The Bangladesh Community of Wagga got together on Saturday to show appreciation for their history and rich traditions, sharing it with the younger generations born in Australia. 

Dr Ehsan Mazumder, a member of the Bangladesh community, said the day highlighted the value of language. 

"We look at how the language is linked to us and its importance - we’ve been observing this day since 1952, which was the year a major moment in history for this language happened," he said.

"Up until 1952, 56 per cent of the East Pakistan population spoke Bangali, and only 6 per cent of West Pakistan spoke Urdu, but officials wanted to make that the national language whereas East Pakistan wanted to keep both languages.

"When they protested to keep their language alive, the military fired at the people and there were many casualties, resulting in the whole country becoming agitated and eventually authorities agreed to keep both languages."

The landmark moment in history sparked cause for celebration and appreciation of languages and culture, and by 1999, UNESCO deemed February 21 as International Mother Language Day. 

Dr Mazumder said the day was not disimilar to Australia's celebration of ANZAC Day, remembering those who died fighting for their culture and country. 

"This year in particular is also a celebration of indigenous languages, and keeping those smaller cultures alive - preserving traditions," he said.

The event was donned in shades of red and orange, which Dr Mazumder told The Daily Advertiser had great significance. 

"You’ll notice the colours around are red and orange mostly - the red represents the blood shed from the protests, while the orange represents the bright colours of spring during February in Bangladesh when the day is celebrated," he said. 

The Bangladesh Community of Wagga hoped to make the annual event bigger next year to promote unity.

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