It was 72 years ago when, on the morning of February 21, 1952, students and protesters gathered at the premises of Dhaka University in defiance of Section 144 of unlawful assembly to protest the imposition of Urdu as the only state language in then East Pakistan.
It was among the most pivotal moments in our history as a nation, a historic movement that eventually gave Bangla the official recognition the people demanded. Almost half a century later, February 21 was officially proclaimed by UNESCO as International Mother Language Day.
As we commemorate the solemn occasion of Ekushey, it is worth reminding ourselves each year that the significance of this day transcends mere remembrance. It is a day of reflection, a day to reaffirm our commitment to the ideals that sparked the flame of our nationhood. The sacrifices of the language martyrs on this day in 1952 were not only for the recognition of Bangla as our mother tongue but also for the preservation of our cultural identity and the pursuit of justice and equality.
Much has changed in the 72 years since that fateful day. Bangladesh as it stands is no longer at the mercy of Pakistan nor any other nation, but is an independent economy that has defied expectations and beliefs since its independence in 1971.
Today, it is soon to graduate from a Least Developed Country (LDC) and aims to become a high-income, prosperous, and equitable Smart Bangladesh by 2041. However, for us to be successful in this pursuit of the ultimate goal, it is imperative that we embody the spirit of Ekushey in our endeavours. The spirit of Ekushey is not merely a historical event but a guiding principle that should continue to shape our national ethos and development trajectory.
Bangladesh faces several barriers on its path to achieving these lofty goals. One of the foremost challenges is ensuring inclusive growth that leaves no one behind, which we are committed to with respect to the Sustainable Development Goals of 2030. Despite significant progress in poverty reduction and human development, disparities persist, particularly in rural areas. Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Certain challenges have also worsened, none more so than the challenge of climate change, which poses an existential threat to Bangladesh. As a low-lying deltaic country, Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, including sea-level rise, cyclones, and floods. Building climate resilience and adopting sustainable development practices are critical for Bangladesh's long-term development, as is its important voice for the Global South in fighting for climate justice .
With each passing year, ensuring good governance, transparency, and accountability become more and more essential for sustainable development. Corruption and inefficiency in public institutions have unquestionably undermined development efforts and eroded public trust, holding us back from reaching our full potential as a nation. Strengthening institutions and promoting a culture of accountability must be key priorities for Bangladesh's development agenda.
As Bangladesh strives to achieve its development goals, it must also remember to preserve and promote its cultural identity. Our language, literature, music, and arts are integral parts of our national heritage and must be safeguarded for future generations.
We owe it to the martyrs of Ekushey to ensure that, regardless of how developed or “smart” we become as a nation, we never shy away from embracing our cultural diversity and celebrating our heritage - this is a matter of national pride and unity.
As we commemorate Ekushey February, let us remember the sacrifices of the language martyrs and rededicate ourselves to the ideals they stood for. By embodying the spirit of Ekushey in our actions and policies, we can build a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Bangladesh.
