Hong Kong, 26 February 2023:

Ms. Israt Ara, Consul General of Bangladesh was invited to deliver a speech on “Global Awareness: International Mother Language Day 2024” at the prestigious Victoria Shanghai Academy in Hong Kong on 23 February 2024. Around 500 secondary school students’ of different nationalities alongwith teachers of the Academy were present in the session. Ms. Ara was greeted by Ms. Shirla Sum, Secondary School Principal and Ms. Rebecca Lucas-Timpany, Deputy Principal (Student Support) of the Academy.

In her speech, the Consul General highlighted the background of ‘Great Language Martyrs’ Day and ‘International Mother Language Day’. She also recalled the crucial role of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in achieving the proclamation of the 21st February as the International Mother Language Day by the UNESCO in 1999 at the initiative of two expatriate Bangladeshis. She also emphasized on the important role of mother tongue in the educational, cultural and economic fabric of our societies. In reply to a question, she referred to the initiatives taken by the Government of Bangladesh for providing early education to the children of ethnic minorities of Bangladesh in their mother tongue.

A short video documentary on the background of the ‘International Mother Language Day’ was also played for the students.

The Consulate remains active in highlighting our history, tradition, culture and achievement to glorify our image in Hong Kong. The above initiative was such a unique opportunity which received huge attention of the audience, the young generation.