Editorial
Ami Ki Bhulite Pari?
Let us honour our language in a meaningful way
There can be no doubt of the centrality of February 21 to the Bangladeshi identity. February 21, 1952 was more than just a movement for the Bangla language, it laid the foundation for the sense of Bangladeshi nationhood that found full expression nineteen years later. Ekushey was a vital turning point in the history of the movement for a distinct cultural and linguistic identity that set us inexorably on the road to full independence and nationhood.This is why we commemorate the events of that fateful day and honour the memory of the fallen martyrs. Those who gave their lives that day were fighting not just for the freedom from colonial domination, but were striking a blow for the right of self-determination -- in all its manifestations. The message of February 21 is that freedom is indivisible and that the freedom to speak and read and write in one's own language is the most basic and fundamental freedom of all. But now is also the time to reflect on how well we have honoured the sacrifices of the martyrs of the Language Movement and how well we continue to honour the rich history and tradition of our beloved language. February 21 brings out the best in us and no one can fail to feel proud and moved by the celebrations at the Shaheed Minar and elsewhere around the country as the event is memorialised with due solemnity. But we should take seriously the idea that Bangla deserves our respect and support every day of the year. One way in which to truly honour Bangla is to ensure full literacy of the population. How can we say that we honour our language if its deep literary tradition remains out of the reach of millions? In addition, the teaching of Bangla has deteriorated to the point that the general standard of written and spoken Bangla leaves much to be desired. This must change. Similarly, honouring Bangla means that the publication and production of books should be given top priority, with Bangla translations of world epics and classics widely available, and vice versa. There are so many ways in which we can strengthen Bangla and in doing so meaningfully accord it the honour it deserves. Let us use this February 21 as an opportunity to make a vow to reenergise and reinvigorate our language, to extend the gift of literacy to all, and to bring about an explosion of creativity and inventiveness that will truly do honour to the language and the martyrs of 1952.
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