At 8:30 p.m., the Bangladesh community will take part in a prayer at the Garapan central mosque which will be followed by a cultural program at his former shop beside the nearby Bank of Saipan.
“The celebration is very important to us because this will remind us of those who died for the language movement,” Mintu said.
In 2000, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization declared Feb. 21 as International Mother Language Day in tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the Bengali Language Movement and for the ethno-linguistic rights of people around the world.
The Bengali Language Movement advocated the recognition of the Bengali language as an official language of Pakistan, when Bangladesh was still part of it.
Rabby Syed, United Workers Movement president and a Bangladeshi, said language is a “very strong weapon” that can also establish good relationships with other ethnic groups.
“Let us respect each other’s language,” he said..
During the celebration, he said they will present songs, poems and cultural dances.
“This is everybody’s celebration so we invite all members of the community to join us,” he added.
