Bangladeshi students of the University of Windsor will mark International Mother Language Day on Friday, Feb. 21, by gathering for a flag raising in Charles Clark Square, outside Windsor city hall.

The day celebrates linguistic and cultural diversity. It was approved at the 1999 UNESCO General Conference and has been observed throughout the world since 2000.

When the Bangladeshi community gathers at 8:30 a.m. for the ceremony, it will have extra reason to celebrate, reports Tara Das, president of the Bangladesh-Windsor Student Association.

The group has raised $17,000 and $48,000 in pledges toward a permanent structure commemorating the day, to be located in a riverfront park.

Das expects about 40 students from many countries to attend the ceremony, which is open to the community.