Int'l Mother Language Day observed at University of Canterbury

The Bangladesh Student Association at University of Canterbury (BSAUC) hosted a vibrant and heartfelt observance of International Mother Language Day 2025 on February 21 at university campus, bringing together UC students, UC alumni, academics, and members of the Christchurch community to celebrate linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.

The event, led by Asibur Rahman, General Secretary of BSAUC, was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to preserve the right to speak one’s mother tongue and the enduring power of language as a bridge between cultures. In the welcoming address, Asibur Rahman reminded everyone that language is more than a means of communication—it is the essence of who we are.

The program commenced with a video documentary that highlighted the historical significance of International Mother Language Day, paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement in Bangladesh.

This movement, which saw brave souls lay down their lives to defend the right to speak Bangla, remains a cornerstone of Bangladeshi identity and a symbol of linguistic freedom worldwide.

The evening was filled with captivating performances that showcased the richness of Bengali culture and the universality of language. The group chorus, ‘Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February’, performed by Ayrangzeb and his team, set a solemn yet inspiring tone for the event. Poetic recitations, such as Umair’s ‘Amader Ei Bangladesh’ and Izhan Kabir’s ‘Amader Choto Nodi Chole Bake Bake’, evoked deep emotions and pride for the homeland.

Samrin’s heartfelt recitation of ‘Mago Ora Bole’ added a poignant touch to the evening, while Marjan Rahman’s powerful rendition of ‘Kandte Ashini, Fanshir Dabi Niye Eshechi’ resonated with themes of resistance and determination. Muntaha Karina and her team’s performance of ‘Dhan Dhanye Pushpe Bhora’ celebrated the beauty and abundance of Bangladesh, leaving the audience captivated. Ramisa’s recitation of ‘Ekushey’ further emphasized the significance of the day, connecting the audience to the spirit of the Language Movement.

The celebration also embraced linguistic diversity, with Maliheh Tamadon delivering a mesmerizing poetry recitation in Farsi, highlighting the universal connection between language and culture. Salman Yusuf, a PhD candidate at UC Business School, provided an insightful analysis of Urdu as Pakistan’s national language, further enriching the discourse on linguistic identity. 

Dr. S.M. Akramul Kabir, Research Fellow at University of Otago, delivered a thought-provoking speech on “Dialectical Analysis of Bangla and English Languages: Myth and Reality”, while Mohit Singh Thagunna, another PhD candidate at UC Business School, emphasized the role of mother languages as bridges to our roots. Juliet Fry, former Head of the EAL Department at Riccarton High School, shared her perspectives on the transformative power of language in education and society.

Musical performances added a soulful dimension to the event, with Konok’s rendition of ‘Amay Ganthe Dao Na Mago Ekta Polash Ful-er Mala’ and Toppa’s classic Rabindra Sangeet capturing the essence of Bengali musical heritage. The duet performance by Tisi and Shaurav, ‘Ami Banglay Gaan Gai’, resonated deeply with the audience, celebrating the beauty of the Bengali language.

The event also provided a platform for new students to connect with the community. Dr. Sayed Ahmed shared his experiences, offering guidance and encouragement to those embarking on their academic journeys at University of Canterbury. The program ended with a speech from Dr. M Mehedi Hasan, President of BSAUC and Associate Professor at Jahangirnagar University, focusing on the theme “Language Dominating Language: Language as Business.” He emphasized the need to preserve linguistic diversity in a globalized world and expressed vote of thanks and appreciated the efforts of those involved in the event. 

Members of the Christchurch local communities attended the event and enjoyed light finger foods while engaging in meaningful conversations with the Bangladeshi community. Many shared their feelings of admiration for the rich cultural heritage on display and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about the significance of International Mother Language Day. The event left attendees inspired to cherish their mother tongues and to continue advocating for linguistic rights worldwide.