RIYADH — The Bangladesh Embassy commemorated the Great Martyrs Day and International Mother Language Day at the Chancery premises recently in a befitting manner. The day's program included recitation of verses from the holy Qur'an, ceremonial hoisting of the National Flag at half mast by Ambassador Golam Moshi, and reading out of the messages of the President, Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and the State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh. All officers and members of the staff of the mission, more than 400 Bangladesh national living in Riyadh and nearby areas, teachers and students of Bangladesh International Schools in Riyadh attended the ceremony. In his speech, Moshi paid sincere tribute and honor to the martyrs who made supreme sacrifices on this day. He paid his tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and highlighted his legendary leadership in the Language movement. The Ambassador called upon all Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia to work hard to enhance the image of Bangladesh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and contribute to Bangladesh's economic development. Highlighting the significance and spirit of the day, he underlined the need for renewing the commitment and reinforcing concerted efforts for the socio-economic development of Bangladesh. He also expressed his deep appreciation for the expatriate community for their invaluable contribution to the socio-economic development of Independent Bangladesh. The Embassy organized a musical program where the students and teachers of both Bangla and English Sections of Bangladesh International Schools in Riyadh sang different songs on the Great Martyrs Day as well as famous patriotic songs. Besides, a poetry recitation program was also organized by the Embassy, where members of expatriate community took part, to commemorate the day in a befitting manner. A special prayer was also held seeking salvation of the departed souls of the martyrs, who sacrificed their lives for establishing Bangla as the State language on this very day in 1952 and for continued peace, progress and prosperity of Bangladesh. — SG
