On February 21, International Mother Language Day is observed, commemorating the struggle for the protection of linguistic and cultural diversity. In Bangladesh, this day holds particular significance as it marks the historic events of 1952, when people fought for the recognition of Bengali as the state language.
On this occasion, at 11:00 AM, representatives of the International Human Rights Commission IHRC Corporation in Bangladesh laid floral tributes at the Central Shaheed Minar in Chittagong, a monument dedicated to the language martyrs. The ceremony was attended by Lion Mohammed Elias Sirazi, Peace Ambassador and National Coordinator, Mohammed Mazba Uddin, Zonal Coordinator & Director Admin, Amir Hossain Khan, Lion Asif Ghani Chowdhury, Moinuddin Ahmed, Sharmin Sarker, Sumit Barua, Dr. Mohammed Sajjad Hossain, IHRC Corporation Press Journalist, and other representatives of IHRC Corporation.
In his speech, Peace Ambassador Lion Mohammed Elias Sirazi emphasized that the 1952 struggle was the primary inspiration for the great Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. He also expressed gratitude to the United Nations for recognizing the significance of language in shaping national identity.
Zonal Coordinator, Mohammed Mazba Uddin, added:
“My mother tongue is my pride. Every mother tongue is connected to the human soul.”
He also highlighted the necessity of protecting the dignity of all languages worldwide.
Amir Hossain Khan underscored the importance of celebrating this day, pointing out that over 115 million people speak the Bengali language. He stressed the need for preserving, developing, and researching mother languages.
Lion Asif Ghani Chowdhury noted that language knowledge is essential for leading the world, but the mother tongue serves as a fundamental force in acquiring knowledge. Therefore, he placed great emphasis on practicing and promoting the mother language.
International Mother Language Day was established by UNESCO on November 17, 1999, and has been observed worldwide since 2000. The 25th anniversary of this observance in 2025 provides an opportunity to reflect on the achievements in linguistic diversity protection and renew commitments to the promotion of mother languages.
The Chittagong celebrations were part of a global observance aimed at emphasizing the importance of linguistic and cultural diversity in building more peaceful and sustainable societies.
Reported : Dr.Mohammed Sajjad Hossain
IHRC Corporation Press Journalist, Bangladesh.
respect to mother language.
Great work