Today marks International Mother Language Day, a historic and solemn occasion commemorating the sacrifices made for linguistic rights. On this day in 1952, the brave sons of Bengal laid down their lives on the streets of Dhaka to protect the dignity of their mother tongue, Bengali. This movement, unparalleled in world history, eventually led to the independence of Bangladesh. However, after 73 years, concerns remain about the preservation of this rich history.

Even after decades, a comprehensive list of Language Movement martyrs and activists has not been compiled. Despite multiple initiatives, an official and complete list of language martyrs remains absent. Many unsung heroes who stood fearlessly against oppression, demanding “Bangla as the state language,” are still unknown to newer generations. Moreover, many historical sites and monuments related to the Language Movement are at risk of disappearing due to neglect. Not all the graves of the language martyrs have been identified or properly preserved, and many crucial landmarks remain unrecognized.

The iconic song “Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February” continues to resonate in the hearts of Bengalis worldwide, ensuring that the spirit of Ekushey February lives on. Today, people across the country will participate in Prabhat Pheri (early morning processions), and Shaheed Minars nationwide will be adorned with floral tributes.

On this occasion, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, emphasized the government’s commitment to honoring linguistic and cultural heritage. At 12:01 AM, President Md. Shahabuddin, followed by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, laid wreaths at the Central Shaheed Minar, paying homage to the language martyrs.

The Unfinished Effort to Document Language Martyrs

Despite efforts to compile a definitive list, uncertainty persists about the exact number of language martyrs. While Abul Barkat, Abdul Jabbar, Salam, Shafiq, and Rafiq are officially recognized, historical evidence suggests more individuals lost their lives in the struggle. Some martyrs’ bodies were never recovered, and many graves remain unmarked. The Language Movement Memorial Preservation Council has been advocating for the identification and conservation of these graves, along with renaming streets and public places in honor of the martyrs.

In 2010, a High Court writ petition prompted the government to take steps toward compiling a full list, leading to a 2012 gazette notification recognizing 68 individuals as Language Movement Soldiers. However, further progress has been stagnant. Experts stress the urgency of documenting this history accurately to prevent distortion and ensure future generations understand the sacrifices made for linguistic freedom.

A Global Recognition of the Language Movement

On November 17, 1999, UNESCO officially declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day, following a proposal from Bangladesh. Since 2000, the day has been observed globally under the auspices of the United Nations, celebrating linguistic diversity and promoting the preservation of mother tongues worldwide.

Government Efforts to Standardize Bengali

The Bangla Language Implementation Cell (BABAKO) has been actively working on standardizing Bengali in legal and administrative documents. Over the past five years, 285 laws, regulations, and policies have been translated and standardized, with 20 additional laws completed in 2024 alone. However, the initiative faces challenges such as limited resources, insufficient manpower, and lack of office space.

Despite these obstacles, efforts continue to uphold the legacy of the Language Movement, ensuring that the sacrifices of Ekushey February are never forgotten and that Bengali remains a symbol of national pride and identity.