Bangladesh-Bharat Moitree Samity observes Ekushey

BBMS held the programme at the Biswa Shahitya Kendro on February 22 in observance of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. Professor Mamtaz Uddin spoke at the event as the chief guest. Indian Deputy High Commissioner in Bangladesh Dilip Sinha, noted dramatist Begum Mamtaz Hossain, BBMS general secretary Aminul Haque Faruque and BBMS presidential board member Aminul Islam Bedu also spoke on the occasion.

Mamtaz Uddin narrated about his acquaintance with the language martyrs and their families. 'Rafique was killed just a few days before his marriage. He used to carry a Raja pen--a popular brand of the time--which helped in identifying his dead body,' Mamtaz informed. 'Later Rafique's betrothed was wedded to his younger brother Rashid.' Mamtaz Uddin very passionately upheld the rich treasure of Bangla language to the audience. 'About 28 crore people all over the world speak in Bangla--including the 14 crores in our country and the rest in the neighbouring West Bengal, Assam, Tripura and other places,' he said. At present there are about 4.5 lac words in Bangla, he added. 'But if the demography is conducted properly including all regional dialects, slang words etc, the number would rise up to 8 lac.'

Mamtaz Uddin termed February as a month of protest; for, 'still people have to sacrifice lives for good causes.' He said that only two years ago a youth named Jamal Uddin was killed because he named his library after Tajuddin Ahmad.'

Deputy High Commissioner Dilip Sinha asked the audience's apology for his inability to speak in Bangla. He informed that a big auditorium is opening soon in Gulshan where BBMS would be able to hold such programmes.

BBMS's Aminul Islam Bedu expressed his protest against those who think that Bangla is being abused by the influences of Hinduism. He said that those who had sacrificed their lives for Bangla language in 1952 were neither Hindu nor Muslim. 'All of them were Bangalees--Bangla speakers'.

After the discussion, Mamtaz Uddin presented the Indian dramatist Dr. Minakshi Sinha Ghosh an Uttariyo (scarf) and a Rajshahi silk sari. Professor at Rabindra Bharati University, Minakshi Sinha Ghosh performed solo acting at the programme.

Besides, poet Nahida Rokhsana recited poems.