Language Movement
The movement that won Bangla its place as a state language.
Compiled from encyclopedias and other published sources. I haven't checked every detail myself.
- Period
- 1948 to 1956
- Key date
- 21 February 1952
- Place
- Dhaka
- Remembered as
- Language Martyrs' Day; International Mother Language Day
Overview
After 1947, the government of Pakistan wanted Urdu as the only state language, although most people in East Bengal spoke Bangla. Students and others protested, and the demand grew into a movement.
On 21 February 1952, police fired on demonstrators in Dhaka, and several students and other protesters were killed. The Shaheed Minar was later built in their memory. Bangla was recognised as a state language in the 1956 constitution.
Today
UNESCO proclaimed 21 February International Mother Language Day in 1999, and it has been observed worldwide since 2000.