Bangladesh-Malaysia Relations Strengthened On International Mother Language Day

By Wan Muhammad Aslah Wan Razali

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama) -- Bangladesh’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Md. Shameem Ahsan, highlighted the growing bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Malaysia during the 25-year celebration of International Mother Language Day and Martyrs’ Day.

Ahsan acknowledged Malaysia as a model of peaceful coexistence among diverse linguistic communities and expressed optimism about further strengthening ties between the two nations.

He recalled Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Bangladesh last October, where he met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus, describing it as a pivotal moment for enhancing collaboration in various sectors, including information and communications technology (ICT), connectivity, and the halal industry.

“The visit, though brief, brought our bilateral relations to a new height.

“Both leaders agreed to broaden collaboration beyond traditional areas, and we are on the right track to achieving that,” he told Bernama at the event here today.

He stressed the importance of fostering people-to-people ties and noted Malaysia as a good model of peaceful coexistence of many language groups, demonstrating how countries with cultural diversity can be a unifying force rather than a divisive one.

“Malaysia is a good example of how diversity can be a unifying factor. Language can serve as a powerful tool in fostering peace, harmony, and inclusivity,” he said.

Ahsan emphasised the deep historical and global significance of International Mother Language Day, highlighting its origins in the sacrifices made during the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh.

He reminisced about how university students in then-East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) staged a peaceful protest to demand recognition of Bengali as one of the state languages.

He said their demonstration was met with violent suppression, resulting in the loss of lives, but it also ignited a spirit of independence that eventually led to the birth of Bangladesh in 1971.

“The blood they shed for the right to our mother tongue ultimately transformed Bangladesh into an independent country. We have been observing this day with solemnity, as it is a day of sacrifice,” he said.

Ahsan also mentioned Bangladesh’s pivotal role in gaining international recognition for the observance, with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) declaring February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999.

In 2008, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly further acknowledged the importance of International Mother Language Day through the Culture of Peace Resolution.

“The importance of this declaration extends beyond Bangladesh. It applies to all nationalities and language-speaking communities worldwide.

“It reinforces the right of every individual, in every corner of the world, to speak their mother tongue,” he added.

The event in Kuala Lumpur saw participation from representatives of 12 different countries and was attended by the guest of honour, the Undersecretary of the South and Central Asia Division from Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry, as well as other dignitaries.

The event also featured a panel discussion, a documentary screening in celebration of International Mother Language Day, and multilingual cultural performances by diplomatic missions and cultural organisations in Kuala Lumpur.

As the world commemorates International Mother Language Day, the High Commissioner urged the global community to protect endangered languages and promote linguistic diversity. 

The event called on Bangladeshis, especially those in the diaspora, to continue passing down their linguistic heritage to future generations.

-- BERNAMA