The Language Movement
How language movement paved the way to the independence of Bangladesh?
The movement played a great role in subsequent independence of Bangladesh in 1971 in a number of ways.
First, The language issue had huge economic implications for Bengalis (See the related article on BBC Bangla). If only Urdu was made the national language of Pakistan, the Bengalis of East Pakistan would lag behind in terms of government jobs in different sectors including defense forces. The Bengali Muslims supported the cause of Pakistan for their economic freedom and development. The insistence of Urdu by the rulers disappointed the Bengali people from the very outset. The culturally oppressive decision by the central government led to form and strengthen the language based national identity among east Pakistani people.
Second, every year the celebration of Shaheed Day on 21st February to commemorate the sacrifice of the martyrs` of the movement organized the people of East Pakistan especially the youth against all types of oppression of the West Pakistani rulers. The unique style of the celebration was very significant in keeping the memory of the sacrifice of the martyrs and the cultural oppression of West Pakistan vivid among people and increasing patriotic sentiments of people.
For example the popular Bengali song "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano" is so touching that it used to give and still gives goose bumps and creates a strong feeling of capacity to withstand all oppression among the audience.
Comments
Post a Comment