21 February is observed as 'International Mother Language Day' every year in the whole world in remembrance of martyrs of language movement of 1952.
The seed of the Language Movement was sown on 21March 1948 when Mohammad Ali Jinnah declared in a public meeting in Dhaka that Urdu would be the only state language of Pakistan. The declaration raised a storm of protest in the eastern part of undivided Pakistan. The protest continued non-stop, gathering momentum day by day. It turned into a movement and reached its climax in 1952.
The contribution of the students of Dhaka University in this movement is the greatest because it is they who stepped down into the street demanding the acceptance of the legitimate right of the people living in the eastern part of the then Pakistan.
When the government outlawed all sorts of public meeting and rallies, the students of Dhaka University defied the law and brought out a peaceful protest procession on 21 February 1952. When the procession reached besides Dhaka Medical College, the police opened fire on the students, killing Slam, Raffia, Bark at, Jab bar and many more.
As a result, there were mass protests all over the country and the government had to declare Bangle as a state language.
The UNESCO acknowledged February 21 as the 'International Mother Language Day' in recognition of the sacrifices of the martyrs for the rightful place of Bangle on 17 November in 1999.
The day is now annually observed worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
The celebration of the day:
On this day, all the bangles pay tribute to the martyrs who laid down their lives to establish Bangle as a state language of Pakistan (Bangladesh).
21 February is observed as Shaheed Di bosh every year in remembrance of the martyrs of language movement of 1952. The day begins at the early hours with mourning songs that recall the Supreme sacrifices of our language martyrs. People wear black badges and go to the Shaheed Miner in barefoot processions, singing mourning songs. They place wreaths at the Shaheed Miner. Many of the Bangles visit the graves of the martyrs in the graveyard and pray for them. They also attend various programs organized in remembrance of the language martyrs.
In National Stadium, school children, scouts and girl guides take part in various displays to entertain thousands of spectators. Educational institutions also organize their individual programs. Sports meets and tournaments are also organized on the day, including the exciting boat race in the river. In the evening, all major public buildings are illuminated with colorful lights. Bangle Academy, Bangladesh Academy and other sociocultural organizations hold cultural functions. Similar functions are also arranged in other places in the country.
On this day, newspapers bring out special supplements. There are also special programs on the radio and television.
So, Behind the story 'International Mother Day' there was a great straggle of Bangles. They protest against the Pakistani general. So, we should pray for them. we have to love our own language.
It is a public holiday. All the country observe this day with love and respect and remember the language martyrs.
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