International Mother Language Day

Dear all,

Today, on February 21, 2026, we pause to commemorate and pay tribute to the brave souls who fought for and sacrificed their lives in 1952, advocating for the recognition of the Bengali language as a co-lingua franca in the then eastern Dominion of Pakistan (now Bangladesh). 

Their sacrifice, known as the Language Movement, became a defining moment in history, emphasizing that mother tongues are central to identity, culture, and rights. 

In recognition of this ultimate sacrifice and in support of ethnolinguistic rights worldwide, on 17 November 1999, UNESCO designated February 21 as International Mother Language Day. 

Let us take pride in our roots and respect the language of others.

Happy International Mother Language Day!

Best regards,

EC 2026
Bengali Cultural Society Cleveland