{{short description|Annual observance to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2019}} {{Infobox holiday | holiday_name = International Mother Language Day | type = International | image = Shaheed Minar.JPG | alt = Abstract outdoor monument, reminiscent of a prison | imagesize = | caption = Shaheed Minar, Dhaka (Martyr Monument) commemorates the 21 February 1952 Bengali language movement demonstration. | official_name = International Mother Language Day (IMLD) | observedby = United Nations | litcolor = Black | significance = Promotes the preservation and protection of all languages | begins = | ends = | date = 21 February | frequency = Annual | observances = | relatedto = | firsttime = {{start date and age|df=yes|p=y|1952|02|21}}<br />21 February 1972 (''Officially'')<br />21 February 2000 (''Internationally'') }}
'''International Mother Language Day''' is a worldwide annual observance held on 21 February to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to promote multilingualism. First announced by UNESCO on 17 November 1999,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000117961.page=38 |title=The General Conference proclaim"International Mother Language Day" to be observed on 21 February |website=unesdoc.unesco.org |date=1999-11-16 |access-date=2019-04-21 |archive-date=21 April 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421120030/https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000117961.page%3D38 |url-status=live}}</ref> it was formally recognized by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of UN resolution 56/262<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://undocs.org/A/RES/56/262 |title=A/RES/56/262 - e - A/RES/56/262 -Desktop |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-date=15 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215005257/https://undocs.org/A/RES/56/262 |url-status=live}}</ref> in 2002.
Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world" as adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 May 2007 in UN resolution 61/266,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://undocs.org/A/RES/61/266 |title=A/RES/61/266 - e - A/RES/61/266 -Desktop |access-date=9 November 2019 |archive-date=27 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927150345/https://undocs.org/A/RES/61/266 |url-status=live}}</ref> which also established 2008 as the International Year of Languages.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/background.shtml |title=International Mother Language Day, 21 February |website=www.un.org |language=EN |access-date=2019-11-09 |archive-date=4 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104045942/https://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/background.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=A/RES/61/266 |title=Links to documents |website=Un.org |date=2002-09-09 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054121/http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=A%2FRES%2F61%2F266 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title=Ingles. Cuerpo de Maestros. Temario Para la Preparacion de Oposiciones .e-book,. |date=25 September 2006 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iE6ZMS8Q-TAC&pg=PA97 |publisher=MAD-Eduforma |isbn=978-84-665-6253-9 |pages=97–}}</ref> The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh, {{date|21-02-1952}} is the anniversary of the day when the Bengalis of the then-Pakistani province of East Bengal (which is now the independent state of Bangladesh) fought for recognition of their Bengali language as an official central state language instead of a provincial language.<ref>{{cite web |title=International Mother Language Day Celebration |date=4 October 2018 |url=https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213064208/https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday |archive-date=2019-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref> The day is also observed by Indian Bengalis in the states of West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, and Tripura, as well as in the union territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and diaspora communities.
== History == {{More citations needed section|date=February 2025}}{{main|Bengali language movement}} thumb|Procession march held on 21 February 1952 in Dhaka 21 February was declared to be International Mother Language Day by UNESCO on 17 November 1999. It has been observed throughout the world since 21 February 2000. The declaration came up in tribute to the Language Movement done by the Bangladeshis (then the East Pakistanis).
When Pakistan was created in 1947, it had two geographically separate parts: East Pakistan (currently known as Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (currently known as Pakistan). The two parts were very different from each other in the sense of culture and language, and were also separated by India in between.
In 1948, the government of Pakistan declared Urdu to be the sole national language of Pakistan, even though Bengali, or Bangla, was spoken by the majority of people combining East Pakistan and West Pakistan. The East Pakistan people protested since the majority of the population was from East Pakistan and their mother language was Bangla. They demanded Bangla to be at least one of the national languages, in addition to Urdu. The demand was raised first by Dhirendranath Datta from East Pakistan on 23 February 1948, in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
To demolish the protest, the government of Pakistan outlawed public meetings and rallies. The students of the University of Dhaka, with the support of the public, arranged massive rallies and meetings. On 21 February 1952, police opened fire on rallies. Abdus Salam, Abul Barkat, Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, Abdul Jabbar, and Shafiur Rahman died, with hundreds of others injured. This was a rare incident in history where people sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-02-21 |title=Nation paying tributes to language heroes |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/nation-paying-tributes-language-heroes-2048657 |access-date=2021-08-14 |work=The Daily Star |agency=UNB |language=en |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814200829/https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/nation-paying-tributes-language-heroes-2048657 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=People Sacrificed Their Lives So You Can Speak Your Language Today: The Story behind International Mother Language Day 21st February - Vocabridge - Language Translation Services Company - London, UK |url=https://www.vocabridge.com/en/publications/international-mother-language-day |access-date=2021-08-14 |website=Vocabridge - Translation and Localisation Solutions |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321042132/https://www.vocabridge.com/en/publications/international-mother-language-day |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Since then, Bangladeshis celebrate the International Mother Language Day as one of their tragic days. They visit the Shaheed Minar, a monument built in memory of the martyrs, and its replicas to express their deep sorrow, respect. and gratitude to them.{{citation needed|date=February 2021}}<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Mother Language Day at Wellesley |url=http://www.wellesley.edu/news/2013/02/node/33669 |access-date=2021-08-14 |website=Wellesley College |language=en |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814200844/https://www.wellesley.edu/news/2013/02/node/33669 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Language Martyrs Day today |url=https://www.theindependentbd.com/post/237802 |access-date=2021-08-14 |work=The Independent |archive-date=14 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814200820/https://www.theindependentbd.com/post/237802 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
International Mother Language Day is a national holiday in Bangladesh. <!--Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability. --> The resolution was suggested by Rafiqul Islam and Abdus Salam, Bengalis living in Vancouver, Canada. They wrote a letter to Kofi Annan on 9 January 1998 asking him to take a step to save the world's languages from extinction by declaring an International Mother Language Day. Rafiq proposed the date as 21 February to commemorate the 1952 killings in Dhaka during the Language Movement. {{Blockquote|text=Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue. |sign=From the United Nations International Mother Language Day microsite<ref>{{cite web |title=International Mother Language Day |url=https://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/ |work=United Nations |access-date=21 February 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222221803/http://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/ |archive-date=2013-02-22 |url-status=live}}</ref>}}
Rafiqul Islam's proposal was introduced in the Bangladesh Parliament, and in due course (at the behest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina), a formal proposal was submitted to UNESCO by the Government of Bangladesh. The process of shepherding the proposal through UNESCO's regulatory system was undertaken by Syed Muazzem Ali, then Bangladesh ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, and Tozammel Tony Huq, his predecessor, who was then a Special Adviser to UNESCO Secretary General Federico Mayor. Finally, on 17 November 1999, the 30th General Assembly of UNESCO unanimously resolved that "21st February be proclaimed International Mother Language Day throughout the world to commemorate the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on this very day in 1952."<ref>Roger Gwynn, ''Tony: the Life of Tozammel Huq MBE'', Acre Press, 2019</ref>
== Timeline == {{More citations needed section|date=February 2016}} right|thumb|alt=Outdoor ceremony, with girls in red-and-white costumes dancing|Dedication of the International Mother Language Day Monument in Ashfield Park, Sydney, 19 February 2006 thumb|alt=People laying flowers at a simple indoor shrine|Commemorating IMLD in Canada * 1952: Bengali language movement * 1955: Language Movement Day first observed in Bangladesh<ref>{{cite book |last=Mamud |first=Hayat |editor-last=Islam |editor-first=Syed Manzoorul |editor-link=Syed Manzoorul Islam |chapter=This History of the Observance of Ekushey |title=Essays on Ekushey: The Language Movement 1952 |year=1994 |location=Dhaka |publisher=Bangla Academy |pages=78–79 |isbn=984-07-2968-3}}</ref> * 1999: UNESCO proclaims 21 February (Ekushey February) as International Mother Language Day * 2000: Inaugural celebration of International Mother Language Day<ref>{{Cite report|date=2008 |title=International Mother Language Day (IMLD): report of Member States' activities to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education development, 2000-2007 |url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000162418 |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> * 2002: Linguistic-diversity theme, featuring 3,000 endangered languages (motto: In the galaxy of languages, every word is a star.){{Citation needed|date=February 2026}} * 2004: Children-learning theme; the UNESCO observance included "a unique exhibition of children's exercise books from around the world illustrating the process by which children learn and master the use of written literacy skills in the classroom".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=28497&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=205.html |title=Languages in Education | Education | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |website=Portal.unesco.org |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109203113/http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID%3D28497%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D205.html |archive-date=2016-11-09 |url-status=dead}}</ref> * 2005: Braille and sign languages<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-02-06 |title=International Mother Language Day |url=https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/magazine/international-mother-language-day |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=British Council |language=en |archive-date=13 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213165807/https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/magazine/international-mother-language-day |url-status=dead}}</ref> * 2006: Annual theme: "Languages and cyberspace"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2006-02-21 |title=UNESCO-designated International Mother Language Day 2006 Theme: Languages and Cyberspace |url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/unesco-designated-international-mother-language-day-2006-theme-languages-and-cyberspace |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=SIL International |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222112832/https://www.sil.org/about/news/unesco-designated-international-mother-language-day-2006-theme-languages-and-cyberspace |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2007: Annual theme: Multilingual education<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-02-24 |title=SIL celebrates International Mother Language Day 2007 |url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/sil-celebrates-international-mother-language-day-2007 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=SIL International |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222112832/https://www.sil.org/about/news/sil-celebrates-international-mother-language-day-2007 |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2008: International Year of Languages<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000180269 |title=International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2008: languages matter! |publisher=UNESCO |date=2008 |access-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> *2009: Annual theme: " Languages matter for communities – the way Forward"<ref>{{Cite report|date=2009 |title=International Mother Language Day, 2009: report of the Round Table |url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000181880 |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> * 2010: International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures<ref name="apceiu">{{Cite web |date=2011-02-25 |title=[EIU in the World] Message of the UNESCO Director-General, Irina Bokova, on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2011 |url=https://www.unescoapceiu.org/post/3006?ckattempt=1 |website=unescoapceiu.org |access-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> * 2011: Annual theme: "Information and communication technologies for safeguarding and promotion of languages and linguistic diversity"<ref name="apceiu"/> * 2012: Mother-tongue instruction and inclusive education<ref>{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120223033055/http://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/index.shtml |date=2012-02-23 |title=2012 International Mother Language Day: Mother tongue instruction and inclusive education}}</ref> * 2013: Annual theme: "Books for mother tongue education"<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2013 |url=https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/international-mother-language-day-21-february-2013 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=UNESCO Bangkok |language=en |archive-date=9 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209030643/https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/international-mother-language-day-21-february-2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> * 2014: Annual theme: "Local languages for global citizenship: spotlight on science"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-02-13 |title=International Mother Language Day 2014 |url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/international-mother-language-day-2014 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=SIL International |language=en |archive-date=22 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222112832/https://www.sil.org/about/news/international-mother-language-day-2014 |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2015: Annual theme: "Inclusion in and through education: language counts"<ref>{{cite web |title=International Mother Language Day Celebration 2015 |date=24 December 2014 |url=https://en.unesco.org/events/international-mother-language-day-celebration-2015 |access-date=21 February 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213201414/https://en.unesco.org/events/international-mother-language-day-celebration-2015 |archive-date=2015-02-13 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-02-20 |title=International Mother Language Day 2015: Inclusion through education |url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/international-mother-language-day-2015-inclusion-through-education |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=SIL International |language=en |archive-date=20 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520095043/https://www.sil.org/about/news/international-mother-language-day-2015-inclusion-through-education |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2016: Annual theme: "Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes"<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-17 |title=2016 International Mother Language Day: Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes |url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/2016-international-mother-language-day-quality-education-languages-instruction |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=SIL International |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309155115/https://www.sil.org/about/news/2016-international-mother-language-day-quality-education-languages-instruction |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2017: Annual theme: "Towards sustainable futures through multilingual education"<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Mother Language Day 2017 {{!}} United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/international-mother-language-day/ |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=www.unesco.org |archive-date=21 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221194958/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/international-mother-language-day/ |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2018: Our languages, our assets.{{Citation needed|date=February 2021}} * 2019: International Year of Indigenous Languages<ref>[http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/all-events/?tx_browser_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=45648&cHash=3e0b305665 2019 - International Year of Indigenous Languages] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224111/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/all-events/?tx_browser_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=45648&cHash=3e0b305665 |date=21 February 2019 }} UNESCO</ref> * 2020: Annual theme: "Safeguarding linguistic diversity"<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=25 February 2020 |title=2020 International Mother Language Day |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/2020-international-mother-language-day/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202000529/https://tribuneonlineng.com/2020-international-mother-language-day/ |archive-date=2 December 2020 |access-date=2021-02-02 |newspaper=Nigerian Tribune|url-status=live}}</ref> * 2021: Annual theme: "Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society"<ref>{{Cite web |title=Celebration of International Mother Language Day at UNESCO 19/02/2021 10:00 - 19/02/2021 12:30 |url=https://events.unesco.org/event/?id=860451633&lang=1033 |access-date=2021-02-02 |website=events.unesco.org |language=en |archive-date=6 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206160204/https://events.unesco.org/event/?id=860451633&lang=1033 |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2022: Annual theme: "Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities"<ref>{{Cite web |title=International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2022 |url=https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday |website=UNESCO |date=4 October 2018 |language=en |access-date=12 February 2019 |archive-date=13 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213064208/https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday |url-status=live}}</ref> * 2023: Annual theme: "Multilingual education: A necessity to transform education"<ref>{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221023721/https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day |date=2023-02-21 |title=International Mother Language Day 21 February}}</ref> * 2024: Annual theme: "Multilingual education - a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning"<ref>{{Cite report |date=2024 |title=International Mother Language Day 2024 - Multilingual education: A pillar of intergenerational learning |url=https://articles.unesco.org/sites/default/files/medias/fichiers/2024/02/imld-2024-cn-en.pdf |publisher=UNESCO |access-date=2026-02-22}}</ref> * 2025: Annual theme: "Silver Jubilee Celebration of International Mother Language Day"<ref>{{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250223172318/https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day |date=2025-02-23 |title=International Mother Language Day 21 February}}</ref> * 2026: Annual theme: "Youth voices on multilingual education"<ref>{{Cite news |title=International Mother Language Day 2026. Youth voices on multilingual |url=https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/international-mother-language-day-2026-youth-voices-multilingual-education?hub=66646 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260220052844/https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/international-mother-language-day-2026-youth-voices-multilingual-education?hub=66646 |archive-date=2026-02-20 |access-date=2026-02-20 |language=en}}</ref>
== {{anchor|International observances|celebration|Celebration of|Outside Bangladesh|Holiday|Implementation of}}Observances == UNESCO chooses a theme for each International Mother Language Day and sponsors related events at its Paris headquarters. In 2008, the International Year of Languages began on International Mother Language Day. It is celebrated in Chile, Russia, the Philippines, Egypt, and Canada.<ref>City TV, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0DNTn20Fc&index=2&list=PLlkr8s3uWRbImXXOQsK7so0oMALIIQX_i, Diverse-City 02.25.14] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220071447/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0DNTn20Fc&index=2&list=PLlkr8s3uWRbImXXOQsK7so0oMALIIQX_i, |date=20 February 2019 }}, ''YouTube'', 25 February 2014, Retrieved 2015-05-07.</ref>
=== {{anchor|In Bangladesh}}Bangladesh === thumb|Procession toward Central Shaheed Minar at 2023 International Mother Language Day {{main|Language Movement Day}} Bangladeshis celebrate International Mother Language Day by placing flowers at the Martyrs' Monument and its replicas.<ref name="mldmagazine">{{cite web |first1=Riya |last1=Karin |first2=Shoha |last2=Islam |url=http://www.motherlanguageday.ca/files/pdf/publications/BPCA_MLDMagazine2015.pdf |title=Journey to Inclusion in & through Education: Language Counts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402220203/http://www.motherlanguageday.ca/files/pdf/publications/BPCA_MLDMagazine2015.pdf |archive-date=2015-04-02 |publisher=Bangladesh PressClub Centre of Alberta (BPCA) |date=20 February 2015 |work=Mother Language Magazine |page=31 |access-date=2015-05-06}}</ref> A public holiday in the country since 1953,<ref>Professor Kabir Choudhury, [http://www.motherlanguageday.ca/files/pdf/publications/BPCA_MLDMagazine2015.pdf "21st February: International Mother Language Day"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402220203/http://www.motherlanguageday.ca/files/pdf/publications/BPCA_MLDMagazine2015.pdf |date=2015-04-02 }}, ''Bangladesh PressClub Centre of Alberta (BPCA)'', Published 20 February 2015 in the ''Mother Language Magazine'' 2015 (Page 34), Retrieved 2015-05-07.</ref> it is also known as Shohid Dibôsh (Martyr Day). On 17 November 1999, the UNESCO General Conference recognized 21 February as International Mother Language Day.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday |title=International Mother Language Day |website=Un.org |date=2007-05-16 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707184218/http://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/ |archive-date=2016-07-07 |url-status=live}}</ref> Bangladeshis organize social gatherings honoring their language and culture, hold literary competitions, draw alpana on the roads, eat festive meals, and listen to songs.<ref name="mldmagazine" /><ref>Jonathan and Prithwi Raj, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC2K-4dUuoY, Ekushe February (instrumental)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515064239/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC2K-4dUuoY, |date=15 May 2022 }}, ''YouTube'', 21 February 2012, Retrieved 2015-05-06.</ref> Bangla Academy arranges Ekushey Book Fair in Dhaka for the whole month of February.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/ekushey-book-fair-2019-bigger-than-ever-1690069 |title=Bigger than ever |work=The Daily Star |date=20 January 2019 |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220173218/https://www.thedailystar.net/city/ekushey-book-fair-2019-bigger-than-ever-1690069 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== {{anchor|In Canada}}Canada === thumb|IMLD British Columbia proclamation International Mother Language Day was introduced to the Parliament of Canada for recognition by Matthew Kellway on 5 February 2014 as a private member's bill, C-573; however, it was never debated and failed to become law.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=6406360&File=24#1 |title=International Mother Language Day Act |access-date=21 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107064825/http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=6406360&File=24#1#1 |archive-date=2017-01-07 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://openparliament.ca/bills/41-2/C-573 |title=Bill C-573 (Historical) |website=Openparliament.ca |date=2014-02-05 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403180645/https://openparliament.ca/bills/41-2/C-573/ |archive-date=2016-04-03 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2015, British Columbia and Manitoba issued proclamations observing International Mother Language Day on 21 February.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://motherlanguageday.ca/implementation-of-mother-language-day-in-canada |title=iPage |website=Motherlanguageday.ca |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816235914/http://motherlanguageday.ca/implementation-of-mother-language-day-in-canada |archive-date=16 August 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Edmonton observed International Mother Language Day on 21 February 2017.<ref name="nn2Mar2017">{{cite news |url=https://newnation.io/intl-mother-language-day-observed-at-edmonton/ |title=Int'l Mother Language Day observed at Edmonton |work=The New Nation |date=2 March 2017 |access-date=21 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807192042/http://m.thedailynewnation.com/news/126000/intl-mother-language-day-observed-at-edmonton |archive-date=2017-08-07 |url-status=live}}</ref> Edmonton Ekushey was observed by Bangladesh Heritage & Ethnic Society and Diverse Edmonton with due respect in Edmonton on 23 February 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.samajkanthanews.com/en/country-news/393-ekushey-observed-with-due-respect-in-edmonton |title=Ekushey observed with due respect in Edmonton |access-date=2020-02-01 |website=samajkanthanews.com |archive-date=25 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225054725/http://www.samajkanthanews.com/en/country-news/393-ekushey-observed-with-due-respect-in-edmonton |url-status=dead}}</ref>
In December 2021, Independent Senators Group member Mobina Jaffer introduced and sponsored Bill S-214, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day, in the Senate.<ref name="parl.ca">{{Cite web |title=S-214 (44-1) - LEGISinfo - Parliament of Canada |url=https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/en/bill/44-1/s-214?view=details |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=www.parl.ca |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215174815/https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/en/bill/44-1/s-214?view=details |url-status=live}}</ref> In March 2022, Ken Hardie sponsored Bill S-214 in the House of Commons, and it passed into law on 15 June 2022.<ref name="parl.ca" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Bill S-214 {{!}} openparliament.ca |url=https://openparliament.ca/bills/44-1/S-214/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=openparliament.ca |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215174814/https://openparliament.ca/bills/44-1/S-214/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== {{anchor|In India}}India === As part of the Digital India initiative, digitized content will be made available in the country's 22 scheduled languages and extended to India's other 234 recognized languages. Digitization began in June 2016 through the Bharatavani Project at the Central Institute of Indian Languages in Mysore, and by February 2017 content in 60 Indian languages had been made available free of charge.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.bharatavani.in/ |title=Bharatavani {{!}} Knowledge through Indian languages |website=Bharatavani |language=en-US |access-date=2017-02-20 |archive-date=27 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227090822/https://bharatavani.in/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merinews.com/article/international-mother-language-day-india-to-protect-and-promote-22-scheduled-indian-languages-through-digitization-of-content/15913871.shtml |title=International Mother Language Day: India to protect and promote 22 scheduled Indian languages through digitization of content |website=Merinews.com |date=2016-02-21 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135229/http://www.merinews.com/article/international-mother-language-day-india-to-protect-and-promote-22-scheduled-indian-languages-through-digitization-of-content/15913871.shtml |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-22-indian-scheduled-languages-to-go-digital-on-international-mother-language-day-on-feb-21-2172468 |title=22 Indian scheduled languages to go digital on International Mother Language Day on Feb 21 | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis |work=Dna |date=2016-02-01 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310084650/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-22-indian-scheduled-languages-to-go-digital-on-international-mother-language-day-on-feb-21-2172468 |archive-date=2016-03-10 |url-status=live}}</ref>
=== United States === The Mother Tongue Film Festival in Washington, D.C., has been held since 2017 to coincide with Mother Languages Day.
=== United Kingdom === A replica of Dhaka's Shaheed Minar was built in London in 1999 in Altab Ali Park, Whitechapel. Members of the community come here to mark International Mother Language Day by laying wreaths and singing revolutionary songs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Survey of London {{!}} Shaheed Minar |url=https://surveyoflondon.org/map/feature/297/detail/ |access-date=2021-03-14 |website=surveyoflondon.org |archive-date=30 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130184612/https://surveyoflondon.org/map/feature/297/detail/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Marking Martyrs' Day at home and online |url=https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/News_events/2021/February-2021/Marking-Martyrs%27-Day-at-home-and-online.aspx |access-date=2021-03-14 |website=www.towerhamlets.gov.uk |archive-date=21 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221144915/https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/News_events/2021/February-2021/Marking-Martyrs%27-Day-at-home-and-online.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref>
There is also a Shaheed Minar replica in Westwood, Greater Manchester. Community members come from across North England to mark International Mother Language Day at the monument.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bangla Stories - Oldham |url=http://www.banglastories.org/about-the-project/the-locations/oldham.html |access-date=2021-03-14 |website=www.banglastories.org |archive-date=5 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305190905/http://banglastories.org/about-the-project/the-locations/oldham.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
There is also an IMLM at Grangemoor Park in Cardiff. Its opening ceremony was held on 21 February 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://imlmcardiff.wales/index.html |title=International Mother Language Monument |website=International Mother Language Monument, Cardiff}}</ref>
== {{Anchor|awards|Sponsorship and awards}}Awards == === {{anchor|International Linguapax Award}}Linguapax Prize === The Linguapax Prize is awarded annually on IMLD by the Linguapax Institute in Barcelona. The prize recognizes outstanding achievement in the preservation of linguistic diversity, the revitalization of linguistic communities, and the promotion of multilingualism.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.linguapax.net/english/what-we-do/linguapax-award |title=Inici - Linguapax Internacional |website=Linguapax.net |date=2016-04-28 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519044641/http://www.linguapax.net/english/what-we-do/linguapax-award/ |archive-date=19 May 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Ekushey Heritage Award === thumb|alt=Four photos of people holding plaques|Recipients of the 2015 BHESA Ekushey Heritage Award The annual Ekushey Heritage Award, introduced in 2014 by the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA), recognizes outstanding achievement in fields such as education, social work, and community service. The award is announced on International Mother Language Day.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bhesa.ca/index.php/awards |title=Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta |website=Bhesa.ca |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822124408/http://bhesa.ca/index.php/awards |archive-date=2016-08-22 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=International Mother Language Day observed at Edmonton, Canada |url=http://www.bssnews.net/newsDetails.php?cat=0&id=645786&date=2017-02-28 |work=Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha |date=28 February 2017 |access-date=2017-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304195232/http://www.bssnews.net/newsDetails.php?cat=0&id=645786&date=2017-02-28 |archive-date=4 March 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="nn2Mar2017" />
=== Ekushey Youth Award === The Ekushey Youth Award, introduced in 2015 by Alberta's Mahinur Jahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF) and announced on IMLD, is awarded annually to recipients who inspire youth in the fields of education, sports, youth activities, literature, and community service. The award is open to Alberta residents.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mjmf.org/index.php/about-us/ekushey-youth-awards |title=Mahinur Jahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF) - Ekushey Youth Awards |website=MJMF.org |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624042144/http://mjmf.org/index.php/about-us/ekushey-youth-awards |archive-date=2016-06-24 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Gallery== <gallery> File:International Mother Language Day Celebration.PNG|International Mother Language Day Celebration in Dhaka, with the Martyr's Monument in the background File:International Mother language day celebration at CU Alipore campus.jpg|International Mother Language day celebration at the University of Calcutta Alipore campus in 2018 File:International Mother Language Day in CIS-A2K TTT 2017.jpg|alt=Poster with writing|2017 International Mother Language Day celebration in Bangalore File:Mother Tongue Day, Islamabad.JPG|alt=Group of people holding signs and banners|2015 Mother Tongue Day in Islamabad, with demonstrators demanding that Punjabi (the mother tongue of most Pakistanis) be made an official language of Pakistan File:Visitors at BHESA's Ekushey February 2015.jpg|alt=People sitting and standing in a circle, with an inset photo of four men|Ekushey Book Fair in Alberta, Canada </gallery>
==See also== {{Portal|Holidays}} * United Nations * First language * Linguistic rights * Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights * Official languages of the United Nations * International Day of the African Child * European Day of Languages * International Day of Education * International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples * World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== * {{commons category-inline}} * [https://www.unesco.org/en/days/mother-language UNESCO homepage for International Mother Language Day] * [https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day United Nations homepage for IMLD]
{{Language Movement}}
Category:Recurring events established in 2002 Category:February observances Category:Observances in Bangladesh Category:United Nations language days Category:United Nations days