Eleven distinguished European poets join the creative celebration
February 21, 2021: Bangladesh Embassy in the Netherlands celebrated International Mother Language Day 2021, partnering with Netherlands UNESCO Commission and Europa Nostra, in a creative way to highlight the significance of International Mother Language Day (IMLD) to the Dutch and the Europeans.
A video underlining the creative diversity of mother tongues was screened drew appreciation online.
Remembering the language martyrs, Bangladesh Ambassador H.E. Riaz Hamidullah highlighted the Day’s significance in establishing peace – harmony – pluralism across societies, everywhere. He also emphasized on the importance of nurturing linguistic diversity and cultural heritage while celebrating everyone’s own mother tongue.
Highlighting the 1952 language movement in Bangladesh, Mayor of The Hague Mr. Jan van Zanen said that the movement was intricately linked to every subsequent accomplishment in Bangladesh history. Paying tribute to the ‘language martyrs’, he said, the city of Hague boasts its multicultural heritage as more than half of the city’s residents come from diverse parts of the world. He also shared that, as the city of peace and justice, the Hague has accommodated about 200 organizations, including Embassies and international organizations.
11 eminent poets from Argentina, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Morocco, Russia, Scotland, and Sweden recited 11 poems in their respective languages – each underlining peace and cultural heritage. They appreciated the initiative of the Embassy which showcased cultural integration and harmony.
Taking part in a live discussion, moderated by Ambassador Hamidullah, Chairperson of Netherlands National Commission for UNESCO, Secretary General of Europa Nostra and former Deputy Mayor of The Hague elaborated how every mother tongue can express one’s own identity while not disrupting others. They stressed on recognition of mother tongues of all ethnicity as a key mean to strengthen global solidarity, peace and harmony.
The same morning, officials and employees of the Embassy and their families, led by the Ambassador, paid homage to the (1952) language martyrs by placing floral wreaths at the permanent Language Monument at the Zuider Park.
