International Mother Language Day: The History

By a Staff Reporter: Recognition of mother tongue on the international stage is not a very old thing. 21 February is being celebrated as International Mother Language Day all over the world. The history of this day is associated with the dream of Bangladesh, its birth and of course the traditions. But that history is full of sacrifice, relentless struggle and a spirit of not giving up. International Mother Language Day is celebrated with all that.

The Indian subcontinent was newly independent at that time. Pakistan is divided into two separate regions on the basis of religion – West Pakistan and East Pakistan. While the main language of West Pakistan is Urdu, but here the main language of East Pakistan is Bengali. Ruling Pakistan naturally wanted to initiate Urdu language in East Pakistan as well. But the demand of East Pakistan was only one; Bengali should be given the status of national language.

Then the movement started. The intensity of the movement increased on February 21, 1952 when the barbaric police fired on the agitating students and social workers, many young people including Rafiq, Salam, Abdul Jabbar, Shafiul, Barkat were martyred. This day has since been known as Sahid Diwas.

On October 21, 2010, at the 65th session of the United Nations, Bangladesh brought a proposal to observe International Mother Language Day on February 21 every year, which was unanimously accepted. Now Every Year we are celebrated International Mother Language Day on this day.