Edmonton, Alberta (February 1, 2014 ): In a press conference held yesterday at The MacEwan University of Edmonton on the occasion of International Mother Language Day that organized by the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA). President, BHESA an exiled journalist  and eminent human rights activist from Bangladesh, Delwar Jahid has announced the 21st February (International Mother Language Day) Heritage Award of 2014. The recipients are: Mohammad Siddique Hossain (A Participant of Bangla Language Movement of 1952), Dr. Nurul Islam of MacEwan University (Education), Dr. Hafizur Rahman of University of Alberta (Community Service & Volunteerism), Shahid Hassan (Community Service & Organization), Tajul Ali (Community Service & Volunteerism), and Mohd. Ismail (Community Service & Volunteerism).

Delwar Jahid in his briefing demands United Nations to recognize Bangla as the official language, IMLD to declare National Holiday of Canada, Canadian House of Commons Bill C-407 (on International Mother Language Day Act) to implement after the quick Royal Assent, and assist to establish a Language Martyr’s Monument in Edmonton of Alberta.

The Conference was attended by Dr. Nurul Islam , former President of BHESA Shahid Hassan , Kausar Khondoker(Grant MacEwan University) Haydarjan Chowdhury , Mohammad Zakaria , Judy Dubey , Besenta Navidad , Mohd. Isa , Andres , Ahsan Ullah and a representative of the Association of International Heritage language Ms. Nataliya .

International Mother Language Day (21st February) will be celebrated by BHESA through setting up a symbolic Language Martyr’s Monument to lay flowers by various community organizations of Edmonton at the Registrar Office premises of The Grant MacEwan University (Downtown Campus), WALK & TALK in mother tongue and in the evening 5:30 PM-8:00 PM a discussion followed by cultural program and distribution of Crest to the IMLD Heritage Award 2014 Recipients.