International Mother Language Day
Introduction: Each and every nation has
some memorable or significant days. As an independent nation in the world,
Bangladesh is not an exception to it. Such a day in the history is remembered
and observed with due respect and solemnity. The 21st February in
this regard is a historic and memorable day. It is also a red-letter day in our
national life. On this day the nation bows down with rich tribute to the
language martyrs.
UNESCO’s declaration: The day has
two-fold manifests – the Language Movement Day and the International Mother
Language Day. Considering the Bangalee Nationalism and the importance of the
day UNESCO liberally declared the day as International Mother Language Day in
1999. Then the day gained a new momentum. The day was declared as a public
holiday.
Background: The day has a historic
background. The history of the 21st February makes us remember the
historic Language Movement launched in 1952. The then ruler of Pakistan
declared Urdu as the state Language of Pakistan. All classes of people burst
into anger and raised a strong protest against the inhuman declaration. The
common people joined the students and political leaders with a demand of making
a declaration that Bangla would be another state language next to it for the
Bangalees and the Bangladeshis. The then persons in authority ignored the
demand. The students, teachers, political leaders and the common people in
league with all struggling and protesting bodies came out raising slogans in
thunderous voice and the legal struggle took a very serious turn. The ruling
class became furious and imposed section 144 all over the country in 1952 to
surpass the struggling people. Countless bullets like shower of rain drops were
brutally fired at the innocent people all over the country. The daring
Bangalees with strong determination advanced in the midst of firing and
lathi-charging. In this holy movement, some precious lives were lost and among
them were Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Shafiq, Jabbar. The heroic people with strong
Bangalee nationalism achieved martyrdom in the Language Movement in 1952. The
movement was crowned with success and the then ruling class, understanding the
gravity of the situation recognized Bangla as a separate language for the Bangalees
in the then East wing.
The new millennium: In the context of
the background of the Language Movement the new millennium has opened with
International Mother Language Day or Mahan Ekushey February. The UNESCO
declaration helped us to achieve global recognition.
How to observe: The national flag on
the observance of the day is kept hoisting at half-mast everywhere. People
erect a Shaheed Minar and put garlands of flowers on the altar of the Shaheed
Minar as a mark of respect and reverence. They also hold a condolence meeting
before it. They make speeches, offer fateha for the salvation of the language
martyrs of 1952. BTV and Bangladesh Betar put up special programs. People bring
out a “Provat Fery” in the morning with a patriotic song in chorus – “Amar
Bhaiyer Raktey Ranghano Ekushey February”. The chief of the country puts
garland at the feet of the Central Shaheed Minar at 12 midnight paying a rich
homage to the mother tongue and the language martyrs as well.
Conclusion: We, the Bangalees, are
grateful to the UNESCO for this noble and worldwide declaration. A due respect
will be paid to our language if it is used in all respects. And then comes the
question of International Mother Language Day which deserves to be paid a rich
tribute.
