A history of Language Movement in Bangladesh

 A history of Language Movement in Bangladesh

The language movement in Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) was a political and cultural movement that took place in the 1940s and 1950s, leading to the recognition of Bangla, the native language of the majority of the people, as a national and official language. The movement was a protest against the imposition of Urdu as the sole official language of East Pakistan by the ruling West Pakistan.

The movement gained momentum in 1948 when students in Dhaka held a rally on February 21st to protest the government's decision. The police opened fire on the rally, killing several students and sparking nationwide outrage. This event, now known as International Mother Language Day, is celebrated annually in Bangladesh as a symbol of the struggle for language rights.

The language movement continued to gain widespread support, with protests and demonstrations taking place throughout East Pakistan. Despite opposition and repression by the government, the movement succeeded in its demand in 1956, with Bangla being recognized as one of the two national languages of East Pakistan.

After the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, Bangla was made the sole official language of the country. The language movement is considered a defining moment in the history of Bangladesh and is celebrated as a symbol of national identity, cultural heritage, and resistance against oppression.