich history and culture. He urged greater practice of mother-tongue, maintaining a balance between standard form for understanding past developments, accessing scientific and philosophical attainments and the imperative for gradual change as per popular expectation.  The High Commissioner referred to the imperatives for Bangladesh to lead the evolution of Bangla, given the declining role of West Bengal. He also touched upon challenges for Bangali diaspora to continue to practice Bangla in foreign lands. 

The High Commissioner paid rich tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for securing self-determination for the Bengali nation, that, he argued, will help keep Bangla alive in an assured state of sovereignty. The discussion session was followed by a colourful cultural program with songs, dances and recitation of poems that enthralled the audience. Renowned dancer of Bangladesh Ms Warda Rihab and her team performed there. The temporarily installed “Shaheed Minar” at the Telopea Park will remain there till 24 February 2020 for public. Different schools and colleges would bring their students as per schedule to the attend briefing organized by the High Commission for the students.

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