Canada Commemorates International Mother Language Day

Across Canada, the solemnity and reverence of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day 2026 were observed with heartfelt respect and reflection, highlighting the enduring significance of linguistic and cultural heritage for the Bangladeshi diaspora.

Ottawa: Bangladesh High Commission Hosts Event

In the Canadian capital of Ottawa, the Bangladesh High Commission organised a commemorative programme. The day commenced at the Bangladesh House, where His Excellency Md. Jasim Uddin, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Canada, hoisted the national flag at half-mast, marking the occasion. This was followed by a special prayer (Monaajat) to honour the souls of the language martyrs.

Subsequently, a discussion session was held in the High Commission’s auditorium, attended by officials of the High Commission and members of the Bangladeshi community in Canada. The ceremony began with the laying of wreaths in tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

During his address, the High Commissioner paid homage to all language movement heroes, including Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, Shafiur, as well as the martyrs of the 1971 Liberation War and the July 2024 mass uprising. He emphasised that the struggle for the mother tongue was not merely cultural; it was the dawn of political consciousness, eventually contributing to the independence of Bangladesh. He also highlighted the vital role of the diaspora in preserving national heritage abroad and fostering connections for future generations, while outlining initiatives to engage expatriates in Bangladesh’s developmental projects.

Referring to the newly formed government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman following the 12 February 2026 parliamentary elections, the High Commissioner reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to democratic institutions, good governance, and the protection of linguistic and cultural diversity in an inclusive society.

Winnipeg: Joint Commemorative Programmes

In Winnipeg, a collaborative programme combining discussion and cultural performances was held at the University of Manitoba, jointly organised by the Manitoba Learning Center, Canada-Bangladesh Association of Manitoba, University of Manitoba Bangladesh Student Association, Manitoba Bangladesh Bhaban, and Bengal Tigers Cricket Club.

Key speakers included Visiting Professor Siddiqur Rahman of the University of Manitoba and Helal Mohiuddin from the American Federal State University. The discussions underscored the historical significance of the Language Movement, the role of mother tongue in nation-building, and the necessity of Bengali language education for the second-generation diaspora.

Cultural performances included poetry recitations and traditional dances by students of the Manitoba Bengali Learning Center and University of Manitoba. Distinguished guests included Manitoba’s Minister for Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Nellie Kennedy, Legislative Assembly members Jennifer Che and David Plenkez, and Winnipeg Deputy Mayor Janice Lucas, who lauded the role of language and culture in fostering Manitoba’s multicultural strength.

The event in Winnipeg was hosted by Mahmudur Rahman Bhuiya, Vice-President of the Manitoba Learning Center, and included addresses from community leaders Harunur Rashid, Adita Binte Jaman, Harisan Bahara, Selim Haider, Durdana Islam, Didar Chowdhury, Afroza Islam, and Dr. Mohammad Nuruzzaman Khan, reflecting a strong communal engagement and commitment to preserving Bengali language and culture abroad.