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The United Nations (UN) is the world body of all nations established for human welfare and peace. The UN and organizations under the system, have given recognition to various days of the year (in the field of peace, development, human welfare and so on) in observing them as "International Days". The struggle the Bangalees waged to uphold the exalted position of Bangla, attracted the attention of the international community. A Canada-based NGO "Mother Language Lovers of the World" and expatriate Bangalee community first submitted a proposal to the UN Secretary General to declare the Twenty First February (the day, the Bangalees made supreme sacrifice for state language status of Bangla) as the "International Mother Language Day" and then to the DG, UNESCO. The UNESCO in its turn opined that such a proposal could be considered if it is sent by a National Commission member state of the UNESCO. On the basis of the opinion of the UNESCO, "Mother Language Lovers of the World" requested Bangladesh Govt. to send a proposal in this regard.

Realising the gravity of the matter, Bangladesh Government formally send the proposal to the UNESCO on 09 Sept 1999.

 

The Bangladesh proposal was sent for consideration to the Commission II by the Language Division of the UNESCO. As a result of the untiring efforts and ceaseless activities of the group of Bangladesh representatives, Commission II of the UNESCO on 16 November, 1999 passed the proposal and placed it before the General Assembly. On 17 November, 1999 the UNESCO on consensus of all member-states declared Twenty First February as the International Mother Language Day; and made it mandatory for the UNESCO HQs as well as for all member-states to observe the day. The UNESCO’s declaration brought rare honor for Bangladesh. Bangalee nation, people of Bangladesh and for the Bangla language.
 

A country occupying a very small space on the world map was bestowed such unprecedented deferential treatment. The Bangalee nation remembers with deep gratitude and pride the story of their ancestors’ great struggle and sacrifice "Ekushe February" the pride of Bangladesh and its international recognition has proved once again that the struggle to achieve something great remains through ages unforgettable. The UNESCO’s declaration of Twenty First February as International Mother Language Day has entrusted a lot of responsibilities on Bangladesh and the Bangalees. Upholding and making this rare honour more prestigious is keenly felt by all quarters.
 

Immediately after UNESCO’s recognition of Twenty First February as International mother Language Day, the Govt. of Bangladesh announced the following steps to be taken by the Govt.
 

a)

Bangladesh will establish an International Mother Language Research Centre.
 

b)

This Center will provide all facilities for training in all important languages; all the languages will be stored and research work will be conducted for attaining excellence of languages.
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