21 February is known as International Mother Language Day, celebrated around the world to honor the courage and sacrifice of Bengali language martyrs. This day matters greatly to students and all Bangladeshis, as it teaches the importance of respecting and preserving our mother tongue. In this article, you will learn why 21 February is observed, its history, key facts, and tips to write a great paragraph on this topic.

Key Takeaways

  • 21 February marks International Mother Language Day.
  • It honors those who fought to protect the Bengali language in 1952.
  • The day promotes respect for all mother tongues.
  • You'll learn about its background, importance, and how to write a good paragraph about it.

21 February Paragraph in 150 Words

21 February is a special day in Bangladesh, observed as International Mother Language Day. On this day in 1952, brave students and people protested against the Pakistani government's decision to make Urdu the only state language, neglecting Bengali, the mother tongue of most people in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Many students sacrificed their lives at the Language Movement demonstration at Dhaka University to defend their language. The Shaheed Minar (Martyrs’ Monument) was built in their memory. People pay respect by bringing flowers to Shaheed Minars and holding cultural programs. In 1999, UNESCO recognized 21 February as International Mother Language Day to remind everyone of the right to use their own language. This day inspires people to love and protect their language and culture. For students, 21 February teaches the value of standing up for one’s rights and respecting every language in the world.

21 February Paragraph in 250 Words

21 February holds a sacred place in the hearts of Bangladeshis, celebrated as International Mother Language Day. The background dates back to 1952, when the people of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) protested against the imposition of Urdu as the only official language by the Pakistani government. Bengali was the language spoken by most people in this region, so this decision was unfair and deeply hurtful. Students and common people courageously came together to demand recognition of Bengali as a state language. On 21 February 1952, police opened fire on peaceful protesters at Dhaka University, resulting in the tragic deaths of several students including Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, and Shafiur. Their sacrifice led to Bengali eventually being recognized as a state language. The Shaheed Minar stands as a tribute to their bravery, where every year people gather, bring flowers, and remember their devotion. In 1999, UNESCO declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day, making it a global occasion to promote linguistic and cultural diversity. The day teaches the younger generation to defend their mother tongue and respect all languages across the world. 21 February remains a source of inspiration, reminding us of the importance of unity, cultural pride, and the fight for justice. For students, it’s an excellent example of peaceful protest and the power of language in shaping identity.

21 February Paragraph in 300 Words

21 February is celebrated as International Mother Language Day to honor the historic Language Movement of Bangladesh. The struggle began in 1948 and reached its climax in 1952, when the Pakistani government tried to make Urdu the only national language, sidelining Bengali, which was spoken by the majority in East Pakistan. The demand for linguistic rights brought thousands of students, teachers, and citizens to the streets. On 21 February 1952, police shot and killed brave students like Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, and Shafiur while they were peacefully protesting at Dhaka University. Their sacrifice marked a turning point, leading to the recognition of Bengali as one of Pakistan’s state languages in 1956 and later inspiring Bangladesh’s independence movement. The Shaheed Minar was built as a symbol of their valor and language pride. Today, people show respect by walking barefoot to Shaheed Minars, offering flowers, and participating in cultural events, poetry recitations, and seminars. In 1999, UNESCO declared 21 February International Mother Language Day, observed worldwide to promote preservation of all languages and cultural identities. This day highlights the power of language in forming relationships, culture, and history. It teaches younger generations about the importance of linguistic rights, cultural diversity, and national unity. For students, 21 February stands as a lesson in the importance of standing up for one’s identity and learning about the value of language in social progress. Its legacy teaches that through courage and sacrifice, justice and recognition can be achieved. The day is a proud symbol of Bangladesh’s rich culture and struggle for rights, inspiring respect for all mother tongues globally.

21 February Paragraph in 400 Words

21 February holds a unique and emotional place in the history of Bangladesh and the world. Known as International Mother Language Day, this day commemorates the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, who sacrificed their lives to uphold the dignity of their mother tongue, Bengali. The roots of the observance go back to 1948, when the authorities in then-Pakistan declared Urdu as the only state language, even though most people in East Pakistan spoke Bengali. The decision triggered a protest movement among students and intellectuals. Tensions escalated, and on 21 February 1952, a large group of students and citizens gathered at Dhaka University, defying the ban on rallies. The police opened fire on the unarmed crowd, and several young people, including Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, Jabbar, and Shafiur, lost their lives. Their heroic sacrifice shook the nation and eventually forced the government to recognize Bengali as a state language in 1956. The movement and its martyrs not only became a symbol for Bangladesh’s independence struggle but also inspired people in many countries to fight for their linguistic rights.

The Shaheed Minar, built at the site of the shootings, stands as a symbol of respect and remembrance. Every year, people from all walks of life walk barefoot to Shaheed Minars, offer flowers, and participate in events like poetry readings, cultural festivals, and educational seminars. In 1999, UNESCO recognized the international significance of the sacrifices and declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day, observed in over 190 countries. The aim is to promote awareness about the importance of multilingualism and to protect every language from extinction. For students and youth, 21 February is a lesson in the power of protest, the value of cultural identity, and the necessity of preserving our heritage. It reminds everyone that our language is closely tied to our roots and our rights. In today’s world, where languages disappear every year, the ideals of 21 February urge new generations to cherish, use, and defend their mother tongue while respecting the language rights of others.

21 February Paragraph for Class 6-7

21 February is a very important day in Bangladesh. It is called International Mother Language Day. On this day in 1952, some brave students died to save the Bengali language from being removed by the government. They wanted everyone to speak Bengali because it was their mother tongue. People remember the language martyrs by bringing flowers to the Shaheed Minar every year. UNESCO made this day an international day in 1999. Now, people around the world celebrate 21 February to show respect for all languages. This day teaches students to love their language and be proud of their culture.

21 February Paragraph for Class 8

21 February is celebrated as International Mother Language Day in Bangladesh and many other countries. The day remembers the Language Movement of 1952, when students and people protested in Dhaka against the Pakistani government’s decision to make Urdu the only state language. Many brave students, like Salam and Barkat, gave their lives on 21 February to save Bengali. Every year, people visit the Shaheed Minar, offer flowers, and remember these heroes. UNESCO declared this day as International Mother Language Day in 1999, so everyone remembers the value of their language. This day encourages students to respect their mother tongue and all other languages around the world.

21 February Paragraph for Class 9

21 February, also known as International Mother Language Day, is significant for Bangladeshis as it commemorates the Language Movement of 1952. During this period, the Pakistani government tried to make Urdu the only official language, ignoring Bengali, which was the mother tongue of most citizens in East Pakistan. Students and people from all walks of life protested, resulting in the tragic deaths of Rafiq, Salam, Barkat, and others. Their bravery led to the recognition of Bengali as a state language. The Shaheed Minar stands as a symbol of their sacrifice. Each year, people offer flowers and organize cultural events to honor them. UNESCO declared the day a global event in 1999. The day now reminds students to appreciate linguistic diversity and to cherish the right to speak their own language.

21 February Paragraph for SSC

21 February, recognized globally as International Mother Language Day, carries a deep historic and cultural significance for Bangladesh. The Language Movement of 1952 began as a peaceful protest against the Pakistani government’s attempt to establish Urdu as the sole state language, disregarding Bengali—the mother tongue of the majority. The sacrifice made by students like Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, and Jabbar who were killed by police while demanding linguistic rights, compelled an eventual change in policy. The Shaheed Minar in Dhaka serves as a reminder of their courage and dedication. Annually, people from across the country come together to pay homage with flowers and participate in cultural programs promoting Bengali and other languages. In 1999, UNESCO’s recognition of this day as International Mother Language Day emphasized the global importance of preserving mother tongues. For students and youth, 21 February is a lesson in identity, unity, and the right to express oneself in one's language.

21 February Paragraph for HSC

21 February, or International Mother Language Day, marks a landmark chapter in the history of Bangladesh and the world’s linguistic rights movement. In 1952, students and activists in East Pakistan rose in defiance of an unlawful decree by the then Pakistani government, which aimed to enforce Urdu as the only state language, diminishing Bengali’s status and identity. On 21 February, police brutality led to the deaths of several innocent students, among them Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, and Shafiur. This pivotal event ignited a sense of unity and pride, shaping not only the future recognition of Bengali as a state language but also fueling the spirit behind Bangladesh’s eventual independence. Today, the iconic Shaheed Minar symbolizes their immortal sacrifice. Since 1999, following UNESCO’s institutionalization of International Mother Language Day, the occasion is observed in over 190 countries, advocating for language preservation and cultural diversity amidst rapid globalization. The day teaches students lifelong lessons: the power of peaceful resistance, the importance of upholding one’s mother tongue, and the universal value of linguistic heritage and human rights.

21 February Bangla Meaning

২১শে ফেব্রুয়ারি বাংলাদেশের সবচেয়ে গৌরবময় একটি দিন, যা আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবস হিসেবে পালিত হয়। ১৯৫২ সালের এই দিনে পাকিস্তান সরকার উর্দুকে একমাত্র রাষ্ট্রভাষা ঘোষণা করলে, বাংলা ভাষা রক্ষার জন্য ঢাকা বিশ্ববিদ্যালয়ে ছাত্ররা প্রতিবাদ করেন। পুলিশের গুলিতে সালাম, বরকত, রফিক, জব্বারসহ কয়েকজন শহীদ হন। তাঁদের স্মরণে শহীদ মিনার নির্মিত হয়েছে। বাংলাদেশ এবং বিশ্বের বহু দেশে আজ ২১শে ফেব্রুয়ারি ভাষার মর্যাদা ও সাংস্কৃতিক বৈচিত্র্য রক্ষার প্রতীক। ইউনেস্কো ১৯৯৯ সালে এই দিনটিকে আন্তর্জাতিক মাতৃভাষা দিবস ঘোষণা করে। এই দিন আমাদের মাতৃভাষার প্রতি ভালোবাসা ও গৌরবের শিক্ষা দেয়।

English Word Bengali Meaning
Language ভাষা
Martyr শহীদ
Monument স্মৃতিস্তম্ভ/মিনার
Protest প্রতিবাদ
International আন্তর্জাতিক
Sacrifice আত্মত্যাগ
Recognize স্বীকৃতি দেওয়া
Heritage ঐতিহ্য

Paragraph Writing Rules: Tips & Strategies

To write an excellent paragraph about 21 February or any other topic, remember these rules:

  • Focus on One Topic: Stick to the main point—here, why 21 February is important.
  • Begin with a Clear Topic Sentence: Start with a sentence that introduces the subject.
  • Use Relevant Information: Give facts, examples, and significant details (e.g., dates, people, events).
  • Keep Paragraphs Structured: Arrange ideas logically—background, main event, and impact.
  • Use Simple Language, Avoid Filler: Especially for younger classes, keep sentences short and clear.
  • End with a Strong Closing: Finish with a summary or message, like love for language or the lesson learned.
  • Revise Carefully: Check spelling, grammar, and flow.
  • Practice with Questions: Try writing paragraphs based on different word limits or exam guidelines.

Table (Quick Facts)

Topic Key Points
Movement Year 1952
International Day Declared by UNESCO in 1999
Main Martyrs Salam, Barkat, Rafiq, Jabbar, Shafiur
Monument Shaheed Minar
Global Recognition Observed in over 190 countries

FAQ

  • Q: When is International Mother Language Day observed?
    A: 21 February, every year.

  • Q: What is the historical importance of 21 February?
    A: It commemorates the sacrifice of Bengali language martyrs in 1952.

  • Q: Who built the Shaheed Minar?
    A: It was built to honor those who died in the Language Movement.

  • Q: When did UNESCO recognize 21 February as International Mother Language Day?
    A: In 1999.

  • Q: Why is 21 February important for students?
    A: It teaches respect for language and inspires courage to stand for rights.

Conclusion

21 February is a prideful and emotional day for Bangladesh and the global community, reminding us of the bravery and love for mother tongue shown during the Language Movement. It highlights the importance of preserving our language, culture, and identity. By celebrating this day, students and citizens honor the historical sacrifice and commit to protecting all languages. Let us remember the significance of 21 February, continue learning about its lessons, and share our thoughts on how to promote the beauty and rights of every mother tongue. Share your views or additional facts about this historic day in the comments below!

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