The event, held at EMK Center opened with an enthralling instrumental musical programme featuring “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano” and “Dhono Dhaney Pushpo Bhora” performed by the Classical Music Academy.
Dhaka University history department Professor Mesbah Kamal spoke at the event, pointing out why mother tongue based multi-lingual education is necessary, especially for the indigenous communities in Bangladesh.
“Language is an important tool for the history and culture of any community. The protection and care of languages is needed,” he said, adding that this will also help indigenous children learn how to read and write in their own languages.
Rights activist Muktasree Chakma Sathi raised her concerns about the ongoing bullying that the indigenous people still face due to their distinct cultures, clothing and languages.
“Bangalis who are proud of being the one and only nation who shed blood for their language should understand that indigenous people love their own languages as well,” said Muktasree, who is also the founder of Supporting People and Rebuilding Communities
Welcoming the recent initiative of the government to introduce textbooks for five groups of indigenous communities, Muktasree also mentioned that many schools in the Chittagong Hill Tracts are yet to receive such books.
US Embassy Dhaka employee Bimol Nokrek performed songs in the Mandi language while another employee, David Dávila performed a patriotic Spanish song as well as”Ami Banglay Gaan Gai.”
Friday, March 28, 2025
