On the occasion of the Great Martyrs’ Day and International Mother Language Day 2025, Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus emphasized the profound significance of the language movement in shaping the nation’s path to independence. Addressing the gathering at the International Mother Language Institute, Yunus reflected on how the ‘Rashtrabhasha Bangla’ movement not only protected the dignity of Bengali but also laid the foundation for a non-communal, democratic, and language-based nation and state system.
Yunus remarked, “For Bengalis, Ekush represents a resolute commitment to resist all forms of oppression. The sacrifice made for the recognition of Bengali as the state language is unparalleled in history.” He pointed to February 21, 1952, as a day not just of sorrow, but of profound inspiration in the global struggle against injustice.
The Chief Adviser underscored the pivotal role of the International Mother Language Institute, established in 2001 with the mission to preserve and promote the spirit of linguistic diversity worldwide. Yunus emphasized that no matter how many languages one acquires, the connection to one’s mother tongue remains irreplaceable.
He also highlighted how the rise of technology and the global dominance of certain nations are linked to language. Referencing the historical spread of Russian after Sputnik’s launch and Chinese alongside China’s technological advancements, Yunus noted that a nation’s progress directly influences global interest in its language.
In closing, Yunus reiterated the importance of preserving all mother languages and the potential for unknown languages to change the world. He expressed his wishes for the continued success of the International Mother Language Institute.
