Saturday, 22 February, 2025
Every year on February 21, we commemorate the sacrifices of the language martyrs, those brave sons and daughters who gave their lives in the struggle to make Bangla the state language of then-Pakistan. This day, Shaheed Dibash (Martyrs’ Day), not only marks the heroism of these individuals but also reinforces the power of language as an instrument of identity, unity, and freedom. As we reflect on their sacrifices, we also recognize the immense role language plays in shaping our development and sustaining our culture.
The theme for this year's International Mother Language Day, as declared by UNESCO, "Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development," could not be more timely. It brings into sharp focus the crucial role that language plays in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and promoting cultural diversity. This is a day to honour those who fought for the rights of people to communicate in their mother tongue, and simultaneously, it serves as a reminder of the necessity of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity for the future of global sustainability.
The legacy of the language martyrs is deeply embedded in the consciousness of every Bangladeshi. The martyrs of the 1952 language movement—Salam, Rafique, Shafique, Jabbar, and Barkat—did not merely fight for the recognition of Bangla as the state language; they fought for the dignity of the people, their cultural identity, and their right to education and expression. These martyrs laid the groundwork for the country’s independence, as their sacrifice inspired movements that ultimately led to the Liberation War in 1971. Their martyrdom, in the face of a colonial regime that sought to impose Urdu as the sole state language, symbolizes the unyielding spirit of the Bengali people to assert their right to communicate in their mother tongue.
It is in their honour that we commemorate this day every year. But beyond the ceremonies, wreath-laying, and tributes, the day should also serve as a reminder of the continuing relevance of language in shaping the future of this nation. The recognition of Bangla was a historic victory, but as we enter the 21st century, we must understand that the fight for linguistic rights is ongoing, especially as we strive to achieve the SDGs.
Language and Sustainable Development
UNESCO’s theme this year underscores the vital connection between language and sustainable development. Language is the foundation of communication, and communication is at the core of progress. Whether it is access to education, economic opportunities, or participation in democratic processes, language plays a pivotal role in determining who is included and who is excluded.
In Bangladesh, the need to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education is particularly urgent. With over 40 languages spoken across the country, many of which belong to indigenous communities, ensuring that these languages are recognized, respected, and taught is key to achieving social equity. By integrating mother languages into formal and non-formal education, we not only empower individuals but also ensure that the vast cultural wealth these languages represent is preserved. In this context, UNESCO’s call to “Make Languages Count” is an appeal to recognize that every language carries with it unique knowledge systems, traditions, and worldviews that contribute to sustainable development.
For instance, in many indigenous communities, traditional knowledge related to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience is passed down through generations in the form of oral traditions. When these languages face extinction, so too does the invaluable knowledge they contain. Therefore, promoting linguistic diversity becomes not just a cultural issue but an environmental one, as we work to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Furthermore, the ability to communicate in one's mother tongue is closely tied to personal empowerment. People are more likely to engage in education, healthcare, and civic participation when they can do so in a language they understand and are comfortable with. This inclusivity is essential for the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in reducing poverty, improving education, and ensuring health and well-being.
Education is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, and language is its cornerstone. In Bangladesh, the medium of instruction in schools has largely been Bangla, which ensures that the majority of the population can access education. However, for many indigenous groups and linguistic minorities, their native languages are not incorporated into the formal education system. This exclusion limits their educational opportunities and, by extension, their chances of socio-economic mobility.
Studies show that children learn best in their mother tongue, especially in the early years of education. It is crucial, therefore, that we build a more inclusive education system, where multilingual education is promoted. This can be done through bilingual or multilingual curricula that integrate the mother languages of indigenous and minority communities alongside Bangla and English. By doing so, we will foster an environment where all children can thrive academically and socially, and where cultural diversity is celebrated.
At the same time, the digital divide remains a major challenge in Bangladesh. Many of the country’s indigenous languages are not represented online, in government services, or in media. Bridging this digital gap by ensuring that these languages are included in digital platforms is another critical step towards inclusivity and development.
The Need for Political and Cultural Commitment
As we honour the martyrs today, we must also recognize that the fight for language rights goes hand in hand with the broader struggle for social justice and equality. Linguistic diversity is a reflection of cultural diversity, and to protect the rights of linguistic minorities is to protect the cultural heritage of the entire nation.
The government, civil society, and educational institutions must work together to create policies and initiatives that promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education. This includes supporting the development of dictionaries, teaching materials, and literature in minority languages, and encouraging the inclusion of these languages in media and official communications. Efforts to promote linguistic rights must be integrated into national development plans, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Additionally, international cooperation plays a vital role. As a member of the global community, Bangladesh must actively participate in global forums that promote linguistic rights and advocate for the inclusion of indigenous languages in international development agendas. Language must be recognized not just as a means of communication but as a fundamental human right.
On this International Language Day, let us honour our language heroes by taking meaningful steps to ensure that language counts in all aspects of our society—from education to digital inclusion, from cultural preservation to sustainable development. By embracing linguistic diversity, we move closer to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. As we reflect on the past, let us also look ahead to a future where language is celebrated not only as a means of communication but as a powerful tool for development, unity, and peace.
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Every year on February 21, we commemorate the sacrifices of the language martyrs, those brave sons and daughters who gave their lives in the struggle to make Bangla the state language of then-Pakistan. This day, Shaheed Dibash (Martyrs’ Day), not only marks the heroism of these individuals but also reinforces the power of language as an instrument of identity, unity, and freedom. As we reflect on their sacrifices, we also recognize the immense role language plays in shaping our development and sustaining our culture.
The theme for this year's International Mother Language Day, as declared by UNESCO, "Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development," could not be more timely. It brings into sharp focus the crucial role that language plays in achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs) and promoting cultural diversity. This is a day to honour those who fought for the rights of people to communicate in their mother tongue, and simultaneously, it serves as a reminder of the necessity of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity for the future of global sustainability.
The legacy of the language martyrs is deeply embedded in the consciousness of every Bangladeshi. The martyrs of the 1952 language movement—Salam, Rafique, Shafique, Jabbar, and Barkat—did not merely fight for the recognition of Bangla as the state language; they fought for the dignity of the people, their cultural identity, and their right to education and expression. These martyrs laid the groundwork for the country’s independence, as their sacrifice inspired movements that ultimately led to the Liberation War in 1971. Their martyrdom, in the face of a colonial regime that sought to impose Urdu as the sole state language, symbolizes the unyielding spirit of the Bengali people to assert their right to communicate in their mother tongue.
It is in their honour that we commemorate this day every year. But beyond the ceremonies, wreath-laying, and tributes, the day should also serve as a reminder of the continuing relevance of language in shaping the future of this nation. The recognition of Bangla was a historic victory, but as we enter the 21st century, we must understand that the fight for linguistic rights is ongoing, especially as we strive to achieve the SDGs.
Language and Sustainable Development
UNESCO’s theme this year underscores the vital connection between language and sustainable development. Language is the foundation of communication, and communication is at the core of progress. Whether it is access to education, economic opportunities, or participation in democratic processes, language plays a pivotal role in determining who is included and who is excluded.
In Bangladesh, the need to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education is particularly urgent. With over 40 languages spoken across the country, many of which belong to indigenous communities, ensuring that these languages are recognized, respected, and taught is key to achieving social equity. By integrating mother languages into formal and non-formal education, we not only empower individuals but also ensure that the vast cultural wealth these languages represent is preserved. In this context, UNESCO’s call to “Make Languages Count” is an appeal to recognize that every language carries with it unique knowledge systems, traditions, and worldviews that contribute to sustainable development.
For instance, in many indigenous communities, traditional knowledge related to sustainable agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience is passed down through generations in the form of oral traditions. When these languages face extinction, so too does the invaluable knowledge they contain. Therefore, promoting linguistic diversity becomes not just a cultural issue but an environmental one, as we work to address the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Furthermore, the ability to communicate in one's mother tongue is closely tied to personal empowerment. People are more likely to engage in education, healthcare, and civic participation when they can do so in a language they understand and are comfortable with. This inclusivity is essential for the achievement of the SDGs, particularly in reducing poverty, improving education, and ensuring health and well-being.
Education is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, and language is its cornerstone. In Bangladesh, the medium of instruction in schools has largely been Bangla, which ensures that the majority of the population can access education. However, for many indigenous groups and linguistic minorities, their native languages are not incorporated into the formal education system. This exclusion limits their educational opportunities and, by extension, their chances of socio-economic mobility.
Studies show that children learn best in their mother tongue, especially in the early years of education. It is crucial, therefore, that we build a more inclusive education system, where multilingual education is promoted. This can be done through bilingual or multilingual curricula that integrate the mother languages of indigenous and minority communities alongside Bangla and English. By doing so, we will foster an environment where all children can thrive academically and socially, and where cultural diversity is celebrated.
At the same time, the digital divide remains a major challenge in Bangladesh. Many of the country’s indigenous languages are not represented online, in government services, or in media. Bridging this digital gap by ensuring that these languages are included in digital platforms is another critical step towards inclusivity and development.
The Need for Political and Cultural Commitment
As we honour the martyrs today, we must also recognize that the fight for language rights goes hand in hand with the broader struggle for social justice and equality. Linguistic diversity is a reflection of cultural diversity, and to protect the rights of linguistic minorities is to protect the cultural heritage of the entire nation.
The government, civil society, and educational institutions must work together to create policies and initiatives that promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education. This includes supporting the development of dictionaries, teaching materials, and literature in minority languages, and encouraging the inclusion of these languages in media and official communications. Efforts to promote linguistic rights must be integrated into national development plans, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Additionally, international cooperation plays a vital role. As a member of the global community, Bangladesh must actively participate in global forums that promote linguistic rights and advocate for the inclusion of indigenous languages in international development agendas. Language must be recognized not just as a means of communication but as a fundamental human right.
On this International Language Day, let us honour our language heroes by taking meaningful steps to ensure that language counts in all aspects of our society—from education to digital inclusion, from cultural preservation to sustainable development. By embracing linguistic diversity, we move closer to a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all. As we reflect on the past, let us also look ahead to a future where language is celebrated not only as a means of communication but as a powerful tool for development, unity, and peace.
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