Mother Tongue Of BD

ImpotenceOf Mother Tongue

Each and every nation has got some remarkable or memorable days. As an independent nation, Bangladesh is not an exception of it. Our mother language day or 21 February is regarded as a memorable day in the history of Bangladesh. It is the day when the people of Bangladesh sacrificed their lives for the sake of their mother tongue. So, it is called “Shaheed Day”. It is a red litter day in our national life. On this day the nation bows down with rich tribute to the language martyrs. This immortal 21 first February was declared by UNESCO as international Mother Language Day.

UNESCO Declaration

Our language movement day or 21^st February was recognized as international Mother Language Day by UNESCO in November 1999. Considering the Bangalee Nationalism and the importance of the day UNESCO has declared it so. The recognition of this day by UNECO has increased the glory of our nation in the whole world. 

Background

The day has a historic background. After the birth of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah declared – “Urdu and only Urdu shall be the state language of Pakistan”. This declaration was devastating and dangerous. All classes of people of Bangladesh burst into anger and raise a strong protest against this declaration. The common people joined the students and the political leaders with a demand that Bangla should be the state language as the majority of the population of Pakistan speaks in Bangla. The then people in authority ignored the demand. Then the protesting bodies came out raising slogans in thousand voices and the struggle took a very serious turn. The ruling class became furious and imposed 144 all over the country and banned all meetings and processions. But on the 21 February, 1952, the students and the public defied 144 and stared a procession from Dhaka University campus adjacent to Dhaka Medical College. The brutal police shot at the procession indiscriminately. The daring Bangalees with strong determination advanced in the midst of firing and lathi charging. As a result, many brave sons of Bangladesh like, Rafiq, Salam, Barkat, Jabbar, died. But Bangalees did not step back. Rather the movement became so strong then that the ruling class was forced to recognize Bangla as one of the state language in the then Pakistan.

How to observe

The importance of 21 February is great to the people of Bangladesh. During the observance of the day the national flag is kept hoisting half mast everywhere. The head of the government places floral wreaths on the Central Shaheed Minar at one minute past 2 midnights paying a rich homage to the mother tongue ad the language martyrs as well. People throughout the country erect Shaheed Minar and on this day put garlands of flowers on its altar as a mark of profound respect. They also hold a meeting before it. They make speeches and pray for the salvation of the departed souls of the language martyrs of 1952. People bring out a probate Ferry in the morning singing the patriotic songs in chorus – “Amar Bhayer Rakte Rangano Ekushey February”. BTV and Bangladesh Betar broadcast special programs. 

The people of Bangladesh can never forget this day. We are grateful to the UNESCO for the noble and world wide declaration. This immortal 21 February of the Bangladeshis is now being observed throughout the world as the international Mother Language Day. This day has elevated out position in the international community.