Kushtia, 21 February –
Under the inspiring slogan, “We conduct all official work, even internet and email correspondence, in the Bangla language – do you?”, the country’s leading education group, Gurukul Education Family, organised a distinctive celebration of International Mother Language Day in Kushtia this year, in collaboration with various Gurukul clubs.
Tribute at the Shaheed Minar
On the morning of International Mother Language Day, more than five hundred students from Gurukul’s different campuses in Kushtia began the day with the national anthem and the hoisting of the national flag. Carrying colourful banners, festoons, and placards, they proceeded in a rally to the Kushtia Central Shaheed Minar to pay their solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Language Movement.
Day-Long Programmes and Discussion Session
Following the floral tribute, participants returned to Kushtia Campus-2 at Hospital Mor for a day-long series of events.
The discussion session was graced by:
- Alm Ara Jui, noted cultural personality and President, Kushtia Recitation Council
- Dr Baki Billah Bikul, Associate Professor, Department of Bangla, Islamic University
- Md Nazrul Islam, Councillor, Ward 6, Kushtia Municipality
- Monir Hasan, Director (Administration), Gurukul Education Family
Speakers warmly praised Gurukul’s initiative and wished good health for its founder and Executive Director, Sufi Faruk Ibne Abu Bakar. They expressed their hope that Gurukul Education Family would continue to make significant contributions to technical and vocational education in Bangladesh.
Student Participation and Competitions
- Yasin Arafat Tushar (Engineering Division) and Ratna Akter (Medical Division) delivered speeches on behalf of the students.
- Gurukul Computer Club organised a quiz competition on “Computers and the Mother Language” as well as an impromptu speech competition centred on the day’s main slogan.
- Gurukul Cultural Club presented patriotic songs, dances, and recitations.
- A composition competition on the importance of using the mother tongue in all spheres was held.
- Gurukul Debating Club hosted a debate on “The Use of the Mother Language in All Sectors”.
- Gurukul Rover Scouts staged a short play highlighting the correct usage of the mother tongue.
Prize Distribution and Event Coordination
Prizes were awarded to winners at the end of the discussion session. The event was supported by:
- Shamim Rana, President, Gurukul Rover Scouts
- Miraj Ali, Group Leader
- Jannatul Ferdous and Fazle Hasan Rabbi, Coordinators, Cultural Club
- Chanchal Ali, Coordinator, Computer Club
- Alamgir Hossain, Coordinator, Health Club
The entire programme was conducted by Rashna Sharmin, Moderator, Gurukul Debating Club and Convener, Ekushey Celebration Committee.