Dhaka, Feb. 21 -- International Mother Language Day has been observed outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, with expatriate Bangladeshis paying tribute to the language martyrs despite adverse weather.

The programme began at 1:01pm local time on Friday, marking the first hour of Ekushey in Bangladesh, at a temporary Shaheed Minar in Dag Hammarskjold Park, where the youngest participant laid the first floral tribute.

A minute of silence followed to honour those who sacrificed their lives for the mother tongue.

Despite the persistent downpour, the event proceeded with collective renditions of traditional songs, poetry recitals, and a discussion session.

In a video message, Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury note...