UNESCO has declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day in honor of whose struggle and sacrifice?
UNESCO has declared February 21st as International Mother Language Day in honor of the struggle and sacrifice of language activists, particularly those in Bangladesh, who advocated for the recognition of their mother tongue, Bangla, leading to the Language Movement of 1952.
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UNESCO declared February 21st as International Mother Language Day in honor of the struggle and sacrifice of language activists in Bangladesh. This recognition pays homage to the Language Movement of 1952 when people advocated for the recognition of their mother tongue, Bangla, amid political and cultural tensions. The movement aimed to establish Bangla as the official language, challenging the imposition of Urdu.
Tragically, during a protest on February 21, 1952, several activists lost their lives when police opened fire. The sacrifices made during this movement underscore the importance of linguistic diversity and the right to preserve one’s mother language. International Mother Language Day serves as a global initiative to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, emphasizing the vital role languages play in fostering mutual understanding, tolerance, and preserving heritage, fostering a sense of identity and belonging for communities worldwide.