Visit to Bangladesh, Language History Sites Jan 2009, IMLD Background

Filed under asia-oceana | MG Members in other events

12 to 20 January 2009 Several participants from World Harmony and Peace Runs in other countries and members of the Peace Meditation at the UN visited Bangladesh The founder of the Torch Reay Runs, Sri Chinmoy, was born in the area that is now part of Bangladesh During the visit, experiences were shared with various groups at universities or other locations. There was also an opportunity to learn more about the early history behind IMLD

13th Jan 2009 Dhaka The visitors were introduced to Dhaka with stops at several monuments from the Language events of 1952 onward as well as other historical and cultural sites. Members attended musical performances at Shaurer Dhara music school directed by Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya. Comments by special guests, including Renata Lok-Dessallien, UN Resident Coordinator for Bangladesh, who has also attended the Peace Meditations at the UN in NY. The events greatly added to the visitors understanding and appreciating of Bangladesh.

Renata Lok-Dessallien, addresses the gathering, Rezwana Chowdhury Bannya is pictured on right.

19 Jan 2009 the group visited Bangladesh National Memorial in Savar Dhaka Near Jahangir Nagar University. Monument in memory of people who died in war of liberation in 1971. The group was escorted by Khourshedul Islam, who had been one of the freedom fighters. A Bengali writer, appreciative of IMLD and cultural diversity, Khourshedul had also become supportive of the Oneness-Home Peace and World Harmony runs and encouraged the group to visit Bangladesh

Khourshedul Islam, escorting the group, carrying the Peace Torch to the memorial. It was the first time he had his picture taken at the site.

He explained the run and Peace torch to those who wished to join for picture

Reference to details in Bangladesh Jan 2009 at Footnote [1] worldharmonyrun.org/bangladesh/news/2009.html .Details Bangladesh events 13 to 19 Jan 2009, Dhaka an Chittagong..

IMLD Backgrounder, 21 Feb

The 21st of February is known internationally as International Mother Language Day, chosen because of events on that day in 1952, in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan). It was a day of protest against a declaration that Urdu would be the official language of Pakistan. West Pakistanis predominantly spoke Urdu, while East Bengal spoke mainly Bangla — entirely different languages and scripts. [i]

[i] The Bengali Language Movement continued for years until a free and independent Bangladesh was declared on December 16th 1971.

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