On February 21, 1952, our country stood up against an oppressive force that wanted to crush our right to speak our mother tongue. But we rose up, we fought, and we prevailed.
Today, nearly seven decades later, many languages around the world find themselves on the verge of extinction. Within our own borders, a number of indigenous languages are under threat. On Ekushey Feburary, it is pertinent to ask: Are we doing enough to save these languages, and uphold the basic rights of those who use them?
Over 40 different languages are used in Bangladesh, but the average Bangladeshi would be hard pressed to name more than a handful of them. Many existing communities speak a language other than Bangla at home.
We must learn to fully acknowledge and respect the diversity of languages in our country, and take forward the attempts to preserve these languages. For example, there have been recent attempts to publish and distribute textbooks in various indigenous languages, but so far, the success has been limited, and the gesture has been symbolic at best.
The oppression faced by various minority communities goes beyond language: They have suffered much, seeing their land grabbed, their communities attacked, their culture marginalized. No community, regardless of what language they speak, or customs they adhere to, deserves to be treated in such a manner.
This year, let us be true to the spirit of Ekushey, and extend to all communities and all languages the respect we demand for ourselves.
