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International Mother Language Day
The 21st February is a red letter day in our history. It is observed as the Shaheed Day or Mother Language Day. Throughout the year of 1952 the students and general people of the then East Pakistan protested against the adamant declaration of the Pakistani leaders that "Urdu shall be the only state language of Pakistan." The Bangalis opposed and protested this unjust imposition and denial of the status of their mother tongue. They demanded for Bangla to be given the status of the state language. Their protests culminated on 21 February 1952 when the police fired on a procession brought by the students at Dhaka University campus. Some of valiant souls - Rafiq. Jabbar, Salam, Barkat were killed. They are the first martyrs in the world for the cause of language. This blood-shedding is the historical 21st February. Since then the day is being observed as Shaheed Dibash. Through their sacrifices and blood, the martyrs brought home their demand for the status of Mother Language. In recognition of the struggle and sacrifices of the heroic Bangalis, and to promote and sustain every language in the world the UNESCO declared 21st February as International Mother Language Day in 1999. Since then the day is observed with honour and solemnity throughout the world.
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