Agartala, Feb 21 (IANS): The International Mother's Language Day was observed in Tripura on Thursday with colourful processions, functions, discussions, seminars and other programmes.

Thousands of students, tribals and non-tribals and people from all walks of life organised a colourful march here. The also took part in the main function, organised by the Education Department at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhavan.

Sponsored by the government and non-government organisations, a variety of cultural programmes were organised across the state.

Addressing a function here, Tripura Education and Law Minister Ratan Lal Nath said in the 1952 Language Movement, many Bangladeshis laid down their lives for supporting Bengali as a state language during the Pakistani rule.

Tripura's Revenue Minister and veteran tribal leader Narendra Chandra Debbarma said the people of eastern India and Bangladesh played leading roles for introduction of the International Mother Language Day in 1999 by the UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation).

The Bangladesh Assistant High Commission in Agartala organised various programmes to mark the day. Day-long celebrations took place at the mission complex.

Bangladesh's Assistant High Commissioner Kiriti Chakma said besides cultural programmes, discussions were held to commemorate the historic Bangladesh Liberation War.