The Recognition of International Mother Language Day

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Weekend Independent

Friday, 17 February 2012

Author / Source : Saquib Chowdhury

International Mother Language Day, on the 21st of February, is recognised worldwide and on 17th November, 1999 it was announced as such by UNESCO and its observance was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly. The day gives international recognition to our Language Movement Day. The Weekend Independent recently spoke to Shamsuzzaman Khan, Director General, Bangla Academy, regarding the significance of this day. Shamsuzzaman Khan stated “International Mother Language Day has gained worldwide recognition. Through all the sacrifices, as our country finally gained independence and people gave their lives to speak the mother tongue it certainly caught the eyes of the world, and definitely created an impact. At the UNESCO General Assembly on 17 November 1999, it received recognition and some of the people who played a pivotal part in it were the then Bangladeshi Ambassador to France Syed Muazzem Ali, Dr Sadat Hossain, the then Education Minister ASHK Sadek, Dr Sayedur Rahman Khan, High Commissioner,   High Commission for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, London, who was then the VC of Rajshahi University and many others. Their efforts and dedication contributed greatly towards the recognition of this day.”
He further added “A world renowned folklorist Roger Abrahams, in one of his articles emphasized on ‘land, language and literature’, and that is primary for nation building scholars. I believe words of educationists played a very major part. In 1951, a speech by Dr Md Shahidullah is historic and it certainly proved to be an inspiration. Some memorable lines from the speech are as follows:
‘We educationists should, however, emphatically, protest and if necessary should revolt against the fresh imposition of any language other than Bengali as the medium of instruction for East Bengali students. This imposition will be tantamount to the genocide of East Bengalis.’”
Shamsuzzaman Khan continued “This speech was given in Comilla in 1951 at The Convention of University and College Teachers of East Bengal, and it certainly is a memorable speech which proved to be an inspiration.”
He spoke about some of his experiences abroad. “I have seen that Bangalees living in Japan also celebrate and remember this day and there is also a Shaheed Minar there. I have also seen its recognition on a big scale in places like New York and London. There are many countries where replicas of the Shaheed Minar have been constructed.”
The International Mother Language Institute is a modern institution equipped with a world class library and modern facilities which enables researchers from all over the world to study and research all languages. Shamsuzzaman Khan stated “The International Mother Language Institute’s  foundation laying ceremony was attended by the then and current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the then UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.” Shamsuzzaman Khan then spoke about some recent events and upcoming plans of Bangla Academy.
“The Bangla Academy recently arranged a discussion programme titled “ Bangaleer Bhasha Andolon Theke Antorjatik Matri Bhasha Dibosh”, and recently Professor Momtaz Uddin Ahmed, Minister (Cultural) for the Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United Nations, NY, recently visited Dhaka and collected some materials on our Language Movement including English books like  “Essays on Ekushey” and “ Ekushey February Speaks for All Languages”, both published by the Bangla Academy, which will be distributed among UN representatives of different countries. As we all know, the Shaheed Minar will be filled with flowers and tributes. Also, the International Mother Language Institute will organise a 2 day seminar on 23rd February on the significance of International Mother Language Day.”
Shamsuzzaman Khan concluded “For all the programmes attached with this day, we always aim to include creativity and innovation. The language martyrs are remembered and honoured and we always aim to ensure that they will continue to be honoured and remembered in the most befitting manner”.