International Mother Language Day
INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY
Introduction:
The 21st of February is observed as an international mother language day. It is a memorable day in our national history day. The day reminds us of those young heroes who sacrificed their lives to establish our mother tongue “Bangla” as the state language. After recognition by UNESCO in 1952, Our language day is observed globally as international mother language day. This way a national day of Bangladesh has turned into an international one.
Historical Background:
The day of 21st February has a historical background. After the independence of Pakistan, in 1948, governor of West Pakistan, Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared that only Urdu will be the state language of Pakistan. He also tried to induct it on the Bengali speaking majority people. All class of people of East Pakistan protested against the indiscretion decision. The people took the streets chanting slogans and struggle took a very serious turn. The ruling class enforced section 144 all over the country and banned all meetings and processions. But on the 21st February 1952, the students and the public break section 144 and brought out a procession from Dhaka University Campus. But the brutal police started shooting on the procession continually. As a result, many brave sons of the soil like Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Zabbar met martyrdom. Rather the movement became so strong then the ruling class was forced to recognize Bengali as one of the state languages of them Pakistan.
International observation of the day:
A specialized organization of the United Nation recognized our language movement and sacrifices of the martyrs. They announce that UNESCO would observe the day internationally every year. Since 2000, International Mother Language Day is being observed all over the world. The recognition by UNESCO and therefore the observance of the day by the international community has increased our national glory and uplifted the sacrifices of our language martyrs. Through UNESCO recognition, our language day has got an international status. On the occasion of first awareness among the nations of the world about the enduring value of their mother languages.
Activities of the day:
On this day, People wear black badges on their shoulders and go to the “Shaheed Minar” barefooted with flowers to pay homage to the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives. People sing the mourning song “Amar vaiyer rokte rangano ekushe febuary ……”. It has great images and traditions in the country. This is a national holiday. All classes of people observe this day with due honor and dignity. Social, political, and cultural organizations arrange different cultural functions on the occasion of this day. Newspapers bring out special news, supplements while radio and satellite television channels air special programs on the 21st of February. This day is a source of inspiration for all the people of Bangladesh. We are proud of the day.
Importance of the day:
The importance of 21st February and it’s observance lies everywhere. It is a sow the seed of our liberation war in the mind of Bengali nation. Another thing is that, the language movement teaches us that we have raised for achieving our rights, place of honor and dignity in the world. The movement teaches us not to bow down to any oppression. It also inspires us to sacrifice our most valuable thing for sake of the country. So the importance of international mother language day is very significant over the whole world.
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