As soon as 21st February comes, government policy makers become vocal and issue statements on implementing Bengali at all levels. Last year, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had laid emphasis on literary translation while inaugurating the Amar Ekushey Book Fair. Literary translation refers to the translation of the best works of Bengali into foreign languages and vice versa, but we do not know whether any initiative has been taken on this matter in the last year.
Apart from Bengali, there are people of other languages in Bangladesh. If we have to establish the dignity of our mother tongue, then the rights of people of other languages will also have to be established. The International Mother Tongue Institute was established to introduce the people of Bangladesh to different languages as well as to conduct research and practice on those languages. This was an excellent initiative, but the activities of the Institute are largely limited to formalities and this is by no means desirable.
If we truly become respectful towards the language martyrs then we should not limit 21st February to mere rituals but should understand its meaning. The dignity of Bangla should be established at every level, and work should also be done for the development of the languages of other people living in Bangladesh. Private companies should also come forward along with the government. If needed, we will learn any language, but not by neglecting our mother tongue.
Everyone in the country should be inspired by the spirit of Amar Ekushey.