WB CM Ms Mamata Banerjee today laid the foundation stone of ‘Bhasa Smarak ’near the Birla Planetarium to pay homage to the martyrs of language movement.
The WB government had set up a ‘Bhasa Shaheed Smarak’ at Deshapriya Park earlier, but this one will at the heart of the city. After laying the foundation stone she said, “this Smarak will be a replica of the Dhaka University one and Jogen Chowdhury will modify it a bit. I am proud I will be in Bangladesh on 21 Feb. Thanks to UN for declaring it International Mother Language Day.”
Earlier in the day she addressed the press at the West Bengal Assembly. “The Bhasha Andolan strengthens the relationship between the two countries which share a large history and culture. I want the cultural, business, transport relationship with Bangladesh to develop further”, she said.
She expressed her gratitude to the Bangladesh Government for inviting her. She added, “I feel proud that the Bangladesh Government has extended invitation to us on the occasion of Bhasa Divas. The day is very significant in the history of Bangladesh. We have a very good cooperation with the Bangladesh authorities. I will be meeting the Bangladesh President and the Prime Minister.”
She also spoke about pending issues of border enclave and fishermen. WB CM Ms Mamata Banerjee has talked with the Union External Affairs Minister. She said, “We have requested the Center to prepare a rehabilitation package for the people living in the border enclave. Due to crossing of geographical boundaries, fishermen from both India and Bangladesh get arrested. We have been releasing the Bangladeshis, mostly fishermen, held as prisoners from time to time. Bangladeshi Government is also reciprocating.”
“West Bengal will act as bridge for cultural exchange between Bangladesh and India. In West Bengal we celebrate the Bhasa Divas by paying respect to all languages. I pay my tributes to “Bhasha Shahids” she added.
CM Ms Mamata Banerjee will be leaving for Dhaka later today. She has been invited as the chief guest of “Bhasa Divas” ceremony at the Central Shaheed Minar.
