Seventy-three years ago, the Bengali people in the eastern part of Pakistan engaged in peaceful demonstrations to safeguard their cultural identity and preserve their ancient language. Shortly after Pakistan’s inception, Mohammed Ali Jinnah proclaimed Urdu as the sole national language for both East and West Pakistan, a strategic move intended to diminish ethnic diversity within the country and unify the people under a single language that symbolized not only Islam but was also regarded as the language of the elite. At that time, the population of East Pakistan constituted more than 54% of the country’s total population, while Baluchistan occupied the largest land area in the western region. Urdu was primarily spoken by migrants from northern and central India who settled mostly in Karachi and a few elites in the Punjab region.
Languages hold critical importance not only in education but also for sustainable development, as they serve as primary means of knowledge transfer across generations and protect cultural identities. According to the United Nations, approximately 8,324 languages currently exist, with many facing the threat of extinction due to globalization and socio-political changes.
In direct opposition to the neo-colonialist approach of West Pakistani administrators and their collaborators in the east, students from Dhaka University initiated protests to ensure the recognition of Bengali as one of the national languages. The people of Bangladesh, representing a diverse religious community unified by a common language and cultural representation, witnessed a tragic event on February 21, 1952, when police fired upon protest rallies. This resulted in the deaths of Abdus Salam, Abul Barkat, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, and Shafiur Rahman, with hundreds more injured. This incident stands out in history as a rare occasion where individuals gave their lives for their mother tongue. On November 17, 1999, UNESCO’s 30th General Assembly declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day to honor those who sacrificed their lives on that day in 1952.
Currently, Bangladesh finds itself at a critical point in its history, facing threats from religious and fundamentalist forces attempting to disrupt the societal fabric and impose an Arabic influence under the guise of revolution. It is essential to recall that the language movement focused solely on the right to speak one’s native language, unassociated with any political party or ideology. The rising animosity towards this ideology has led to increased targeting of minorities, liberal groups, and individuals of diverse gender identities. The Bengali way of life may need to undergo another test to preserve its rich cultural and linguistic heritage.
Additionally, reports indicate a lack of due process for minorities, with a witch hunt against political opponents occurring under the pretext of state security. February 21 remains a culturally significant day for Bengalis worldwide, regardless of their religious beliefs, caste, or identity, a testament to the enduring memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Despite attempts by fundamentalists to challenge this spirit, the essence of Amar Ekush (Immortal 21st February) endures and inspires global recognition and support for the right to one’s mother tongue.
Certain extremist groups, such as Jamaat E Islami, were defeated by the non-communal spirit of the Bengalis, although attempts to destroy martyr monuments, such as the one in 32 Dhanmondi, illustrate ongoing challenges. The freedom fighters’ sacrifices led to the independence of Bangladesh, emerging victorious against West Pakistani invaders supported by China and America.
Ekush February represents the non-communal, collective consciousness of the Bengali people. The language movement, not an isolated event, laid the groundwork for the later independence movement and secular nationalism. Thus, despite celebrations by fundamentalists today, the awareness of Amar Ekush will continue to guide Bengalis toward progress, acting as a lighthouse for their future endeavors.
Priyajit Debsarkar, based in the UK, is the author of a recent book on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.