Bangladeshi musicians are all set to perform at the UNESCO headquarters in Paris as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of International Mother Language Day. The prestigious two-day event, marking the silver jubilee of this significant recognition, will take place later today and tomorrow.

Cultural adviser and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki shared a series of pictures on social media, capturing the enthusiasm of the performers. "The Bangladesh cultural team at the UNESCO headquarters today. I am sure they will get you enthralled tomorrow evening, Paris time: 6:15pm," he wrote, expressing confidence in the team's ability to showcase Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage on a global stage.

International Mother Language Day, officially recognised by UNESCO in 1999, has been observed across United Nations member states since February 21, 2000. This year's celebrations hold special significance as they commemorate 25 years of the recognition of Ekushey February, a day that honours the sacrifices made for the preservation of the Bengali language during the Language Movement of 1952.

The event will feature a series of cultural performances and discussions. Professor Muhammad Yunus, chief adviser of the interim government, has been invited as the guest of honour and will deliver a virtual address. Additionally, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki will engage in a ministerial-level discussion alongside representatives from various member states.

A talented group of musicians, including Islam Uddin Palakar, "Kotha Ko" famed rapper Shezan, Shunno's Imrul Karim Emil, and the all-female ethnic community band F Minor, along with Parsha Mahjabeen, Tuntun Baul, Jalal, Mithun Chakra, and Jahid Nirob, are in Paris. Their performances will honour Bangladesh's linguistic and cultural legacy.

Islam Uddin Palakar will deliver a fusion performance featuring Shezan's song "Kotha Ko" alongside a tribute to the Language Movement of 1952. Parsha Mahjabeen and Tuntun Baul will present the Lalon Geeti classic "Jaat Gelo". Emil is scheduled to perform "Shono Mohajon," while F Minor's vocalists, Pinky Chiran and Parsha Mahjabeen, will sing "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano" in Noagri, Garo, Chakma, and Bangla. Additionally, Islam Uddin Palakar will perform the renowned pala "Pashan Mon Re".

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The event performances have been directed by filmmaker Tanim Noor, with musical direction led by Jahid Nirob. A documentary featuring writer-researcher Badruddin Umar and language movement veteran Tahmina Saleh, directed by Tanim Noor, will also be screened.

This momentous celebration is supported by the Embassy of Bangladesh in Paris, France, and serves as a significant opportunity to showcase the nation's rich cultural traditions while reinforcing the importance of linguistic diversity and heritage on a global platform.