The Language Movement is the movement for the rights to speak in Bengali, the mother tongue of Bengali people. The whole nation was united to achieve the rights to express their rights earlier in 1948. The movement got pace in 1952. After a lot of struggle Bengali was declared as one of the state languages in 1956.
A great movement by the all walks of the people of the then East Pakistan was successful after a lot of sacrifices.
Since 1952, 21 February has been observed every year to commemorate the martyrs of the Language Movement. The UNESCO adopted a resolution on November 17, 1999 proclaiming 21 February as International Mother Language Day. It is an honour bestowed by the international community on the Language Movement of Bangladesh.
The students of the University of Dhaka and other political activists defied the law and organised a protest on February 21 in 1952. The movement reached its climax when police killed student demonstrators on that day.
Bengali is a very significant language for its own glory and abundance. Moreover, the traditional literary works of Bengali have added superfluous value of the language. The mother tongue of all Bengalis was achieved with blood and struggle. It is an honour for us that we are Bengali and Bangla is our mother tongue.
