The New Nation - Internet Edition

Through the annals of time Language has been one of the massive milestones in the enhancing the progress of human civilization. Language as we know today incorporates certain phonic and symbolic elements unique to a certain culture and society. However, in spite of this all languages have some common features and appeals. In other words languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage.

Traditionally 21st February has been commemorated as the Language Martyrs Day since 1952 when students and general masses protested against the then East Pakistan Government's attempt to implement Urdu as a state language ignoring Bengali's claim as the West Pakistanis (now Bangladesh) mother language Bangla.

In November 1999, 21st February was proclaimed by UNESCO's General Conference as the International Mother Language Day. The International Day has been observed every year since February 2000 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Furthermore, this endeavour to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue.

Every year on occasion of this day, a month long Bengali Book Fair is held in Dhaka and special memorial services are held at the Central Shahid Minar (the Language Martyrs Monument).

Photos: Amdadul Huq, Tanvir Ahmed, Munir uz Zaman

Text by: Humaira Fatima

DrikNEWS