US Representative Grace Meng has announced that she reintroduced a measure in Congress that seeks to promote International Mother Language Day, a holiday that holds special significance to Bangladesh and those of Bangladeshi descent.
“More Americans should know about International Mother Language Day and the significance of this observance, and my resolution would help increase that awareness,” said Meng.
Meng, who represents New York's 6th congressional district in New York City, called on the House of Representatives to support the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day through a resolution.
“It would also highlight the importance that this commemoration has to those of Bangladeshi descent. I am proud and fortunate to represent such outstanding and vibrant Bangladeshi American community here in Queens, and I will continue my efforts to bring more attention to this observance that holds special significance to them. I am proud to once again introduce this resolution,” her statement says.
The resolution supports the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe it with appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities.
International Mother Language Day is celebrated every February 21st across the world after the Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the day on 1999 to increase awareness of linguistic diversity and multilingualism.
“It would also highlight the importance that this commemoration has to those of Bangladeshi descent. I am proud and fortunate to represent such outstanding and vibrant Bangladeshi American community here in Queens, and I will continue my efforts to bring more attention to this observance that holds special significance to them. I am proud to once again introduce this resolution,” she added.
The celebration date, February 21, was chosen to commemorate the day in 1952 in Bangladesh where students were killed while demonstrating for recognition of Bengali as a national language of the-then West Pakistan, now Bangladesh.
Meng has sponsored the resolution during the past four Congresses.
International Mother Language Day was established by UNESCO after adopting a resolution that was submitted by Bangladesh and co-sponsored by 28 other countries.
The day is a national holiday in Bangladesh and is referred to there as the Language Movement Day.
