Australian High Commission launches translated book to preserve Patra ethnic community culture and language

Desk Report

Publisted at 5:27 PM, Wed Feb 14th, 2024

The Australian High Commission in Bangladesh has launched a translation of a book to help preserve the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Patra ethnic community in Bangladesh.

The  launch took place at the Australia Day reception held at the Australian High Commission in  Dhaka on 13 February 2024, which had the theme of ‘Languages of our Lands’ to celebrate  linguistic diversity in Australia and Bangladesh, reads a press release. 

The Australian Government supported the translation of the book ‘Cultural Heritage of the  Patra’ given its strong commitment towards the diversity and inclusion of cultures and  languages – values reflected in the legacy of the language martyrs of Bangladesh and the spirit  of International Mother Language Day observed globally on 21 February.  

“Australia is built on the foundation of diversity, multiculturalism and tolerance. Tonight, at  this Australia Day event, we pay tribute to these values we share with Bangladesh. We are  hopeful that this translation will support the Patra community by increasing awareness of their  culture and language,” Acting High Commissioner Nardia Simpson said at the event. 

The Patra ethnic community, of whom there are fewer than 5,000 members, are inhabitants of  the Sylhet division. They are believed to be the surviving legacy of medieval Sylhet’s last  kingdom from the 14th century – the Gour Kingdom of King Gaur Govind. 

Housing and Public Works Minister R A M Obaidul Muktadir  Chowdhury was chief guest at the programme.

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