University

Metropolitan University, Sylhet observed International Mother Language Day and Martyrs' Day 2020 with great respect. Metropolitan University authority placed wreaths at Kendriya Shahid Minar in the morning to pay tributes to those who made supreme sacrifices on February 21 in 1952 to establish their mother tongue as the state language.?Besides, a discussion meeting was held on the significance of the day at Professor M Habibur Rahman Library Hall at noon. The Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University Shiba Prasad Sen; the Treasurer and Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Dr. Suresh Ranjan Basak; the Dean of the School of Business & Economics and Convenor of International Mother Language Day and Martyrs' Day Observance Committee, Professor Dr. Taher Billal Khalifa; Heads of Departments, teachers, officers and employees, and students were present to pay tributes at the Central Martyrs Monument in the morning. The Discussion meeting was presided over by Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Shiba Prasad Sen. Convenor of International Mother Language Day and Martyrs' Day Observance Committee, Professor Dr. Taher Billal Khalifa delivered the welcome speech in the beginning. Speaking at the meeting, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Shiba Prasad Sen said, "We could not admire our mother tongue as it deserves. One of the reasons is many people expressed disdain for its original pronunciation and do not even realize the importance of pronunciation. Many of us can not read and write Bangla properly. Many of us even misspell very common words while writing in Bangla. Our present and future generations need to be aware of this.? Professor Dr. Suresh Ranjan Basak said, ?Language Movement is the mainstay of the Liberation War. The onset of linguistic colonization started on February 21^st?1952. In the?Race Course Ground?Jinnah declared Urdu as the only state language of Pakistan while Bangabandhu, the father of the nation in same ground, declared the independence. This brings geographical independence.? Senior Lecturer Beauty Nahida Sultana anchored the programme. Deans of all Schools, Heads of Departments, faculty members, officials and students attended the programme.