February 21âA date, a history, an emotion. This day is not just significant for Bangladesh but also stands as a global symbol of the right to linguistic freedom. On this day in 1952, the Bengali people sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue, allowing us to proudly speak in Bengali today.
International Mother Language Day & Martyrs’ Day 2025
The Background of the Language Movement
The people of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) spoke Bengali, but the Pakistan government attempted to impose Urdu as the only state language. In protest, students and the general public launched a movement. On February 21, 1952, police opened fire on protesters in Dhaka, killing Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, Jabbar, and many unnamed language martyrs. Their sacrifice forced the government to recognize Bengali as a state language.
Recognition as International Mother Language Day
Sacrificing lives for the right to speak one’s mother tongue is a rare event in world history. Recognizing this, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day in 1999, and it has been observed globally since 2000.
Martyrs’ Day & International Mother Language Day 2025
International Mother Language Day & Martyrs’ Day 2025. Every year, Bangladesh and various other countries commemorate this day with great respect. In 2025, the day holds even greater significance as the importance of language continues to grow. New initiatives are being undertaken to preserve linguistic diversity, uphold language rights, and enrich Bengali in digital platforms.
Preserving Our Mother Language: What We Can Do
- Promote the use of Bengali in literature, culture, and technology
- Ensure that the younger generation learns and uses proper Bengali
- Create high-quality Bengali content and expand its presence on digital platforms
Our mother tongue is deeply connected to our identity. In honor of those who sacrificed their lives for language, let us practice proper Bengali and uphold its dignity.
“Amar bhaiyer rokto ranga Ekushe February,
Ami ki bhulite pari?”