The Bangladesh deputy high commission in Calcutta on Tuesday observed International Mother Language Day.

Unesco announced in 1999 that February 21 would be observed worldwide as International Mother Language Day to commemorate four students who were killed on that day in 1952 during protests against the imposition of Urdu on what was then East Pakistan.

Ever since 1999, February 21 has been the most important day in the annual roster of events in Bangladesh and its diplomatic missions.

Outside Bangladesh, the biggest programme is held in Calcutta. The day began with a morning procession, in which the high commission staff and members of the city’s civil society took part, after which they paid their respects to the language martyrs (in picture).

Throughout the day, a host of cultural programmes and discussions was organised at the deputy high commission in the Park Circus area.

“This programme has a special significance in Calcutta as people here also speak the same language and enthusiastically observe the International Mother Language Day,” deputy high commissioner Andalib Iliyas said.