Bhasa Dibas, also known as International Mother Language Day, is celebrated globally on February 21st every year. It commemorates the sacrifices made by the Bengali people in their fight for the recognition of their language, Bengali, as an official language of Pakistan in 1952.
History of Bhasa Dibas:
In 1947, when British India was partitioned into India and Pakistan, Bengali was the majority language in East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh). However, the Pakistani government declared Urdu as the sole national language, despite Bengali being spoken by the majority of the population. This decision sparked widespread protests and demonstrations in East Pakistan, led by students and intellectuals.
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On February 21st, 1952, police opened fire on peaceful protestors at Dhaka University, killing several students, including Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, and Jabbar. Their sacrifice became a symbol of the Bengali language movement and the fight for linguistic rights.
Significance of Bhasa Dibas:
Bhasa Dibas is a day to remember the martyrs of the language movement and to celebrate the importance of mother languages. It is a reminder of the right of every individual and community to use and preserve their own language.
Bhasa Dibas Celebrations:
Bhasa Dibas is observed with great passion and enthusiasm in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. Here are some of the ways in which the day is celebrated:
- National holiday: Bhasa Dibas is a national holiday in Bangladesh. Schools, colleges, and government offices remain closed.
- Floral tributes: People pay floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar in Dhaka, a monument dedicated to the language martyrs.
- Cultural programs: Cultural programs, including speeches, poetry recitals, and musical performances, are held throughout the day.
- Language rallies: Language rallies and marches are organized to promote linguistic diversity and the importance of mother languages.
- Educational events: Educational events and seminars are held to raise awareness about the history of the language movement and the importance of language rights.
Bhasa Dibas is a significant day that reminds us of the importance of our mother languages and the sacrifices made to protect them. It is a day to celebrate linguistic diversity and to promote the equal rights of all languages.
