KATHMANDU, Feb 23: The Embassy of Bangladesh, Kathmandu observed Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day (IMLD) 2026 in the capital with due solemnity and vibrant cultural events, according to a press statement issued by the Embassy.
The two-day programme, held at the Embassy premises, featured a discussion session and a multicultural performance reflecting linguistic diversity and cultural heritage from different parts of the world, the statement said.
Heads of missions and diplomats from various embassies and international organizations based in Kathmandu attended the event, along with representatives from the SAARC Secretariat, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), linguists, academicians, officials of Bangladesh Biman, members of the Bangladesh Club, the Nepal-Bangladesh Friendship Association, the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Nepali businesspersons and members of the Bangladeshi community in Nepal.
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During the ceremony, members of the diplomatic corps laid floral wreaths at the Shaheed Minar established at the Embassy. Messages from the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh were read out on the occasion. A video message from the President of the UNESCO General Conference was also screened, the statement noted.
In his welcome remarks, the Ambassador of Bangladesh paid tribute to the language martyrs of 1952 who sacrificed their lives to uphold the status of Bangla. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages and underscored multilingual, mother tongue-based education as the foundation of a quality education system and overall development.
Highlighting this year’s IMLD theme — “Youth voices on multilingual education” — he stressed the critical role of young people in revitalizing languages and using technology to promote linguistic diversity. He also reiterated Bangladesh’s commitment to working with Nepal and the international community to advance linguistic diversity, cultural preservation and inclusive development, according to the statement.
The Head of Office of the UNESCO Office in Nepal attended as special guest. Heads of missions from Finland, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Russia, along with the Deputy Representative of UNICEF, delivered remarks in their respective mother tongues. The UN Resident Representative in Nepal and the acting Chairman of Nepal’s Language Commission also addressed the gathering. All speakers highlighted Bangladesh’s leadership role in promoting International Mother Language Day globally and emphasized the importance of mother tongue-based multilingual education, the statement added.
The discussion session was followed by cultural performances featuring songs in Nepali, Newari, Tamang and Bangla, as well as a traditional Tharu dance. The cultural segment was organized in collaboration with a local school in Kathmandu, and singers from the Bangladeshi community in Nepal also performed. Guests later enjoyed a dinner featuring Bangladeshi cuisine.
The observance began on February 21 with the national flag flown at half-mast at the Embassy. A “probhat fery” (morning procession) was organized to lay floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar, followed by special prayers for the language martyrs, the statement said.
