Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Feb 22, 2026 (BSS)- The Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa, Canada 
observed Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day with due 
solemnity, paying tribute to language martyrs and reaffirming commitment to 
linguistic rights and democratic values.

Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Md. Jasim Uddin inaugurated the 
programme by hoisting the national flag at half-mast at Bangladesh House in 
Ottawa.

A special munajat was offered seeking eternal peace for the departed souls of 
the language martyrs.

A discussion was held at the High Commission auditorium, attended by 
officials and staff of the mission alongside members of the Bangladeshi 
community in Canada. 

The High Commissioner laid a wreath at the outset of the event in deep 
respect for the memory of the language martyrs.

In his address, he paid profound tribute to the martyrs of the Language 
Movement, the Liberation War of 1971 and the July Mass Uprising of 2024. 

He said the movement for Bangla as a state language was not merely a cultural 
demand but the beginning of a political awakening that ultimately paved the 
way for Bangladesh's independence.

The High Commissioner noted that UNESCO's recognition of February 21 as 
International Mother Language Day reflects the global acknowledgement that 
linguistic rights constitute fundamental human rights.

He described expatriate Bangladeshis as an inseparable part of the nation, 
playing a significant role in preserving national heritage abroad and 
strengthening ties between future generations and their roots.

Referring to the government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, he 
reaffirmed the commitment to democratic rebuilding, good governance and 
building an inclusive society ensuring protection of all languages and 
cultures.