On Ekushey February, we honour the heroes of our Language Movement, who sacrificed their lives to give Bangla its due recognition. Their courage and determination made it possible for us to speak, write and learn in Bangla with dignity, and to assert our cultural identity in the face of oppression. Over time, Ekushey February has taken on global significance and is now observed as International Mother Language Day. It highlights not only the importance of preserving Bangla but also the urgent need to protect endangered languages and mother tongues around the world. Yet, seven decades on, the question remains: are we truly living up to the spirit of Ekushey?
The essence of Ekushey is rooted in the right to use our mother tongue in all aspects of life. Yet, that is not the reality in Bangladesh today. In academia, for example, multiple streams of education exist, from primary to secondary and higher secondary levels, creating an unequal reality for the country’s younger citizens. Meanwhile, Indigenous languages continue to fade due to little efforts to preserve them.
Language carries our history, traditions, and values. It connects generations, shapes our thinking, and fosters a sense of belonging. Preserving Bangla and other mother tongues in the country, therefore, requires concrete action. While Bangla must be actively promoted at all levels, the languages of minority communities, many of which are on the verge of extinction, must also be protected. Endangered languages should be preserved through education, institutional support, and legal safeguards.
The 1952 Language Movement was much more than a fight for Bangla. It laid the foundation for a political and cultural awakening in the then East Bengal. By resisting systematic discrimination against Bangla, people asserted their identity, dignity, and right to self-expression. That same spirit of resistance inspired all our later struggles, from the 1969 mass uprising to the 1971 Liberation War. Even the mass uprising of July-August 2024 draws on this legacy, uniting diverse political and social forces in the pursuit of equality and justice.
As we commemorate Ekushey February this year, we must strive to build a nation free from all forms of oppression and discrimination. The newly formed government must make a firm commitment to ensure the use of Bangla in every sphere of life, while also honouring the diverse languages that enrich our nation. Respecting and promoting every citizen’s mother tongue is essential for national progress and cultural dignity. By embracing our linguistic diversity, we can build a stronger, more united nation where every citizen feels proud of their identity, and where culture and language thrive, respected and celebrated by all.
