With language day just behind us, it is an apt time to reflect on the fact that Bangladesh is a nation that is enormously proud of its linguistic heritage. Our struggle to preserve the rights to our mother tongue has even resonated at the global level anda few years ago UNESCO adopted February 21st as international mother language day. In this context, it is right to ask the question of how we ourselves are treating the language rights of minorities and indigenous people.
Currently there are more than 45 indigenous groups in Bangladesh, most of whom do not use the Bengali script and are struggling to preserve their language from extinction. Not only are these languages not taught in schools, communities even lack the facilities to print these books in Bangladesh which would help in teaching the next generation.
While some language centres have been set up by international NGOs, these are too few in number to have a meaningful impact and more systemic help is needed from the government.
Recognition of local languages will help indigenous and minority communities make their voices heard and it will allow us to learn from their cultural heritage, which will in turn enrich Bangladeshi culture as a whole. It will also go a long way towards enabling better dialogue and harmonious coexistence between Bengalis and minority communities.
As a nation with a history of struggle for its language it is only appropriate that we take a more inclusive stance towards therights of minority communities to their linguistic heritage.