The fight for linguistic rights lies at the heart of Bangladesh's remarkable journey from the depths of tyranny to a proud nation. Bangladesh's identity was shaped by the journey that started with the language struggle in the early 1950s and ended with the country's independence in 1971.
The "Bengali Language Movement" served as a model for future linguistic and cultural movements and illustrated the significance of language as a symbol of cultural identity. The spirit of resistance that was originally kindled in the language movement continues to motivate Bangladesh's youth to fight for democracy and justice as the country confronts new chances and challenges.
The Language Movement's origins may be found in the British colonial era, when they made Urdu one of the Indian subcontinent's co-official languages. This move was encountered with opposition by the Bengali-speaking population of East Bengal, then a part of British India, who perceived it as an attempt to suppress their language and culture.
Despite the fact that Bengali was spoken by more than 56% of Pakistan's people, the authorities of West Pakistan attempted to establish Urdu as the only official language when Pakistan was founded in 1947. The people of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) desired that Bengali be recognized as one of the state languages, which sparked the linguistic recognition movement.
East Pakistan's ethnolinguistic makeup was primarily homogenous, with most residents identifying as Bengali and speaking Bangla. However, the Pakistani government was against Bangla being the nation's official language.
It was believed that the adoption of Urdu as the official national language was yet another effort to suppress Bengalis' unique language and culture. Bengalis saw Urdu's imposition as a danger to their nationality and sense of identity. Dhirendranath Dutta, a then Bengali lawyer and politician from East Bengal who was a member of the 1st Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, proposed the proposal to make Bangla a national language in the Constituent Assembly on February 23, 1948, however the leaders of Pakistan's central government rejected it.
For more than four years, the "Bhasha Andolon" persisted. The movement's leaders, the Dhaka University students, were instrumental in planning demonstrations and rallies and disseminating the movement's message throughout East Pakistan. Individuals from different walks of life joined them.
On February 21, 1952, the long-simmering tensions broke out as activists and students planned demonstrations calling for Bangla to be given equal status. But the Pakistani government at the time reacted with terrible brutality. Several students were killed after police opened fire on nonviolent protestors, including the young martyrs Rafiq, Jabbar, Barkat, and Salam. The public became more enthused. The success of the Language Movement was largely attributed to the dedication and selflessness of individuals engaged.
The 1952 Language Movement, which represents the close relationship between language and liberation, is deeply ingrained in Bangladeshi culture and history. Not only is this movement a historical occurrence, but it also inspires and gives pride to the people of Bangladesh, especially the younger generation.
“Ekushey February” has gained national significance after the tragic deaths of young students and activists in Dhaka who gave their lives in defense of linguistic rights. The Shaheed Minar, a memorial to those who gave their lives to defend their language, and the yearly celebration of “Shaheed Dibosh,” both honour their bravery.
This day has been designated as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. This day serves as a reminder of the language martyrs' sacrifices and the value of keeping the Bangla language alive and thriving. The government celebrates the Bangla language and its rich history on this day every year by holding rallies, literary contests, and cultural events. In addition, many developed countries have set up the Shaheed Minar in many famous cities of the world to pay homage to the sacrifice of the Bengali population.
For instance, there are Shaheed Minars in the heart of New York City, Diversity Plaza in Queens; in Altab Ali Park, East London; Deshapriya Park, Kolkata, and in Toronto, Canada. Besides, the West African country of Sierra Leone has designated Bangla as an official language in recognition of Bangladesh's contribution to peacekeeping in that nation under the umbrella of the UN.
The language movement served as a catalyst for a broader national awareness, going beyond simple protest for linguistic rights. It brought to light the long-standing differences between the two halves of Pakistan and kindled the first sparks of opposition against the discriminatory policies of the central government in West Pakistan.
East Pakistanis' political and cultural consciousness was awoken, and they started to see autonomy as the only way to end their problems. The day has become a symbol of the strength of group effort, the value of advocating for one's rights, and the potential of the youth to bring about change in Bangladesh. It acts as a reminder that despite obstacles, perseverance and togetherness can defeat even the most powerful forces.
The movement's spirit persisted because it expanded into a more general demand for self-determination. Tensions increased as the ruling class in West Pakistan persisted in undermining the political and economic goals of the people in East Pakistan.
The dissatisfaction intensified after Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's Awami League won resoundingly in the 1970 national elections but was not allowed to establish a government. The culmination of these injustices resulted in the Liberation War and the proclamation of independence on March 26, 1971. Men, women, and children in East Pakistan took up weapons to fight for their independence, motivated by the bravery and selflessness of the language martyrs.
The pride in the 1952 movement still influences young people's goals today. In the never-ending struggle for democracy, justice, and the preservation of cultural identity, it serves as a perpetual source of inspiration. Students, intellectuals, and political activists led the 1990 mass uprising that was reminiscent of past justice movements. The young demanded the end of dictatorial government in the streets, motivated by the principles of the language martyrs and the liberation fight.
The nation still possesses the same bravery that got it through the linguistic movement in 1952, the independence struggle in 1971, and the mass protests in 1990. History teaches us that when people are driven by the quest of justice, their power is limitless, and this is something Bangladesh should keep in mind as it moves forward. Bangladesh's identity and democratic struggle are pulsated by the language movement, which is more than just a historical chapter.
Probir Chandra Das works as Senior Assistant Director at the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh (UGC).
