Why February 21 Still Defines Bangladesh: Inside the 1952 Language Movement

Every year on February 21, Bangladesh pauses in solemn remembrance.

The day is not merely a tribute to the martyrs of 1952, it is a reaffirmation of identity, sacrifice and the enduring power of language in shaping a nation.

What happened on February 21, 1952 and why did it change history?

On this day in 1952, young students in Dhaka took to the streets to defend the dignity of their mother tongue, Bangla. The then West Pakistani regime had declared Urdu as the sole state language of Pakistan, a move that sparked widespread outrage in erstwhile East Pakistan.

Students protesting the decision were met with bullets. Several were killed when the regime opened fire on demonstrators. Yet the movement only intensified. Their sacrifice ultimately compelled the authorities to recognize Bengali as a state language, a victory that laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s distinct national consciousness.

In 1999, UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day, giving global recognition to the sacrifices made in Dhaka decades earlier.

How does Bangladesh commemorate the Language Movement today?

In the early hours of the day, President Shahabuddin Ahmed and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman paid floral tributes at the Central Shaheed Minar in Dhaka. Soon after, thousands of barefoot citizens — men and women from all walks of life, representing political parties, social organizations and cultural groups — gathered to offer flowers and sing the immortal song, "Amar bhaier rokte rangano Ekushey February, ami ki bhulite pari?" ("My brother's blood-stained 21st February -- can I ever forget?").

In his message, President Shahabuddin said, "This unjust attempt to suppress the mother tongue awakened a profound national resolve, as students and citizens of erstwhile East Pakistan, today's Bangladesh, rose in solemn defiance. Through supreme sacrifice, they secured the right to their mother tongue, giving birth to our distinct national consciousness."

"In 1999, Martyrs' Day was accorded international recognition as International Mother Language Day, a moment of profound pride for our nation. Today, the spirit of Ekushey continues to serve as a constant source of inspiration for people across the world in safeguarding their own languages and cultures," he added.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman echoed similar sentiments. "The Language Movement not only established the right to our mother tongue but also laid a strong foundation for the essence of national sovereignty based on a unifying language, democratic aspirations, and cultural identity," he said in a separate message.

What does Ekushey mean for Bangladesh — and the world — today?

Beyond state ceremonies, ordinary citizens see February 21 as a living symbol of resistance and cultural pride.

Speaking exclusively to ANI, Sunzida Sultan, Additional Executive Director of Karmojibi Nari, said, "On International Mother Language Day, I would like to say that our leaders led this movement to ensure that Bangla would be recognized as our mother language. During the Pakistan period, the government tried to impose Urdu on our people, but we did not agree. We carried out a massive movement for our mother language, Bangla. Although political and socio-political conditions change and sometimes slow progress, we, the Bengali people, believe we will succeed and uphold the vision of the Language Movement."

Tajwar Mahmid, a private employee, reflected on the enduring legacy. "In 1952, students and ordinary people gathered here to protest against the language oppression of the then Pakistani government. They sacrificed their lives to uphold the Bengali language and the culture and heritage of Bangladesh. Even after 74 years, people of all ages from across the country continue to come to this sacred place to pay tribute to the language martyrs."

"There are still areas where we can improve in upholding our culture, heritage, and the Bengali language. We should take pride in our mother tongue rather than relying excessively on international languages, especially English. Although efforts are being made by the government and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs to promote Bengali language and culture, more can be done," he said further.

He concluded with a broader message: "February 21 is no longer just a single day; it has become a symbol of respect for all languages and cultures around the globe. The sacrifices made by the people of Bangladesh have come to represent the equal dignity and pride of all mother languages worldwide. No language should dominate another -- all languages and cultures deserve equal respect. This is what February 21 teaches us."

Manidra Kumar Nath, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council, also underlined the day’s significance. "Today, along with our affiliated organizations, we have come to pay respect on Language Martyrs' Day. On this occasion, we hope for equality, justice, and fair treatment for all communities in Bangladesh. If equality and justice are ensured, the country will progress properly."

"For a long time, minority communities have suffered in various ways and faced many attacks and atrocities. After the formation of the present government and the recent elections, we hope that all communities -- Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Adivasis, and others -- will receive equal treatment and their rightful protections," he added further.

Seventy-four years after the bullets rang out in Dhaka, February 21 remains more than remembrance. It is a reminder that language is identity, dignity and sovereignty — not just for Bangladesh, but for the world.

(With inputs from ANI)