On International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2026, officials from the Franco‑German diplomatic mission in Dhaka gathered to mark the occasion. The event featured a brief dialogue about Bengali language, with the diplomats sharing their personal favorite Bengali words. The gathering underscored the cultural ties between Bangladesh and Europe. It was organized by the cultural section of the embassy in collaboration with local language activists.
International Mother Language Day, proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999, commemorates the 1952 language movement that cost the lives of several students in Dhaka. Every year, the day is observed worldwide to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education. Bangladesh, as the birthplace of the movement, hosts official ceremonies at the central Shaheed Minar. UNESCO’s resolution stresses the importance of preserving mother tongues as a human right.
At the embassy venue, the host asked the attending diplomats to name a Bengali word they liked most. The German ambassador responded that “শান্তি” (peace) resonated with him, highlighting the word’s universal appeal. The French ambassador chose “বন্ধুত্ব” (friendship) as his preferred term, emphasizing the spirit of cooperation. Both diplomats explained that these concepts reflect the core values of their respective foreign policies.
Both ambassadors then jointly wished a happy International Mother Language Day to the audience, reinforcing the message of solidarity across languages. Their brief remarks were followed by a cultural program that included a short performance of a Rabindra Sangeet piece, reflecting the artistic richness of Bengali heritage. The audience responded with warm applause and chants of “Bangla”. The program aimed to showcase the lyrical beauty of the language to the diplomatic community.
The ceremony at the Shaheed Minar on the same day saw citizens and officials laying floral tributes at the monument. The flower offering is a symbolic gesture honoring the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the right to speak Bengali. Red roses and white lilies were placed alongside traditional marigolds. Government representatives reiterated their commitment to preserving the language’s legacy.
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