On the occasion of Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day, Brent Christensen, the United States Ambassador to Bangladesh, greeted the people of Bangladesh in Bengali. In a video message shared on the official Facebook page of the US Embassy in Dhaka on Saturday (21 February), Ambassador Christensen conveyed his special greetings and paid deep respect to the language martyrs.
He said:
“I wish everyone a happy Ekushey February. I pay my deepest respect to the language martyrs. Language is the identity of our culture.”
He added that Ekushey February teaches people to speak in their own language and remember their history, expressing solidarity from the United States with the people of Bangladesh on this significant day.
Today, International Mother Language Day was observed across the country with full respect and solemnity. At the central Shaheed Minar, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid tribute to the martyrs at dawn, placing floral wreaths and standing silently with members of his cabinet and senior BNP leaders in remembrance.
Following the Prime Minister, opposition leaders, the Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad, parliament members, and the chiefs of the three armed forces laid wreaths to honor the language martyrs. Foreign diplomats and senior military and civil officials were also present to pay their respects.
After the state ceremony, the Shaheed Minar was opened to the public. From early morning, people from across Dhaka, barefoot and carrying flowers, began arriving, quietly walking to the tune of the song “Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano Ekushey February.”
Thousands of people paid homage to those who sacrificed their lives in 1952 to protect the dignity of the Bengali language. Similar commemorations took place across all districts of Bangladesh and at Bangladesh missions abroad.
The US Ambassador’s greeting in Bengali and expression of international solidarity have added global significance to the observance of 21 February, highlighting the importance of preserving history and culture—values reflected in the spirit of Ekushey.
Globally, International Mother Language Day is celebrated as a symbol of linguistic and cultural diversity. The sacrifices of 1952 remain a remarkable example of courage and the fight for rights in world history.
