The annual remembrance event in Tower Hamlets is hosted by Tower Hamlets Council in partnership with the Kendrio Shaheed Minar Committee
Community leaders, residents, and representatives of the Bangladesh High Commission gathered at Altab Ali Park in Whitechapel to commemorate the United Nations’ (UN) International Mother Language Day. The day, also known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed annually on across the world to highlight the importance of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education, and fostering more peaceful societies.
The annual remembrance event in Tower Hamlets is hosted by Tower Hamlets Council in partnership with the Kendrio Shaheed Minar Committee (KSMC). February 21 marks the anniversary of the killing of four students in Bangladesh in 1952, during a campaign to officially use their mother language, Bengali. It has been a public holiday in Bangladesh since 1953.
“As the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK, it was a great honour to join the Mayor of Tower Hamlets and the British Bangladeshi diaspora at the Altab Ali Park Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to the fearless Bengali Language Martyrs of 1952.”
Abida Islam, Bangladesh High Commissioner to UK
The Shaheed Minar (‘Martyrs Monument’) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which commemorates those students, has a replica in Altab Ali Park in Whitechapel, which serves as the focal point for public tribute in Tower Hamlets. This year’s celebration is themed “Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day,” marking a quarter-century of efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote mother tongues.
International Mother Language Day was proclaimed by the General Conference of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in November 1999. According to the UN, mother tongue education supports learning, literacy, and the acquisition of additional languages.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Her Excellency Abida Islam, High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, and Nurul Islam, General Secretary of Kendrio Shaheed Minar Committee, laid wreaths at the Shaheed Minar in Altab Ali Park. The ceremony was attended by a diverse group of community members, reflecting the rich linguistic and cultural tapestry of Tower Hamlets.
Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said: “We are privileged to observe International Mother Language Day and honour those who made significant sacrifices for the recognition of their native languages. Tower Hamlets is a community that welcomes individuals from many backgrounds. The theme of this year’s commemoration highlights the importance of celebrating linguistic diversity.”
Abida Islam, High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the United Kingdom, said: “As the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to the UK, it was a great honour to join the Mayor of Tower Hamlets and the British Bangladeshi diaspora at the Altab Ali Park Shaheed Minar to pay tribute to the fearless Bengali Language Martyrs of 1952. This occasion was also a moment of profound significance as we marked the silver jubilee of UNESCO’s recognition of International Mother Language Day in 1999—a powerful testament to the enduring importance of linguistic diversity and the preservation of cultural heritage.”
The event underscored the importance of linguistic diversity in fostering inclusive and harmonious societies. Language, as a fundamental aspect of cultural identity, plays a crucial role in preserving traditions and promoting mutual understanding. The commemoration of International Mother Language Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for the recognition of their native languages and the ongoing efforts to protect linguistic heritage worldwide.
The day, also known as Martyrs’ Day, is observed annually on 21 February across the world to highlight the importance of language preservation in safeguarding cultural heritage, improving education, and fostering more peaceful societies.
The gathering at Altab Ali Park was a poignant reminder of the shared history and the collective responsibility to preserve and celebrate linguistic diversity. Community members expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to come together and reflect on the significance of their mother tongues. The event also highlighted the role of education in promoting multilingualism and ensuring that future generations can appreciate and benefit from the rich tapestry of languages that make up our global community.
As the world continues to grapple with issues of cultural preservation and identity, the commemoration of International Mother Language Day serves as a powerful call to action. It encourages communities to embrace their linguistic heritage and to work towards creating environments where all languages can thrive. The event in Tower Hamlets is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought for linguistic rights and a reminder of the importance of continued efforts to promote and protect linguistic diversity.
The commemoration of International Mother Language Day in Tower Hamlets was a poignant and powerful event that brought together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate and reflect on the importance of linguistic heritage. The gathering at Altab Ali Park served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Bengali Language Martyrs and the ongoing efforts to preserve and promote linguistic diversity worldwide.
