The Bangladesh Association Swindon is inviting everyone to celebrate International Mother Language Day.

The event, which is celebrated around the world on February 21, will be held at the GWR Park on Faringdon Road from 11am.

Swindon's Bangladeshi community have erected a monument to observe the occasion.

Mr Abdul Kahar president of the Bangladesh Association said: "I am delighted to be able to establish this purpose built monument with the support of the community.

Swindon Advertiser:

"This monument is a symbol of all the languages that are spoken not just locally, but also nationally and globally."

"Swindon can be proud of its multicultural community and as a town can celebrate the fact that, collectively, we speak more than 130 different languages, each with it's own unique history and culture."

Councillor for Walcot and Park North Abdul Amin said: "Each language carries a unique heritage and culture. Mother Language Day is a day which creates awareness and understanding of the diversity of languages which exist in our society and to appreciate the value it carries. I would love to invite everyone to celebrate this day with us."

International Mother Language Day was inspired by the killing of students and political activists at Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh on February 21 1952, for wanting to have their own language, Bangla, as a national language.