The Holy Quran has many references whereby it states that Allah (swt) has created mankind in different races and cultures. The purpose of this diversified creation is itself revealed in the Holy Quran where Allah (swt) states in the following verse:

For centuries, in comparison to all methods of communication, whether it is amongst ones own culture or with others, language has always been the utmost effective and expressive tool for man. It is only mankind, the Ashraful Makhlukat, who been bestowed with the ability to speak and write in different languages and thus interact and express themselves in diverse languages. This divine blessing from our Lord which grants us with a special ability and skill distinguishes man to be superior to all other creations. Allah (swt) reiterates the distinction and importance of language as He states in the Holy Quran: 

It is through language that man has translated his knowledge and made scientific advancements in this modern age. It is language that has helped mankind to ask about his own existence, his purpose, the knowledge of religions, and the ultimate search for His divine Creator. In fact, the first few verses of the Holy Quran revealed to our Holy Prophet Mohammad (SAW) clearly stated that it is Allah (swt) who has taught men to write. 

Since the beginning of creation, Allah (swt) has guided the various existing races through His Messengers. In order to facilitate each particular race and culture, He has sent them with Messengers who spoke in their mother language. Allah (swt) in the Holy Quran states: 

 These blessings and the importance of these diversified linguistic abilities of mankind have not always received due recognition by religious and political leaders. At times, the differences of cultures and races have rather been used as a means to gain towards personal or political agendas. After the independence of Pakistan, in order to further and impose their own agendas, these ill motivated politicians tried to restrain the people of East Pakistan by imposing restrictions on the language of its people so that they were unable to express themselves in their mother’s voice or sing the songs of their heart. They tried to take away from the blessings of Allah (swt) from a nation and its people. Unfortunately, they misconstrued their argument using His name and in the name of religion. The brave people of East Bengal fought and struggled for years against this malevolence and ultimately their scheme had failed.

The declaration of International Mother Language Day by UNESCO reveals the importance of preserving the linguistic diversity of mankind. Furthermore, it is a means of recognition of the sacrifice made by the brave Shaheeds (Martyrs) of the Language Movement. However, although the day is observed as an international day by the United Nations at all its member countries, the history behind the declaration of this historically profound day remains unpublished to people at large across the world. Even with the internet as a source of mass data and information, which accesses information from the simplest issues of daily life, it has inadequate information on the detailed history of Bangladesh’s Language Day.

The ‘Ekushe Website Project’ was initiated by the Institute of Hazrat Mohammad (SAW) in recognition of the brave Martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 1952 and to observe the International Mother Language Day declared by the United Nations. This site has been published in English to provide information to the internet users globally, whereby English is used as their primary language. To express our respect to the brave Martyrs, a Bengali version of this site will be made available in the near future.

We take this opportunity to extend our gratitude to Mr. C. M. Tarek Reza for his kind support and assistance and in particular with regard to the publication of some rare historical pictures in this site. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the collectors and photographers who have collected/photographed these pictures.      

This site is dedicated to the memory of the brave Martyrs of the Language Movement. May Allah (swt) grant them peace.