International Mother Language Day 2013

En français
It's time again to celebrate International Mother Language Day. One main event is held in UEC campus in Chofu today. Here is a word about the history this day by Khan Md Anwarus Salam:

February 21 was declared as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. But do you know about the History of International Mother Language Day? Why February 21 was chosen? International Mother Language Day originated as the international recognition of Language Movement Day, which has been commemorated in Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan) since 1952, when a number of Dhaka university students were killed by the Pakistani police and army in Dhaka during the Bengali Language Movement. This is the only event where people give their lives to keep the independence of using their mother language. To remember them there is a monument named Language Martyr's Monument (Shahid Minar) in Dhaka University, Bangladesh. Every year more than a million people give flowers there. This is a big event in Bangladesh. Many foreigners visit Bangladesh just to experience the way of Bangladeshi people give respect to those brave hearts. In every town of Bangladesh has Language Martyr's Monument, where local people gives flowers. Language Martyr's Monument is also built in Ikebukoro park of Tokyo- Japan. There are more than one Language Martyr's Monument in USA, UK, Italy and many other countries. Please think about your Mother Language not only in February 21 but also in other days.
See this video :

Language Martyr's Monument (Shahid Minar) in Dhaka University, Bangladesh

If you did not hear about Bengali or bangla before then for your information: With nearly 230 million total speakers, Bengali is the 5th most spoken language in the world. Regulated by Bangla Academy, Bangladesh.

For more information stop by the International Mother Language Day facebook page.