Language Martyrs' Day and International Mother Language Day were observed in Finland with the utmost respect and remembrance of the martyrs of 1952 Language Movement. 

At 12:01am local time, leaders of the country's various communities paid their respects to the language martyrs by placing wreath at a makeshift altar in Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Despite extreme cold and snowfall, the presence of foreign guests and the Bangladeshi community at the programme was eye-catching.

There was a drawing competition for children and prize distribution organised by Kontula Art School. 

Atte Kaleva, a member of the Finnish Parliament, was the chief guest at the event.  He distributed prizes among the children participating in the competition. 

In a brief discussion after the award ceremony, Atte Kaleva paid tribute to the 52 language martyrs with deep respect. He conveyed his and his team's best wishes to the people of different communities in Finland. 

He also said that his party has formed a committee to look into the possibility of constructing a permanent Shaheed Minar in Finland, headed by a Bangladeshi community figure, said Bhuiyan N Zaman.