RIYADH, 21 February 2007 — Every year, Feb. 21 is observed as the International Mother Language Day throughout the world. For Bangladesh it has great significance because the sacrifices made on this day spurred the movement that culminated in the independence of the country.
The movement began with the creation of Pakistan. Majority of the people of East Pakistan were Bengalis, who spoke Bangla but Pakistani authorities decided to make Urdu the national language of Pakistan.
The decision to make Urdu the state language triggered protests from Bangalis who launched a movement for the recognition of Bangla as an official language besides Urdu. A nationwide general strike was called on Feb. 21, 1952. A number of students were killed by the police during the protest on that day.
