Alex's Nonnie: 21 February 2011

International Language Day was 21 February 2011. Probably you did not notice in the USA but in Bangladesh it is a huge event. Like so many events in Bangladesh, it is based on a sacrifice. 21 February 1952 saw more than 50 people killed by West Pakistan soldiers because they were demonstrating for the right to speak Bangla not Urdu as West Pakistan desired.

The ability to speak Bangla is almost a sacred right in Bangladesh. Sometimes, we find it hard to believe that people sacrificed their lives to speak a certain language. But thinking a bit deeper, our ancestors fought for the right to speak the kind of English we wanted to speak American English not British English.

Anyway, we joined the millions of Bangladeshis most dressed in black and white who brought flowers in memorial tribute to the “language martyrs”. We went to the Shaheed Minar (Martyr’s Monument) located on the Dhaka University campus. There are Shaheed Minars located all over the country in every county where people went to pay tribute. The parade of people begins at 1 minute past 12:00 midnight on 21 Feb. The Prime Minister and President brought the first floral tributes. By 2:20 in the afternoon, police had removed 3 full layers of floral tributes and single flowers from the brick steps of the Shaheed Minar. Large groups of people from all walks of life joined together behind a banner to make the tribute to the language martyrs. They brought their children and babies so they could learn the importance of language to Bangladesh, about the language martyrs and the role they played in the development of the country.

Actually, pictures will tell this story much better than words. I sat on the curb watching the parade while they watched me.