Jamaat ameer calls for use of Bangla at all levels
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami chief and the leader of the opposition in the parliament, Dr Shafiqur Rahman, today called for ensuring the use of Bangla at all levels of state and social life.
“February 21 is recognised as International Mother Language Day. It symbolises global respect and recognition for the language martyrs. To establish Bangla with due dignity, its use must be ensured at all levels of state and social life,” he said in a statement marking the Language Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day.
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He stressed the need for continued efforts to promote and protect Bangla language and culture, saying only through such initiatives could the aspirations of the Language Movement martyrs be fulfilled.
The statement said in 1952 the students and the youth of the country launched a historic movement against the then ruling authorities, demanding Bangla be recognised as a state language. To suppress the movement, law enforcement agencies of the then government opened indiscriminate fire on demonstrators. Several people, including students of University of Dhaka, embraced martyrdom.
“The nation will forever remember with deep respect their sacrifice in establishing the dignity of the Bangla language. I pray to Almighty Allah for the forgiveness of their souls,” the statement quoted him as saying.
The statement further said the nation is set to observe Mother Language Day at a time when a new government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has been established.
However, it alleged that associates of the “fallen fascist regime” are still attempting to destabilise the country.
Urging people to remain united in confronting such conspiracies and plots, Shafiqur said, “People expect that the government, led by new Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, will ensure democracy, rule of law, human rights, voting rights, and freedom of expression in the country. It is also the government’s responsibility to create an environment where people can move freely with safety and security of life, property, and dignity.”
On the occasion of February 21, he called upon all units of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the country’s people to observe the day with due solemnity through discussion meetings and prayer programmes.
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