Students, social workers, and political supporters gathered at Bangladesh’s Dhaka University’s National Martyrs’ Monument to pay respects on International Mother Language Day. The event commemorated the 1952 Language Movement martyrs, with participants showing deep reverence for those who defended the Bengali language. The ceremony began at midnight and continued into the morning, underscoring the significance of the sacrifices made for the language.
A student emphasized the importance of learning and respecting the Bengali language, regardless of the medium of instruction. The student stressed that upholding Bengali is crucial to preserving the essence of the Bangla struggle. Student leader Maksoda Moni also honored the language martyrs, highlighting the pivotal role they played in securing recognition for Bengali on International Mother Language Day.
Social worker Afrina Pervin expressed joy over the global acknowledgment of International Mother Language Day, extending gratitude to the martyrs for their contributions. The day holds special significance for Bangladesh, with a supporter of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party recognizing the sacrifices made by students in 1952. The supporter reiterated the importance of Bengali identity and language, emphasizing that the sacrifices made by the martyrs will forever be remembered.
International Mother Language Day, observed annually on February 21, underscores the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and advocating for multilingual education. The theme for 2026, ‘Youth Voices on Multilingual Education,’ underscores the vital role of young individuals in safeguarding linguistic heritage. The day’s origins date back to 1952 when protests in Dhaka led to the recognition of Bangla as a state language, marking a significant moment in Bangladesh’s history.
