Paying deep respects to the language martyrs, Notre Dame University Bangladesh (NDUB) observed International Mother Language Day on Friday (February 21) with great solemnity and pride.
The program commenced with hoisting of the national flag by NDUB Vice Chancellor Dr. Fr. Patrick Daniel Gaffney, CSC, Pro-Vice Chancellor Fr. Charles B. Gordon, CSC, Treasurer and Acting Proctor Fr. Subash Adam Pereira, CSC, and Deputy Registrar Fr. Ashim Theotonius Gonsalves, CSC.
After that, the distinguished persons along with Sr. Shagorica Maria Gomes, CSC, Deputy Director of Student Affairs, department heads, faculty, staff, and students placed floral wreath at the Shaheed Minar.
Emphasizing the significance of the day, Fr. Patrick said, “The language martyrs sacrificed their lives on this day for the Bengali language, inspiring a deep sense of patriotism and a profound respect for the mother tongue, not just among Bengalis but people across the world.”
Remembering the language heroes, Fr. Adam said, “A mother tongue holds immense value for everyone. This becomes more apparent when one learns other languages alongside their native tongue. To preserve the dignity of our Bengali language, courageous individuals laid down their lives in 1952, securing Bengali’s status as a state language. We must honor and uphold their legacy.”
Dr. Md Mustakimur Rahman, Chairman and Associate Professor of Law Department, Christin Hembrom, student from LLB 23 (A), shared their insights on the International Mother Language Day, expressing their commitment of preserving Bengali and promoting multilingual respect.
