February 21 is observed globally as the ‘International Mother Language Day’ since 2000. For the sacrifice we made for the honour of our mother tongue, the United Nations has glorified it with the special status.
It is an occasion when the President, the Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, leaders of the opposition, other socio-political and cultural organizations pay homage to the Language Martyrs at Shaheed Minar. Diplomats place floral wreaths as a mark of respect to our Language Heroes. Bangla Academy opens month-long Book Fair and cultural festivities which is now an annual event. The Academy also announces new literary awards. It is a festivity of colour and cultural jubilation.
It is a weakness in us that we live in the past with past glory forgetting the importance of great achievements in building the future. The 21st February is not only for discussion on Bengali language in a narrow sense, it is the occasion to understand and work for the realisation of what it means to our identity as Bengalees. Our people did not sacrifice their lives for our mother tongue or for independence only to prove ourselves as back-boneless sycophants, tolerating the dominance of corruption and unable to protect our rights to live with honour and dignity of a free people.
