The International Mother Language Day

The International Mother Language Day

Introduction: There are some days in the history of a nation which are remembered and observed with due respect. The 21st February is such a day in the history of our national life. On this day the nation shows respect to the language martyrs. Every year we remember this day with respect. The day is declared as the government holiday. On this day national flag is hoisted at half mast. Meetings and symposiums are held all over the country. Every Shahid Miner is covered with flowers and garland. The history of Banglees is not simple. We had to struggle to achieve state language as mother tongue. There is only a sate in the world which had to struggle to achieve state language as mother tongue. It is Bangladesh.

World Acceptation: On the 21st November, 1994, there was a 30th general meeting in UNESCO where a proposal was proposed for establishing the 21st February as International Mother Language day and it was accepted by all of 188 countries of UNESCO. Then UNESCO declared it as the International Mother Language Day on the 17th February, 1999.

History of Language: Both the British and Pakistan rulers conspired. In 1947 the Vice Chancellor of Aligar University Dr. Ziauddin Ahme declared that Urdu would be the only state language in Pakistan. Again on 20th February in 1952 Khaja d told that Urdu might be the state language of Pakistan and Hindi for India. Only three months after the birth of Pakistan, the education minister proposed for Urdu as state language. The Prime minister of Pakistan Liakot Ali khan and the Bengalee Muslim parliament member Khaja Najimmudddin also supported it. So, continuous strike was observed from 11.03.48 to 15.03.48 by the people of East Pakistan. On 21st March in 1948, Mohammad Ali Jinnah declared that Urdu would be the only state language in Pakistan. Again on 20th February in 1952 khaja Nzimuddin finally declared that Urdu would be the only sate language in Pakistan.

The Happenings in 21st February: 21st February is very remarkable in our history. Section 144 was declared in Dhaka but the students of Dhaka University came out in the street avoiding section 144 and many common people joined with them. When the procession advanced towards the present Shahid Minar, the poline fired and Rafiq, Salam, Jabbar and Barkat lost their lives. Then the government became afraid and was compelled to accept Bangla as a state language. It was a glorious victory and from then, the 21st February is observed every year to show respect for those heroic martyrs.

Celebration: The day begins with gun shorts and people wake up early in the morning on that day. A few boys and students do not sleep at night because they go to the Shaheed Minar at 12 p.m. Most people but on (wear) fine dress but a few boys and students put on Punjabis and trousers. Everybody holds a black badge as the symbol os mourning on their clothes. They walk to the Shahid Minar bare footed to show respect for the martyrs. After going there, they offer different kinds of flowers and flower garlands on the altar of the Shaheed Minar with great respect. They pray to Allah for the salvation of the martyr’s souls. Different social and cultural organizations and political parties bring out processing, hold meetings and arrange cultural programmes for observing the day. The national flag is kept half-mast on this day. It is government holiday. Bangladesh Beter and various TV channels broadcast special programmes on this occasion. Rich foods are offered to the jailors, orphans and the patients of the hospitals.

Conclusion: On 21st February we show respect for those heroic martyrs discussing and giving flowers. We all should remember the difficulties of Urdu if it was established as our sate language. If Urdu was established as our state language, we could never gain the independence of Bangladesh. So, we should use the mother tongue in all sectors and enrich it.