My pride, my hope. AA-mori Bengali language!' There is no other language as sweet as Bengali in the world. The sweetness and importance of Bengali language is not only limited to 1 lakh 48 thousand square miles.
Although the people of many countries sacrificed themselves to be free, no one had an idea that anyone would have to die for the language! The sons of Bengali mothers got the honor of giving life for the first language in the world.
The movement started in February. Although the movement went on for several rounds, unarmed Bengali students were shot in the chest by the police and the streets were drenched in blood. So the year 1952 is the period of awakening of Bengalis. The foundation of independent Bangladesh was established on February 21 of this year. It was on that day that a small country began to wake up, gain independence and become known to the world.
In 1999, UNESCO recognized 21st February as International Mother Language. This honor is simultaneously a joy and a pain. This memorable date is associated with Bengalis and the existence of Bengal. Turning the golden pages of history can be seen, the memories of the martyrs are still wet in the blood!
After the partition of the Indian subcontinent in 1947, two independent states, Hindustan and Pakistan, were born. Independent Pakistan was established on the eastern and western sides of Hindustan on the basis of religious majority. With that, two separate states of Pakistan, East Pakistan and West Pakistan were created. Pakistan was formed by the combination of 4 crore 40 lakh people of East Pakistan and 6 crore 90 people of West Pakistan. However, since the partition, the disparity between the two states began to be noticed. Even though it was a state of the same country, Bengalis were deprived in all aspects of government, administration and economy, military. The first protest against that discrimination took place in 1952.
Bengalis were optimistic about the newly created state. However, the discriminating West Pakistanis throw sand of despair in the eyes that are shining in the dream of potential which started with language. Bengali was the mother tongue of 54 percent of people in Pakistan. But the Pakistanis strongly refused to give Bengali the honor of the state language. Attempts were even made to completely erase Bengali from the national currency and postage stamps. Forced to cripple the Bengali linguistically, any opportunity should not be missed! West Pakistani leaders are seen to take such a decision. So besides being disappointed with the newly formed state, anger started building up in the minds of Bengalis.
Although two states of the same country, the dominance of the western part of Pakistan emerged from the beginning. Karachi was made the capital of Pakistan. It was announced at the National Education Conference of the new state that only Urdu would be the official language of Pakistan. It is recommended to use only one language in schools, offices and also in the media.
The decision was immediately contested in the East. The people of Dhaka joined the rally under the leadership of Abul Kashem, the founder of Tamuddin Majlis. Demands to recognize Bengali as another state language of Pakistan continued. But West Pakistan was adamant. Their 'Public Service Commission of Pakistan' approved list did not include Bengali names. The angry Bengalis decided to take any step to give Bengali the status of the state language. On December 8, 1947, the students formally raised this demand in the premises of Dhaka University. The procession and agitation continued.
On March 21, 1948, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, announced that Urdu would be the sole language of Pakistan. Immediately the Bengalis protested. Even after Jinnah's death, the dispute between the two sides of Pakistan continued over making Bengali the state language. The resolute Bengalis carried out the movement stop by stop which continued for several years.
The final fuel was added on January 26, 1952. In a rally in Dhaka, the final declaration was made, 'Urdu and Urdu will be the only national language of Pakistan.' On February 21 (Falgun 8 of 1358 in Bengal), Bengalis called for a general strike on this demand. Announcing the cancellation of meetings and marches with the imposition of section 144 to suppress the strike.
Young students were fired upon for disobeying government orders. Many students including Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, Jabbar, Shafiur were martyred. Many were arrested. Everyone gathered at Dhaka Medical College to insult the independence of the independent nation. On February 22, the general public including students also gathered and mourned the martyrs. Shaheed Minar was built next to the medical college overnight on February 23.
On February 26, the Shaheed Minar was demolished and the martyrs were insulted. Hardliner Pakistan is determined not to let the Bengalis raise their heads. The picture changed somewhat in 1954. If the United Front wins the election, let the Bengalis get relief. On February 29, 1956, the constitution was amended. There Bengali is given the honor of state language along with Urdu. Although the movement and sacrifices were successful for several years, the Bengalis realized that their struggle had only just begun. They have no freedom in their own country, rather discrimination.
Until the 90s, 21st February was observed as Martyrs Day of Bengal. However, since gaining international recognition and respect for the respective languages worldwide. Currently around 27 to 28 crore people speak Bengali in the world.