More than 100 people took part in a celebration of language and culture in Kensington Street, Keighley, on Saturday.

They were marking International Mother Language Day at the Bangladeshi Community Association (BCA) headquarters.

The two-hour-long afternoon gathering, which was attended by dozens of children and teenagers, included poetry readings, talks, music, songs and a meal.

Mother Language Day, which has become an annual event, is based on the anniversary of Bangladesh Language Day.

It commemorates the killing of Bengalis in East Pakistan in 1952, while they protested against West Pakistan’s plans to forcibly impose the Urdu language. Saturday’s celebration in Keighley began with poetry readings in Bangla by local young children.

This was followed by a digital presentation on Bangladesh, Bengali symbols and landmarks, along with several talks.

One of these was delivered by BCA development officer Abdul Motin, who said he particularly wanted younger people to understand the day’s wider meaning.

He said it was highly significant that unarmed protestors had died for nothing more than the right to speak their own language.

He said Bengalis living in Britain should always remember this, even while they integrate with British society.

Members of the Bengali cultural association, Aaloron, performed a number of songs, adding musical accompaniment with a harmonium. This year, the day also incorporated an art competition involving 47 children. They were asked to draw or paint pictures with a Bengali theme.

All were presented with prizes for taking part, with special awards being given to those who produced the six best works of art.

At the end of the afternoon, Mr Motin paid tribute to everyone who had worked hard to make the occasion a success.