21 February In Bangladesh

February 21 is an important day in the history of Bangladesh. It is celebrated as "International Mother Language Day" or "Shaheed Dibas" (Martyrs' Day) in Bangladesh.

On this day in 1952, students and activists from East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh) protested against the decision of the government to impose Urdu as the only official language of Pakistan. The protesters demanded that Bengali be given equal status as an official language. The protest was peaceful at first, but it turned violent when police opened fire on the protesters, killing several of them.

The Language Movement, as it came to be known, spread throughout East Pakistan and eventually led to the recognition of Bengali as an official language of Pakistan in 1956. The movement is considered a pivotal moment in the history of Bangladesh's struggle for independence, which was achieved in 1971.

Today, International Mother Language Day is observed worldwide to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and to raise awareness of the importance of preserving and promoting mother languages.

• In Bangladesh, February 21st is a public holiday, and various cultural events and ceremonies are held across the country to commemorate the Language Movement and honor the sacrifices of the martyrs.
• The day begins with people placing wreaths at the Shaheed Minar (Martyr's Monument), a solemn structure dedicated to the memory of the Language Movement martyrs.
• The government of Bangladesh also awards the Ekushey Padak, a national award, to individuals who have made significant contributions to the fields of language, literature, and culture.
• February 21st is also celebrated as International Mother Language Day by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. The day is meant to promote multilingualism and the preservation of endangered languages, as well as to recognize the role of language in fostering cultural diversity and mutual understanding.
• The Language Movement is considered a major milestone in the history of Bangladesh's struggle for independence from Pakistan. The movement helped to galvanize the Bengali-speaking population of East Pakistan and mobilize them in their quest for greater autonomy and recognition.
• The Language Movement also played a significant role in shaping the national identity of Bangladesh. The movement's demand for the recognition of Bengali as an official language of Pakistan was a powerful assertion of the cultural and linguistic distinctiveness of the Bengali-speaking people of East Pakistan, and it helped to foster a sense of pride and solidarity among them.

• Bangladesh is a country located in South Asia, bordered by India to the north, east, and west, and Myanmar to the southeast. It has a population of over 160 million people and is the eighth most populous country in the world.
• Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan on December 16, 1971, after a nine-month-long war of independence. The war was fought between West Pakistan (present-day Pakistan) and East Pakistan (present-day Bangladesh), and it resulted in the creation of an independent Bangladesh.
• Bangladesh is a predominantly Muslim country, with Islam being the state religion. However, it is a secular democracy, and the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and belief to all its citizens.
• The official language of Bangladesh is Bengali, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. English is also widely spoken and used as a second language in business, education, and government.
• Bangladesh is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes a vibrant literary tradition, music, dance, and art. The country has produced many notable writers, including Rabindranath Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
• Bangladesh is also one of the world's leading producers of garments and textiles, with the industry accounting for a significant portion of the country's exports and providing employment to millions of people.
• The country faces a number of challenges, including poverty, political instability, and climate change. However, Bangladesh has made significant progress in recent years in reducing poverty, improving access to education and healthcare, and achieving economic growth.