Govt to flourish Bangla language in int’l arena: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said her government is trying hard to flourish Bangla language, literature and culture further in the international arena.

“Our efforts will be to exalt Bangla language, literature, culture more in the international arena and we believe, we will attain success in this endeavor,” she said.

The premier came up with the assertion while addressing the Ekushey Padak-2022 distribution ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the occasion of the Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day.

She joined the function virtually from her official residence Ganobhaban in the capital.

Sheikh Hasina said the world acknowledged the contribution of the countrymen by recognizing ‘February 21’ as the International Mother Language Day (IMLD).

She said they have been working to change the fate of the marginalized people in the grassroots level alongside attaining economic self-sufficiency of the country.

The premier said Bangladesh is marching forward and will continue this progress as the enlighten people of the country is showing the path.

She added: “Our progress has been possible due to your (enlighten people) contribution to various sectors.”

The prime minister hoped that the country’s young generation would follow the contribution and path of this enlighten people and devote them to the welfare of the country.

On behalf of the prime minster, Liberation War Affairs Minister A K M Mozammel Haque, MP handed over the Ekushey Padak, the second highest civilian award in the country, among 24 eminent persons for their outstanding contribution to the society and country.

With State Minister for Cultural Affairs K M Khalid, MP, in the chair, Secretary of the ministry Md. Abul Monsur delivered the welcome address.

Cabinet Secretary Khandker Anwarul Islam conducted the award-giving ceremony organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and read out the citations of the recipients.

Briefly describing the struggle of the country’s Independence from the Language Movement, the prime minister said the sacrifice of many people helped achieve the Independence of the country.

She said, “Independence does not come through a sudden declaration of any person. The Independence of the country came through the long journey of struggle started by the Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”.

The independent Bangladesh emerged by the contribution of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, she added.

Recalling the evil efforts to erase the contribution of Bangabandhu after his assassination in 1975, Sheikh Hasina said the Father of the Nation’s contribution to the Language Movement and Liberation War was almost wiped out.

“But the reality is, none can erase the truth, history comes repeatedly,” She continued.

The premier said that her government is trying to find out the people who have contributed to various fields and giving them honour so that “people of the country can get rid of history distortion”.

BSS/MMA/