Bangla must live beyond symbolic observance

As Bangladesh observes the enduring legacy of the Language Movement throughout February, conversations around Bangla often intensify -- sometimes emotionally, sometimes critically.

Scholars and writers, however, say safeguarding a language requires more than seasonal sentiment; it demands year-round practice, precision and responsibility from both institutions and individuals.

At the 13th episode of The Daily Star’s “Itihas Adda”, speakers said while Bangla faces no immediate threat of extinction, its “health” depends on how effectively it adapts to modern technology and is implemented at the state level.

Prof Dr Mohammad Asaduzzaman of the Department of Linguistics at Dhaka University said language cannot be confined to symbolic observance.

“We tend to become highly attentive to language during a particular month, sometimes overwhelmed with emotion. But language is not something we use only in February -- it is part of our daily life,” he said.

He stressed that love and emotional attachment to Bangla must translate into consistent and correct usage. The continuity of discussion around language is equally important, he added.

“This conversation should not end by mid-March. Those involved in writing and editing, especially in newspapers, must treat this issue with importance throughout the year,” he said.

Critiquing past state-led initiatives, Prof Shamima Sultana of the Bangla department at Jahangirnagar University highlighted inconsistencies in what was promoted as “Digital Bangla”.

“A 2022 survey of government websites -- from the President’s office to the Prime Minister’s -- revealed widespread spelling errors. Even fundamental terms like ‘freedom fighter’ were incorrectly written. Despite spending crores on digitisation, there was a lack of sincerity in applying the language correctly,” she said.

She also underscored the political nature of language, referring to the resurgence of certain terms during recent mass movements.

Words such as “Insaf” and “Inqilab”, she noted, have reappeared in public discourse, sparking renewed debates over linguistic identity and notions of purity.

“Language has always functioned both as a tool of oppression and resistance -- from the imposition of Urdu in 1952 to the slogans heard in 2024. Words carry the imprint of political realities,” she added.

Writer Ahmed Mostafa Kamal offered a more optimistic view, dismissing concerns about the decline of Bangla.

He said the language’s resilience lies in its strong oral tradition and vast literary heritage.

“Bangla is not under threat in the way many indigenous languages are. With around 180 million speakers in Bangladesh and millions more in West Bengal and across the diaspora, this language cannot simply be taken away. It is alive and constantly evolving,” he said.

The discussion was moderated by Imran Mahfuz.