Bengali Language MovementFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search This article is about the language movement in Bangladesh. For other uses, see Language movement (disambiguation). Procession march held on 21 February 1952 in Dhaka The Bengali Language Movement, also known as the Language Movement (Bengali: ভাষা আন্দালন; Bhasha Andolon), was a political movement in former East Bengal (today Bangladesh) advocating the recognition of the Bengali language as an official language of the then Dominion of Pakistan in order to allow its use in government affairs, the continuation of ts use as a medium of education, its use in media, currency and stamps, and to maintain its writing in the Bengali script. When the Dominion of Pakistan was formed by the partition of India in 1947, it was composed of various ethnic and linguistic groups, with the geographically non-contiguous East Bengal province (that was renamed in 1956 as East Pakistan) having a mainly Bengali population. In 1948, the Government of the Dominion of Pakistan ordained Urdu as the sole national language, sparking extensive protests among the Bengali-speaking majority of East Bengal. Facing rising sectarian tensions and mass discontent with the new law, the government outlawed public meetings and rallies. The students of the University of Dhaka and other political activists defied the law and organised a protest on 21 February 1952. The movement reached its climax when police killed student demonstrators on that day. The deaths provoked widespread civil unrest led by the Awami Muslim League, later renamed the Awami League. After years of conflict, the central government relented and granted official status to the Bengali language in 1956. In 1999, UNESCO declared 21 February International Mother Language Day[1] in tribute to the Language Movement and the ethno-linguistic rights of people around the world. The Language Movement catalysed the assertion of Bengali national identity in East Bengal and later East Pakistan, and became a forerunner to Bengali nationalist movements, including the 6point movement and subsequently the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. In Bangladesh, 21 February is observed as Language Movement Day, a national holiday. The Shaheed Minar monument was constructed near Dhaka Medical College in memory of the movement and its victims. Contents 1 Background 2 Early stages of the movement o 2.1 Agitations of 1948 3 Events of 1952 o 3.1 21 February o 3.2 22 February o 3.3 Continued unrest 4 Events after 1952 o 4.1 United Front in 1954 o 4.2 Constitution reform o 4.3 Liberation of Bangladesh 5 Legacy 6 Criticism 7 Citations 8 See also 9 References 10 Further reading 11 External links Background The present nations of Pakistan and Bangladesh were part of undivided India during the British colonial rule. From the mid-19th century, the Urdu language had been promoted as the lingua franca of Indian Muslims by political and religious leaders such as Sir Khwaja Salimullah, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Nawab Viqar-ul-Mulk and Maulvi Abdul Haq.[2][3] Urdu is an Indo-Aryan language of the Indo-Iranian branch, belonging to the Indo-European family of languages. It developed under Persian, Arabic and Turkic influence on apabhramshas (last linguistic stage of the medieval Indian Aryan language Pali-Prakrit)[4] in South Asia during the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire.[5] With its Perso-Arabic script, the language was considered a vital element of the Islamic culture for Indian Muslims; Hindi and the Devanagari script were seen as fundamentals of Hindu culture.[2] While the use of Urdu grew common with Muslims in northern India, the Muslims of Bengal (a province in the eastern part of British Indian sub-continent) primarily used the Bengali language. Bengali is an Eastern Indo-Aryan language that arose from the eastern Middle Indic languages around 1000 CE[6] and developed considerably during the Bengal Renaissance. As early as the late 19th century, social activists such as the Muslim feminist Roquia Sakhawat Hussain were choosing to write in Bengali to reach out to the people and develop it as a modern literary language. Supporters of Bengali opposed Urdu even before the partition of India, when delegates a Bengali Islamic cultural organisation. "If we have to choose a second state language.[8] Leading Bengali scholars argued why only Urdu should not be the state language. and its exclusive use in the media and in schools."[14] The writer Abul Mansur Ahmed said if Urdu became the state language. as well as from currency notes and stamps. from 1956 East Pakistan. were dominated by personnel from the western wing of the Dominion of Pakistan. and military.[9] In 1947.[7] Early stages of the movement Britain's holdings on the Indian subcontinent were granted independence in 1947 and 1948. a key resolution at a national education summit in Karachi advocated Urdu as the sole state language. The Muslim League was a British Indian political party that became the driving force behind the creation of Pakistan as a Muslim state separate from British India. Bengali-speaking people in East Bengal.from Bengal rejected the idea of making Urdu the lingua franca of Muslim India in the 1937 Lucknow session of the Muslim League. The central education minister Fazlur Rahman made extensive preparations to make Urdu the only state language of the Dominion of Pakistan. and said. Students from Dhaka rallied under the leadership of Abul Kashem. becoming four new independent states: the Dominion of India. the Pakistan Public Service Commission removed Bengali from the list of approved subjects. however. civil services. The linguist Muhammad Shahidullah pointed out that Urdu was not the native language of any part of Pakistan. made up 44 million of the newly formed Dominion of Pakistan's 69 million people.[8] The Dominion of Pakistan's government.[13] Public outrage spread. and a large number of Bengali students met on the University of Dhaka campus on 8 December 1947 to formally demand that Bengali be made an official language. we should consider Urdu. the educated society of East Bengal would become 'illiterate' and 'ineligible' for government positions. 1971-today Bangladesh).[15] The first . and the Dominion of Pakistan (including East Bengal. After the partition of India in 1947. To promote their cause. the secretary of Tamaddun Majlish. Bengali students organised processions and rallies in Dhaka. The meeting stipulated Bengali as an official language of the Dominion of Pakistan and as a medium of education in East Bengal.[12] However. the Union of Burma (now Myanmar). the non-contiguous eastern part of the Dominion of Pakistan. Dominion of Ceylon (now Sri Lanka).[10][11] Opposition and protests immediately arose. Rally leader Mohammad Toaha was hospitalised after attempting to snatch a rifle from a police officer. Parliament member Shamsul Huq convened a new committee to push for Bengali as a state language. without complying to the demand that Bengali be made a state language. Under such circumstances. Oli Ahad. Students of the University of Dhaka and other colleges of the city organized a general strike in 11 March 1948 to protest the omission of Bengali language from official use. the chief minister Nazimuddin signed an accord with the student leaders agreeing to some of the terms and conditions. Abdul Wahed and others were arrested during the rallies.[18] Continuing strikes were observed the following four days. at a civic reception at Racecourse Ground. a meeting was held to protest police brutality and arrests.[8] In the height of civic unrest. Fazlul Huq. Police attacked the procession injuring several students and leaders. Kazi Golam Mahboob.[8] Datta's proposal was supported by legislators Prem Hari Burman. Shawkat Ali. he claimed that the language issue was designed by a "fifth column" to divide Pakistani . Assembly member Dhirendranath Datta proposed legislation in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan to allow members to speak in Bengali and authorise its use for official purposes. as well as the people from the region. including A. Political leaders such as Shamsul Huq. A group of students marching towards the chief minister Khawaja Nazimuddin's house was stopped in front of the Dhaka High Court.[8] In the afternoon of 11 March. Governor-General of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah arrived in Dhaka on 19 March 1948. including coins. Professor Nurul Huq Bhuiyan of the Tamaddun Majlish convened the committee. Bhupendra Kumar Datta and Sris Chandra Chattaopadhyaya of East Bengal. K.[8][17] Agitations of 1948 Rallies at the University of Dhaka area. an organisation in favour of Bengali as a state language was formed towards the end of December 1947.Rastrabhasa Sangram Parishad (National Language Action Committee). thus the legislation was defeated. Student leaders. stamps and recruitment tests for the navy.[8][16] Later. On 21 March. The rally changed its direction and moved in the direction of the Secretariat building. The movement restated the demand that Bengali be declared an official language of the Dominion of Pakistan.[8] Prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan and the Muslim League denounced the proposal as an attempt to divide the Pakistani people. including Abdul Matin and Abdul Malek Ukil took part in the procession. [18] Before Jinnah left Dhaka on 28 March. was formed by the East Bengal government to prepare a report on the language problem. As preparation for demonstrations was going on.[8][29] The central government's proposal of writing the Bengali language in Arabic script was vehemently opposed at the meeting.[18] On 31 January. staunchly defended the "Urdu-only" policy in a speech on 27 January 1952. he delivered a speech on radio reasserting his "Urdu-only" policy. and overruled the contract that was signed by Khawaja Nazimuddin with the student leaders. and only Urdu" embodied the spirit of Muslim nations and would remain as the state language.Muslims. the government imposed Section 144 in Dhaka.[19][20][21][22][23] Jinnah further declared that "Urdu. presided by Maulana Akram Khan.[18] Students of the University of Dhaka and other institutions gathered on the university premises on 4 February and warned the government to withdraw its proposal to write Bengali in Arabic script. including strikes and rallies. as a potential solution to the language conflict.[26] Shortly thereafter. and insisted on the recognition of Bengali. The action committee called for an all out protest on 21 February.[28] Events of 1952 Procession march held on 4 February 1952 at Nawabpur Road. The government suggested that Bengali be written in Arabic script.[8][21][24][25] labelling those who disagreed with his views as "Enemies of Pakistan".[27] The Committee completed its report on 6 December 1950. The Urdu-Bengali controversy was reignited when Jinnah's successor. chaired by Maulana Bhashani. Dhaka. He later called a meeting of a state language committee of action. governor-general Khawaja Nazimuddin. 21 February . but it was not published until 1958. Jinnah delivered a similar speech at Curzon Hall of the University of Dhaka on 24 March.[9] At both meetings. Jinnah was interrupted by large segments of the audience. the Shorbodolio Kendrio Rashtrobhasha Kormi Porishod (All-Party Central Language Action Committee) was formed in a meeting at the Bar Library Hall of the University of Dhaka. thereby banning any gatherings of more than four people. the East Bengal Language Committee. [8][30] As the news of the killings spread. the police arrested several students for violating section 144 as they attempted to leave. six legislators including Manoranjan Dhar. During the continued protests. Shamsuddin Ahmed and Dhirendranath Datta requested that chief minister Nurul Amin visit wounded students in hospital and that the assembly be adjourned as a sign of mourning. police actions led to the death of four more people.[24] Protesters burned the offices of two leading progovernment news agencies. asking them to present their insistence at the assembly. students gathered at the university gate and attempted to break the police line. or mourning rally. Shops. Enraged by the arrests.[24] At the assembly.[18] More than 30.[8][33] Continued unrest .[31] However Nurul Amin refused the requests. Shamsuddin Ahmed Khondokar and Mosihuddin Ahmed.[32] Police fired on a major janaza.000 people congregated at Curzon Hall in Dhaka. When a group of students sought to storm into the building. banks and the radio station. The shooting killed several people including activist Sofiur Rahman and a nine-year old boy named Ohiullah. By a quarter past eleven. the Jubilee Press and the Morning News. including colleges.[31] This motion was supported by some of the treasury bench members including Maulana Abdur Rashid Tarkabagish. Shorfuddin Ahmed. offices and public transport were shut down and a general strike began. as it was passing through Nawabpur Road. students began gathering on the University of Dhaka premises in defiance of Section 144. The vice-chancellor asked police to stop firing and ordered the students to leave the area. Boshontokumar Das. However. to boycott offices and join the procession.[8] A section of students ran into the Dhaka Medical College while others rallied towards the university premises cordoned by the police. Rafiq Uddin Ahmed. Police fired tear gas shells towards the gate to warn the students. police opened fire and killed a number of students. the students met around the East Bengal Legislative Assembly and blocked the legislators' way.Meeting on the University of Dhaka premises on 21 February 1952 At nine o'clock in the morning. including Abdus Salam. disorder erupted across the city.[8][31] 22 February Disorder spread across the province as large processions ignored section 144 and condemned the actions of the police. The university vice-chancellor and other officials were present as armed police surrounded the campus. Abul Barkat and Abdul Jabbar. This prompted officers and clerks from different organizations. [34] Inaugurated by the father of the slain activist Sofiur Rahman. students of Dhaka Medical College worked on the construction of a Shaheed Smritistombho. industrial workers in the town of Narayanganj observed a general strike. or All-Party Central Language Action Committee. or Monument of Martyrs. the monument was destroyed on 26 February by police. relax restrictions on civil liberties and adopt Bengali as an official language.[37] The government censored news reports and withheld exact casualty figures during the protests. Dhaka.[38] The families of Abul Barkat and Rafiq Uddin Ahmed tried to charge the police with murder. the University of Dhaka reopened and the Shorbodolio Kendrio Rashtrobhasha Kormi Porishod. proceedings were stalled by members of the Muslim League when legislators from East Bengal sought to raise the language issue.[36] A protest followed on 29 February whose participants faced severe police beating.[35] On 25 February. Most pro-government media held Hindus and communists responsible for encouraging the disorder and student unrest. but the charges were dismissed by the police. At the meeting delegates urged the government to release prisoners.[40] On 16 April. Events after 1952 .22 February rally after janaja at Dhaka Medical College on the University Dhaka road. Completed at dawn on 24 February. the monument had a handwritten note attached to it with the words "Shaheed Smritistombho". Through the night of 23 February.[39] When the constituent assembly reconvened on 14 April. held a seminar on 27 April at the Bar Association Hall. An 8 April government report on the incidents failed to show any particular justification for police firings on the students. [45] However. This decision was followed by a major wave of unrest as other ethnic groups sought recognition of other regional languages. The ruling Muslim League denounced the opposition United Front coalition. Proponents of Urdu such as Maulvi Abdul Haq condemned any proposal to grant official status to Bengali. He led a rally of 100. banks and educational institutions were closed to observe the occasion. which—led by A. resolved to give official recognition to Bengali. develop.[41] Police arrested students and other protesters. Demonstrations broke out on the night of 21 February 1954 with various halls of the University of Dhaka raising black flags in mourning. Several United Front leaders and activists were arrested.[42] A meeting of parliament's Muslim League members. West Pakistani politicians such as Fazlur Rahman aggravated sectional tensions by declaring that anyone who wanted Bengali to become an official language would be considered an "enemy of the state.[24][44] The United Front ministry ordered the creation of the Bangla Academy to promote. literature. The Shorbodolio Kendrio Rashtrobhasha Kormi Porishod.Foundation of the Shaheed Minar laid down in Dhaka by Abul Barkat's family members. United Front in 1954 Political tensions came to a head as elections to the provincial assembly of East Bengal were held in 1954.[8] However. Fazlul Huq and the Awami League—wanted greater provincial autonomy. while the representation of the Muslim League was reduced to a historic low. K.[42] the United Front again formed the ministry on 6 June 1955 . chaired by prime minister Muhammad Ali Bogra. and heritage. people across East Bengal wore black badges in solidarity with the victims. More than 100. the United Front rule was temporary. decided to commemorate 21 February as Shohid Dibosh (Martyrs' Day). as Governor General Ghulam Muhammad cancelled the government and started Governor's rule on 30 May 1954. and preserve Bengali language. Student groups made agreements with college and police officials to preserve law and order.000 people assembled at a public meeting held in Armanitola in Dhaka. where community leaders called for the immediate release of Maulana Bhashani and other political prisoners.[43][44] Consequently. On the first anniversary of the protests. who were released later despite refusing to post bail." Bengali students and civilians disobeyed the restrictions to celebrate the anniversary of the protests. with support from the Awami Muslim League. the implementation failed and the United Front won a vast majority of seats in the legislative assembly. Most offices.000 people to protest against the Muslim League's decision. the anniversary on 21 February 1956 was observed for the first time in a peaceful atmosphere. the East Pakistani population continued to be underrepresented in the civil and military services.[46] Following the return of the United Front to power.[48] Liberation of Bangladesh Main article: Bangladesh Liberation War Although the question of official languages was settled by 1956. the military regime issued an official statement and reinstated the official stance of supporting the 1956 constitution's policy of two state languages.[44] Bengali was recognised as the second official language of Pakistan on 29 February 1956. and article 214(1) of the constitution of Pakistan was reworded to "The state language of Pakistan shall be Urdu and Bengali." However. Major rallies were organised by Bengali leaders and all public offices and businesses remained closed.[46][47] Constitution reform On 7 May 1954. the military government formed by Ayub Khan made attempts to re-establish Urdu as the sole national language. which subsequently led to the Bangladesh Liberation War.after the governor's regime ended. with the Muslim League's support. Despite forming the majority of the national population. One demand was that East Pakistan be called Bangladesh (Land/Country of Bengal). The Awami League did not participate in this ministry though. The session of the constituent assembly was stopped for five minutes to express condolence for the students slain in the police shootings.[3][9] Legacy See also: Artistic depictions of the Language Movement . and support for the Bengali ethnic nationalist Awami League. Mainly due to regional economic imbalances sectional divisions grew. This was mainly due to lack of representative government in the fledgling state. the constituent assembly resolved. The Government supported a major project to construct a new Shaheed Minar. and received a minority of state funding and other government help. to grant official status to Bengali. On 6 January 1959. the military regime of Ayub Khan promoted the interests of West Pakistan at the expense of East Pakistan.[21] which invoked the 6-point movement for greater provincial autonomy. " The proposal was supported unanimously at the 30th General Conference of UNESCO held on 17 November 1999.[50] Since the events of February 1952. Subsequently. Notable artistic depictions include the poems Bornomala. Hasina Begum.[54] . Bengali was given semi-official status in the three Bengali-majority districts of Assam. 1952 The Language Movement had a major cultural impact on Bengali society. one of the highest civilian awards in Bangladesh. the stage play Kobor by Munier Chowdhury and the novels Ekushey February by Raihan and Artonaad by Shawkat Osman. is a major national holiday in Bangladesh. films.[52] Two years after the first monument was destroyed by the police. Although the imposition of martial law in 1958 interrupted the work. the monument was completed and inaugurated on 21 February 1963 by Abul Barkat's mother. the film Jibon Theke Neya by Zahir Raihan. or the Martyr's monument.[51] Bangladesh officially sent a proposal to UNESCO to declare 21 February as "International Mother Language Day. works of art and poetry played a considerable role in rousing the people's emotions during the movement. cartoons and paintings were created to capture the movement from varied point of views.[49] Songs such as Abdul Gaffar Choudhury's Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano. On May 19. 1961. poems. plays. 21 February. Ekushey Padak. It has inspired the development and celebration of the Bengali language. but the Bangladeshi government reconstructed it in 1973. songs. is awarded annually in memory of the sacrifices of the movement. The design included a half-circular column symbolizing a mother with her martyred sons standing at the dais in the center of the monument.Shaheed Minar. literature and culture. movement for equal status of Bengali also took place in the Indian state of Assam. novels. a new Shaheed Minar (Monument of Martyrs) was constructed in 1954 to commemorate the protesters who lost their lives. celebrated as Language Movement Day or Shohid Dibosh (Martyrs' Day). as well as plays. Assam. A month-long event called the Ekushey Book Fair is held every year to commemorate the movement. set to music by Shaheed Altaf Mahmud. 11 Bengalis were killed in Police firing in Silchar Railway Station. while demanding state recognition of Bengali language.[53] Outside East Bengal. located near Dhaka Medical College commemorates those who lost their life during the protests on 21 February. Pakistani forces demolished the monument during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971. Hamidur Rahman’s model consisted of a large complex in the yard of the Dhaka Medical College Hostel. Amar Dukhini Bornomala and February 1969 by Shamsur Rahman. Work on a larger monument designed by the architect Hamidur Rahman began in 1957 with the support of the United Front ministry. the Two-Nation Theory. wherein there existed several linguistic groups. This kind of thinking also provoked considerable opposition in the western wing. still under considerable Hindu culture and influence.. "East Bengal is .[3] Some of the most powerful politicians from the western wing of Pakistan considered Urdu a product of Indian Islamic culture. it also heightened the cultural animosity between the authorities of the two wings of Pakistan. This is also true of the historic Language Movement of Bangladesh.[3][21][55] In the western wing of the Dominion of Pakistan.[57] The Language Movement inspired similar discontent in the western wing of Pakistan and provided momentum to ethnic nationalist parties. .[24] The Historic Language Movement Abdul Ghafur Language Movement occupies a most glorious chapter in the history of Bangladesh. when police fired on the crowds of language activists at Dhaka..however.[56] The rejection of the "Urdu-only" policy was seen as a contravention of the Perso-Arabic culture of Muslims and the founding ideology of Pakistan. The importance of the Movement lies in the fact that it was this Language Movement which provided socio-politico-psychological basis on which subsequent movement for regional autonomy grew in the then East Pakistan leading ultimately to the emergence of the separate sovereign nationhood of Bangladesh in 1971.stood by the "Urdu only" policy as they believed that only a single language.[3] The political unrest in East Pakistan and rivalry between the central government and the United Front-led provincial government was one of the main factors culminating in the 1958 military coup by Ayub Khan. military dictator Ayub Khan said. Historical background: No big event ever takes place overnight. within one month after the emergence of Pakistan as an independent state. the movement was seen as a sectional uprising against Pakistani national interests.[9] As late as in 1967. and shed the word "Muslim" from its name.[9] Most. the Movement began in September 1947. Although the Language Movement was formally launched in 1947. while they saw Bengali as a part of "Hinduized" Bengali culture. Although the Movement reached its climax in February 1952. should serve as the national language."[9] The Awami Muslim League turned over to Bengali nationalism after the Movement. one that was not indigenous to Pakistan.Criticism Although the Language Movement is considered to have laid the foundations for ethnic nationalism in many of the Bengalis of East Bengal and later East Pakistan. the seeds of the Language Movement lay deep in the socio-political conditions through which Bengali language grew and developed over the years and centruries. after the emergence of Pakistan as an independent state. " (Those who will listen Astadash Purana and Ramayana in man-made Bengali language shall go to Rourava hell). an opportune moment. an opportune moment. But the distinct form of Bengali language was yet to crystallise. According to scholars. Despite all these facts some Muslim ." [Vide. It was quite natural that the Bengali language used by the people. The new rulers did not discriminate between books. therefore. It was in this socio-political backdrop that Iftikharuddin Mohammad Bin Bakhtiar Khilji conquered Bengal in 1203 AD. During the Buddhist Pala dynasty Bengali language. the two languages that greatly influenced the religious and cultural life of the Muslims. as pearl remaining hidden in the oyster longs for the coming of a diver. for preaching their religious ideas. pursuit of Bengali language and literature received liberal patronage and encouragement from the Muslim rulers. the language of the masses. Use of Bengali language was discouraged not only at the official level but also in religious discourses. against heavy social odds. Bangla Bhashar Upor Musalmaner Probhab" by Sree Dinesh Chandra Sen]. Muslim conquest brought for the Bengali language that august time. shuvokhaner shujog anoyan karilo. Encouraged by the instance of the ruling elites. but also Sanskrit origin were translated into Bengali with royal patronage. enjoyed royal patronage and made a good beginning. shuktir bhitar mukta lukaiya thakiya jerup duburir apekha kariya thakey. but also opened a golden chapter in the history of the growth of Bengali language and literature. shuvokhoner janya pratikha karitechilo. Bengali language had been in wait for an august hour. It was the Buddhist mystics who are to be credited for composing the earliest verses of Bengali. The Senas introduced discriminating caste system in the society and made Sanskrit the state language of the country. It is thus seen that although Bengali language had its birth during the Buddhist era. Dinesh Chandra Sen rightly asserted: "Hira kailar khanir madhye thakiya jemon Johurir agomoner pratikha kare. Islamic and non-Islamic. Establishment of Muslim rule in Bengal not only brought about a revolutionary change in the then caste-ridden society of Bengal. toppled the Pala dynasty and established the Sena rule in Bengal." (Just as diamond remaining within the coalmine awaits a lapidary. the Brahmanic pundits went so far as to issue religious injunctions declaring the use of the language of the masses (Bengali Language) as a sin deserving exemplary punishment. One such injunctions pronounced through a sanskrit verse read as follows: "Astadash Puran mani Ramasyas charitanicho/Bhashayang Manabang Srutta Rouravang Narakang Brajet. it was left for the Muslim rulers to nurture it in its infancy and adolescence.Bengali language originated in the seventh century in the family of Indo-Aryan language through a long evolutionary process. It was no wonder. Bengali language during its earliest days faced sudden setback when in the eleventh century the orthodox Brahmanic Senas coming from the Deccan. for the purpose of bestowing their patronage on. used a large number of words derived from Arabic and Persian. Bangla bhasha temoni kono shuvodin. that books from not only Arabic and Persian. Muslim bijoy Bangla bijoy Bangla bhashar shei shuvodin. Although during the six hundred years of Muslim rule Persian had been the official language. which was in its infancy. the earliest foms of Bengali language have to be traced in the Buddhist mystic songs known as "Buddha Gan o Doha'. including the poets of the time. Dr. Syed Nawab Ali Chowdhury. Among the pioneering Muslim litterateurs were Meer Mosharraf Hossain. to forge a form of Sanskritised Bengali flushing out all Bengali words of dayto-day use in the Muslim society coming from Arabic and Persian origin. During the second decade of the . many Muslims developed an apathy towards Bengali language and started feeling that Urdu. While Hindus tried to uphold the cause of Hindi.poets of the medieval age felt that they owed an explanation for writing books on religious themes in a language other than Arabic. Distressed at the partisan spirit of the British rulers towards the language spoken by the Muslims in their day-to-day life. Maulana Akram Khan. Fazlul Karim. and no other language. one by the puritans at Deoband. This conflict became poignant as the demand for self-rule grew stronger. Most Muslim poets and litterateurs. They were followed by a host of others like Shaikh Habibur Rahman Sahityaratna. This was why Muslim contribution to standard Bengali literature between the mid-eighteenth and mid-nineteenth centuries was very poor. This had greatly influenced the educated sections of Muslims. Syed Ismail Hossain Siraji. Dr Muhammad Shahidullah. S. Hindu-Urdu rivalry played a vital role in creating the immediate background of the Language Movement. and the other by the modernists at Aligarh. During the British rule. The Muslim writers of Bengal. soon realised their mistake and as a result in the second half of the nineteenth century a large number of Muslim poets and litterateurs were seen making literary pursuits in their mother tongue Bengali in all seriousness. Wazed Ali. Golam Mostafa. however. in which the last sovereign ruler of Bengal Nawab Sirajuddowla was defeated. Immediate Background: In the all India cultural parlour. Shahadat Hossain. Lutfar Rahman. This apologetic attitude further deepened when during the decadent days of the Moghuls. The new rulers established Fort William College wherein attempts were made. Qazi Emdadul Huq. Muslims stood for Urdu. kept themselves away from the governmentpatronised institutions of education and culture and devoted themselves to the pursuit of old forms of literature better known as Punthi. Both these institutions were situated in the Urdu-speaking belt and were run by protagonists of Urdu. one of the founders of Dhaka University. They did not have a similar attitude towards Persian language possibly because it was written in Arabic script. Muslim elites of northern India developed Urdu as a separate language combining spoken Hindi with Arabic script. Jasimuddin. virtually signified the beginning of British rule in the subcontinent. was of the opinion that whatever was the official language and medium of instruction in other provinces. the language of the Holy Quran. Mohammad Barkatulalh. Mozammel Huq and Kaikobad. and not Bengali. but also culturally and economically. was their own language. shocked at this. The tragedy of Plassey in 1757 AD. Mohammad Yaqub Ali Chowdhury. Mohammad Wazed Ali and on the top of all Qazi Nazrul Islam who revolutionised the course of Bengali literature both in form and spirit. in Bengal it must be Bengali. with the help of Brahmin scholars. The years that followed witnessed deliberate attempts by the new rulers to subdue the educated and well-to-do classes of Muslims not only politically. Syed Emdad Ali. Sk. Dr. Maulana Maniruzzaman Islamabadi. Shaikh Abdur Rahim. both orthodox and modern. two great centres of Muslim education were established. postal envelopes. published in monthly "Mohammadi" in the Jaistha issue of 1352 BS and the essay entitled 'Pakistan: Rastrabhasha O Sahitya' by the same poet published in monthly 'Saugat' in the 'Aswin' issue of 1354 B. decided to create one Pakistan state comprising the said Muslim-majority areas. In July 1947 Dr. The two cultural organisations." [Vide'Rabindra Barshapanji" Probhat Mukhopadhya. Rabindranath replied. Although the Pakistan Movement was fought on the basis of the historic Lahore Resolution of 1940. Eminent linguistic scholar Dr. The writers attached to the two above-mentioned cultural organisations had always scathing and merciless criticisms against them. who analysed the issue elaborately in an essay entitled "Pakistaner Bhasha Samasya". Post cards. however. 1947. money order forms were issued in only English and Urdu languages. but a section on influential nonBengalee bureaucrats behaved in such a way as if Urdu had already been made the sole state language of the new nation. published in the Daily Azad on 29 July.. Mahatma Gandhi in a letter to Rabindranath Tagore posed the question as to which language should be ''lingua franca" when India attained self-rule. The controversy regarding state language thus went on and the new state of Pakistan came into existence of 14 August 1947 before any concrete decision was made on state language issue. a microscopic few who preferred Urdu to Bengali as official language and medium of instruction in the future state-structure of East Pakistan. all the three languages had the potentialities of becoming the lingua franca of India. "Purba Pakistan Renaissance Society" (Calcutta) and 'Purba Pakistan Sahitya Sansad' (Dhaka).S. "The only possible national language for inter-provincial intercourse is Hindi in India.twentieth century. felt that Bengali. conferences and seminaries. There were. Calcutta. This was promptly protested by Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad. Baishakh 1327 BS. meeting in a convention in Delhi in April 1946. Calcutta. But there was no organised move to make concerted efforts to make Bengali the state language of the country until a new born cultural organisation took up the issue in right earnest. In the sovereign state. They deliberated on how to make the best use of their mother tongue in revitalising their cultural heritage and other aspects of sovereign nationhood. This organisation was . the Muslim League legislators elected in the 1946 general elections. A formal decision on state language was yet to be made. however. which envisaged creation of more than one state in the Muslim-majority areas of northwestern and eastern India. Bengali was obviously to be the state language. Ist year. contemplated for the eastern zone in the Lahore Resolution. Muhammad Shahidullah. 'Moslem Bharat'. which led the Pakistan Movement in Bengal and Assam in the cultural arena. in their meetings. The satirical sonnet entitled "Urdu banam Bangla Bhasha" by Poet Farrukh Ahmad. P 78]. Sporadic comments were being made here and there by a section of educated people against this fishy attitude of the government. This altered the whole situation. The members of the intelligentsia of East Bengal grew suspicious about the motive of the government. Muhammad Shahidullah. Urdu and Hindi. Vice Chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University put forward a proposal pleading to make Urdu the only state language of Pakistan as Hindi was going to be the only state language of India. [Vide. 1968. Ist part. 1720 AD]. may be referred to in this regard as examples. always expressed their over-confidence that Bengali was going to be the official language of their new independent state. The booklet not only provided the people with the rationale for the Language Movement. an eminent litterateur and Professor of Dhaka University. the state language. politician. litterateur and Editor. a teacher. but also showed the way they had to proceed to create a vigorous movement to make Bengali. Publication of the booklet was followed by holding of meetings in Dhaka and other parts of East Pakistan in support of Bengali as a state language. Bengali has to be the medium of instruction and the language of the offices and courts in East Pakistan. He further urged upon all people to hold meetings in various parts of the country and in different educational institutions protesting against the move to impose any language other than the mother language and send resolutions passed in these meetings to Governor General Quaide Azam and other leaders.' (State language and the language problem of East Pakistan).. In the opening article of the booklet entitled 'Amader Prastab' (our proposal). To quote a former ambassador-cum-author Kamruddin Ahmad. Daily Ittehad. Prof Abul Quasem himself organised series of group sittings and discussion meetings in various educational institutions of .Tamaddun Majlis sponsored the movement for making Bengali the medium of instruction and the official language in East Bengal" [Vide-'A Socio-political History of Bengal and the Birth of Bangladesh' by Kamruddin Ahmad. Abul Mansur Ahmad. 98]. along with some other teachers and students of Dhaka University on 1 September. P. Abul Quasem put forward the basic demands of the Language Movement in most concrete terms. Dept. of Physics. He appealed to people of various areas of the country to send delegations to different members of the Constituent Assembly urging them to support the cause of Bengali. "Some young Islamists founded Tamaddun Majlis. pointed out that it was the Muslim rulers who gave liberal patronage to develop Bengali language and asserted that Bengali was very much a language of the Muslims too.. Dhaka. the educated people of East Pakistan would turn 'uneducated" overnight. Calcutta. and Prof Abul Quasem. He also called upon all people to join the Movement and make it strong and invincible. the founder of Tamaddun Majlis. 4th edition. 2. Bengali and Urdu have to be made the state languages of the central government of Pakistan. The booklet contained three articles contributed by Prof Qazi Motahar Hossain. Tamaddun Majlis was founded by Prof Abul Quasem. This organisation published a booklet entitled 'Pakistaner Rastrabhasha-Bangla Na Urdu?' (State Language of Pakistan-Bengali or Urdu?) on 15 September. he asserted that1. Abul Mansur Ahmad in his article entitled 'Bangla Bhashai Hoibe Amader Rastra Bhasha' (Bengali must be made our state language) dealt mainly on the economic importance of the Language Movement.Tamaddun Majlis. Dhaka University. Prof. 1975. 1947. Prof Qazi Motahar Hossain in his article entitled 'Rastra Bhasha O Purba Pakistaner Bhasha Samasya.. In his article. while trying to remove apathy towards Bengali from the minds of some people. He cautioned that if Urdu was made the only state language of Pakistan. 1947. a cultural organisation. intellectuals and politicians was submitted to the government in support of the demand to make Bengali a state language of Pakistan. Shah Azizur Rahman. Jahur Hossain Chowdhury etc. Poet Ahsan Habib. Prof. Principal Ibrahim Khan. Mansuruddin. joined the Province of East Bengal thorough a referendum. litterateurs. A. and 'the state Language of Pakistan' and often mixed up the two. S. Activities centering round the demand to make Bengali a state language. demanding adoption of BeIagali as 'the State Language of East Pakistan. Abdul Karim Sahityabisharad. who had by then organised themselves into two short-lived organisations-Purba Pakistan Ganatantrik Jubo League and Gana Azadi League. Abul Quasem. artists. Kazi Afsaruddin Ahmad. Abu Rushd. Since the greater part of Sylhet formerly belonging to the Province of Assam. Mrs Anwara Chowdhury. Calcutta. M. Prof. S.M. Events of 1947: Although in most cases the initiative was taken by Prof Abul Quasem. Syed Waliullah. A memorandum. Quasem. with signatures from cross-section of people including educationists. 18 November 19471. started in full swing in 1947. lawyers. Poet Jasimuddin. Prof. Atul Sen. This anomaly arose since there was an attempt to impose Urdu on East Pakistan too. Mohammad Modabber. Calcutta. Tamaddun Majlis organised a discussion meeting at the Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall auditorium in support of Bengali language. The first Committee of Action was formed in the same year with Prof. many political and cultural personalities of former Assam also played a vital role in the Language Movement. Muhammad Enamul Huq. Dr. . Abul Kalam Shamsuddin. [Vide. the Daily Azad. Sardar Fazlul Karim. Calcutta. The meeting passed two resolutions demanding the establishment of an Art College under the leadership of Zainul Abedin and adoption of Bengali as the State Language of East Pakistan. Dept. by Syed Mohammad Afzal. a teacher. Begum Shamsunnahar Mahmud. journalists. Among them were some young teachers and students and the political elements belonging to the Suhrawardy-Abul Hashim group of the former Bengal Provincial Muslim League. the meeting was addressed. Artist Zainul Abedin. Daily Azad. Dhaka University and a member of Tamaddun Majlis as convenor. Prof. Hossain. Khastgir. Prior to this on 5 November 1947 Purba Pakistan Sahitya Sangsad arranged a reception to famous artist Zainul Abedin." The memorandum in question was signed by hundreds of citizens including Maulana Akram Khan. Syed Ali Ahsan.Dhaka. Shaukat Osman. Presided over by Prof. It may be mentioned here that there were many who did not distinguish carefully between 'the official language of East Pakistan. Dr. On 12 November 1947. Prof. Abul Hasnat etc. Maulana Mustafizur Rahman. among others. Ganesh Basu. Abul Hasnat. there were others too who extended spontaneous support and cooperation. Dr. Abul Kalam Shamsuddin. Nurul Huq Bhuiyan. Abul Mansur Ahmad. 13 November 1947]. 1947]. Abu Jafar Shamsuddin. [Vide. M. This was evident from the memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister of East Bengal on 17 November 1947. Mansuruddin. Poet Jasimuddin. to advance the cause of the Movement. Abul Hasnat etc. Prof.R. Qazi Motahar Hossain the function was addressed by Messrs. Qazi Motahar Hossain. 8 November. Maulana Abdullahil Baqi. Daily Azad. [Vide. Abbasuddin Ahmad. of Chemistry. Presided over by Habibullah Bahar. Syed Ali Ahsan. Prof M. Abdul Matin (Pabna). Aziz Ahmad (Noakhali). student workers of the Suhrawardy-Hashim group of the former Bengal Muslim League. Resolutions moved by Farid Ahmad demanding Bengali as one of the state languages of Pakistan and the official language and medium of instruction of East Pakistan and condemning the anti-Bengali role of Daily 'Morning News' were unanimously adopted in the meeting. in a meeting formed a separate student organisation named 'East Pakistan Muslim Students League' outside the 'All East Pakistan Muslim Students League' led by Shah Azizur Rahman. The press note that was issued by the government on 12 December incident gave a concocted account and blamed three Calcutta dailies. English. Among others Farid Ahmed. A. Mafizur Rahman (Rangpur). spoke in the meeting. 30 November 1947]. When this issue of Daily 'Ittehad' reached Dhaka. [Vide. at the Pakistan Education Conference held in Karachi. but not Bengali. was elected convenor of the new organisation while Messrs. M. The number of subjects for the examination was thirty one including nine languages like Urdu. the Secretary of the Central Public Service Commission of Pakistan. Students along with some other people of the area brought out a procession against the incident. Events of 1948: On 4 January 1948. K. even dead languages like Sanskrit and Latin. French. Some twenty to thirty people received injuries as a result of the encounter.On 27 November l947. Oli Ahad (Comilla). During the last part of 1947. Hindi. The proccssionists met various ministers including Syed Mohammad Afzal. Abdul Qusem issued a press statement against this. German. the language of the majority people of Pakistan. Sk. Vice President. the Ittehad and the Swadhinata. Daily Azad. they were resisted by Bengali. Mr Goodwin. A protest meeting of the students of different educational institutions was held against this at the Dhaka University campus on 6 December l947 with Prof.supporters. met some ministers and forced them to give written undertaking that they would support the cause of Bengali language. it created new enthusiasm among the language activists. Nurul Kabir (Dhaka city). Abdul Aziz (Khulna). Naimuddin Ahmad. Munier Chowdhury. Nurul Amin and Hamidul Huq Chowdhury all of whom gave assurance to support the cause of Bengali. Abdur Rahman Chowdhury. a circular concerning the examination of superior civil service. When they reached the Palashi Barrack area. Prof M A Quasem formed an organisation named 'Dhaka Majlis' with SM Taifur and Abdul Mannan as President and Convenor respectively. Education Minister Fazlur Rahman suggested that Urdu should be made the state language of Pakistan. a group of Urdu-supporting people of old Dhaka attacked Bengalisupporters of the Engineering and Medical College area chanting pro-Urdu slogans. Ahsan etc. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (Faridpur). On 12 December 1947. The Daily Ittehad published the statement in its 31 December 1947 issue along with a strongly worded editorial entitled 'Abishashya' (unbelievable) against this audacity. It is interesting to note here that an admixture of Bengali and Urdu had been in popular use in old Dhaka during that time. Abdur Rahman Chowdhury (Barisal). The meeting was followed by a large procession demanding official status of Bengali. Many people in old Dhaka did not favour the idea of making Bengali a state language. Prof. In order to create public opinion in favour of Bengali in old Dhaka. Dhaka University Students Union. the Ananda Bazar. for the incident and banned their entry into East Bengal for 15 days with effect from 15 December 1947. issued on 15 November 1947. Abul Quasem in the chair. . Nawab Ali (Dhaka). Dabirul Islam (Dinajpur). Syed Nazrul Islam. Salam. a resident student of Salimullah Muslim Hall and a common member of both Tamaddun Majlis and East Pakistan Muslim Students League. About 14 picketters were arrested from the gate of the Ramna Post Office. Students of Dhaka observed strike on 26 February as a protest. Shamsul Alam. published in the Daily Amritabazar Parika. was made the convenor. Ali Ahmad Khan MLA. MA Quasem. The meeting. Oli Ahad and Abdul Wahed Chowdhury on 3 March 1948. Prof MA Quasem. Among those who participated in picketting at the Secretariat gates were Shamsul Huq. Mrs Anwara Khatun MLA. [ Vide. P. SM Bazlul Huq. Dhirendra Nath Dutta moved a resolution in the Constituent Assembly. Later on the Committee was further expanded through co-option of representatives from various other organisations in a meeting of the Committee held on 2 March 1948. were subjected to lathicharge by the Police. Syed Nurul Alam (Mymensingh) and Abdul Quddus Chowdhury (Chittagong) were elected members of the organising committee.Abdul Aziz (Kushtia). Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.To record a protest against these. meetings and processions. cultural and educational institutions and all students and citizens irrespective of caste and creed of East Pakistan to observe this strike according to the programme of the Joint State Language Subcommittee peacefully and with discipline. Those who picketed in front of the High Court. to allow speeches in Bengali side by side with English and Urdu. at the Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall. First Uprising: 11 March 1948: In order to make the 11 March programme a success Prof. Kazi Golam Mahbub. The meeting chaired by Prof MA Quasem reconstituted the State Language Committee of Action with representatives from Tamaddun Majlis and East Pakistan Muslim Students League. Bengali is the mother tongue of the two third population of the whole of Pakistan. The 11 March programme was a great success.The Daily Azad 2 March 19481]. Tafazzal Ali MLA. and (iii) as one of languages of Pakistan Consembly. which was presided over by Prof Abul Quasem. Kamruddin Ahmad. Calcutta. (ii) as one of the state languages of the central Pakistan. It was decided in the meeting to observe Protest Day all over East Pakistan on 11 March through strike... This was followed by a meeting held on 27 February 1948 at the Tamaddun Majlis office at the Rashid Building. Picketters had been active at different gates of the Secretariat since early morning. They paraded through different streets of the city in a procession and gathered in a protest meeting at the Dhaka University campus. It is a matter of shame that agitation has become necessary to establish this language in the life of the state. Complete strike was observed in all educational institutions. Mr Shamsul Alam. The lawyers in protest abstained from attending the Court for the day. 3rd edition. March 11. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Naimuddin Ahmad. It was rejected. Khoshroj Kitab Mahal. the East Pakistan Muslim Students League and Tamaddun Majlis have declared a general strike on Thursday." [Vide 'Jatiya Rajniti' by Oli Ahad. Mohammad Toaha. The formation of East Pakistan Muslim Students League was an important event in the history of the Language Movement as it constantly supported the cause of Bengali Language. Many others including Prof MA Quasem and . Dhaka. Another press statement issued by Messrs. They all were arrested.. On 25 February 1948. A. 40-41]. Shamsul Huq. Oli Ahad. Shaukat Ali etc. Naimuddin Ahmed and Abdur Rahman Chowdhury issued a press statement at Dhaka on 1 March 1948. was addressed among others by Naimuddin Ahmad and Mohammad Toaha. read as follows: "For some time past considerable agitation is going on to make Bengali (i) as the official language of East Pakistan. We appeal to all political. March 1997. Later on he met representatives of the Committee of Action. At the end of the meeting. The news of police action on picketters at Dhaka spread fast in and around the city of Dhaka. but soon it was shifted to the residence of Prof. P 52]. as in spite of their best efforts it was not possible immediately to rejuvenate the Movement due primarily to the mass popularity of Mr. Sanaullah Noori. Insan and Insaf. Jinnah at the time [Vide 'Jatiya Rajniti' Oli Ahad. There were two weeklies. In his address to the special convocation of the Dhaka University held on 24 March 1948. workers and employees had played an important role. The situation was quite embarrassing for the language activists. The Sainik was edited by prominent short story writer Shahed Ali. 1948. Students were stunned at these utterances of Mr. and no other language. a big procession rushed towards the Secretariat to protest against police atrocities. This situation continued for days on till 15 March when the Government was obliged to sign a pact with the Committee of Action accepting all their demands. The office of the weekly Sainik was situated first at 48. 'no no' to record their protest. Dhaka. shall be the state language of Pakistan. Police action against them only brought more protest marches of the angry people. He along with some other supporters of the Movement brought out the Weekly Sainik (Fighter) on 14 November 1948.Mohammad Toaha were injured during police action. Captain Bazar. Mahbubul Huq. MS Huq and MA Hai etc. On 11 March. Azimpur. Jinnah. On 21 March 1948. 3rd edition 1997. post and telecommunication sectors. Some of them shouted. The whole Secretariat area was soon turned into a sea of processionists many of whom forced into the Secretariat breaking police cordon. Mohammad Ali Jinnah came to Dhaka on his first ever visit to East Pakistan after the emergence of Pakistan. Among others who volunteered to work on the staff were Enamul Huq. Jinnah's visit: On 19 March 1948 Mr. But the talks failed as both sides did stick to their pervious positions. Abdul Ghafur and Mostafa Kamal. soon turned into the nerve-centre of all socio-cultural activities including the Language Movement. Due to active resistance put up by East Pakistan Railway Employees League (EPREL) under the leadership of Messrs. He further said. edited by Abdul Wahed Chowdhury. As a result spontaneous protest processions started pouring into the area around the Secretariat. This too. Abul Quasem of Tamaddun Majlis took up the matter in right earnest. he addressed a huge public meeting at the Ramna Race Course ground. Jinnah. At about 2-30 PM a large protest meeting was held at the University campus with Naimuddin Ahmad in the chair. . those who were opposing Urdu as the only state language were the enemies of the state. Both these were irregular and short-lived. Abul Quasem at 19. Prof. which as the office of both Tamaddun Majlis and the Weekly Sainik. very few trains could take start from Chittagong for Dhaka. They were taken to Tejgaon thana and were kept detained there till evening. he repeated it once again. supporting the Language Movement. the situation gradually cooled down. was a 'new experience' for Mr. Mr Golam Azam along with 10/12 students were arrested by police from the Ramna T&T office area. During that time Tamaddun Majlis had friendly relation with the workers and employees unions of rail. From 1948 to 1951: During that time the language activities had no mouth-piece of their own. In course of his speech he declared that Urdu. As the arrested leaders were released on 15 March as per conditions of the pact. The year 1951 witnessed the formation of yet another organisation supporting the cause of Bengali as a state language. Former General Secretary of Assam Provincial Muslim League Mahmud Ali and Ali Ahad were elected President and General Secretary respectively. It was the Purba Pakistan Jubo League. while addressing a public meeting at Rawalpindi. The party was named East Pakistan Awami Muslim League. among other things. Khwaja Nazimuddin was made the Governor General of Pakistan. an interim report on the Basic Principles of the Constitution in the Constituent Assembly. was assassinated. It was the move to change the script of Bengali language into Arabic one. Liaqat Ali visited Dhaka during the closing days of 1948. Joint Secretary and Asstt. The Convention adopted alternative basic principles recommending regional autonomy in the spirit of the Lahore Resolution and Bengali and Urdu as the two state languages of Pakistan. The organisation adopted a draft manifesto in support of Islamic order. Former President of the Assam Provincial Muslim League Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani. The year 1949 witnessed a new conspiracy against Bengali language. Liaqat Ali in his address condemned the demand for provincial autonomy as provincialism but kept silent on the state language issue. Although Jinnah's visit to East Pakistan in March 1949 proved to be setback for the Language Movement at the moment. East Pakistan Muslim Students League and Awami Muslim League attended the Convention. Towards February 1952: On 16 October 1951. But he was the titular head with real powers of the Government shifting into the hand of Prime Minister Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan. A Grand National Convention was held against this on 4 and 5 November 1950 in the Dhaka District Bar Library Hall. On 23 June. recommended Urdu as the only state language of Pakistan. the first ever opposition political party of Pakistan was floated at the East Pakistan Muslim League Workers Convention held at the Rose Garden. This article along with an editorial named 'Sankriti Hatyar Sharajantra' (Conspiracy to slaughter culture) was published in 9 December 1949 issue of the Weekly Sainik.After the death of Jinnah on 11 September 1948. The report. its fire continued to burn in the hearts of the people. were elected President. Secretary respectively. Dhaka. General Secretary. Shamsul Huq. founded at a Youth Conference held at Dhaka on 27 and 28 March 1951. Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaqat Ali Khan. Mujibur Rahman and Khandakar Moshtaq Ahmad. Storms of protest raged against this new conspiracy throughout the country. 1949. Sk. DUCSU Secretary Golam Azam read out the Address of Welcome which included demands of provincial autonomy and Bengali as a state language of Pakistan. Prime Minister of Pakistan Liaqat Ali Khan submitted on 28 September 1950. Abdul Ghafur read out an article entitled. provincial autonomy and Bengali as a state language of Pakistan. Since 1949 every year 'Rastra Bhasha Dibas' was regularly observed on 11 March to remind the people that their goals were yet to be achieved. Khwaja Nazimuddin was . Representatives of all political and cultural organisations supporting Bengali as a state language and regional autonomy including Tamaddun Majlis. Mr. "Bangla Harafer Upor Kono Shaytani Hamla Bardast Kara Haibe Na" in the meeting. Tamaddun Majlis organised a protest meeting at the Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall auditorium. He was accorded a reception on behalf of the DUCSU. Government promulgated 144 Cr. The meeting decided to observe general strike. PC banning all meetings. pc. Golam Mawla. rallies. It was. Oli Ahad. P. People from all walks of life came out in the streets holding processions. In course of his speech he declared that only Urdu shall be the state language of Pakistan bluntly forgetting that it was he. Mr. 104-106]. Ataur Rahman Khan. Abul Hashim. however. P. 1997. after threadbare discussion for and against breaking 144 Cr. Nazimuddin's comments sparked off wave of protests throughout East Pakistan. On 30 January 1952 a meeting of representatives from different organisations was held at the Dhaka District Bar Library Hall with Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani in the chair and an All Party State Language Committee of Action was formed with the following persons: Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani. Anwarul Huq Khan. An emergent meeting of the All Party Committee of Action was held on 20 February night at the Awami Muslim League Office. decided not to break 144 Cr. and also that the decision of the gathering would be considered final. Hedayet Hossain Chowdhury. p. Abdul Quasem. Syed Nurul Alam. however. Shaokat Ali. Shamusl Huq (Awami League) and Abdul Matin (University Committee of Action) respectively placed the majority and minority views in the meeting. and hold meeting and processions throughout East Pakistan on 21 February. meetings to voice their protest against the treacherous remarks of the Prime Minister.c. Nawabpur Road to review the latest situation.P.c. Shamsul Alam. Oli Ahad. processions in Dhaka city for one month. Hectic activities started to make the 21 February programme a success throughout the whole province. The meeting overwhelmingly decided to break 144 Cr. Almas Ali. In January 1952 Khwaja Nazimuddin visited Dhaka and addressed a public meeting at Paltan Maidan on 27 January. which was chaired by Abul Hashim. Kazi Golam Mahbub (Convener). . p. C. Syed Abdur Rahim. Abdul Awal. Khaleq Nawaz Khan. Mohammad Toaha. signed agreement with the then State Language of Action Committee to make Bengali one of the state languages of Pakistan. The meeting over. Prof. eights and tens voluntarily courting arrest by breaking 144 cr. This made the students furious. 94. Shamsul Huq. on the basis of 11 to 4 votes. Mujibul Huq. Kamruddin Ahmad. Anwara Khatun MLA. On 20 February afternoon.[Vide-'Jatiya Rajniti'. the day on which the East Bengal Legislative Assembly was to go into session. Mohammad Nurul Huda. 21 February and After: Government got panicky at the turn of events. in his capacity as the Provincial Chief Minister in 1948. At one stage police entered into the Univeristy campus and took resort to lathicharge on student crowds. did not continue for long. 3rd edition. decided that both the views would be placed before the students gathering to be held on the University campus on 21 February morning.C. who. The students gathering of 21 February was held at the University campus with Gaziul Huq in the chair. They started brick batting on the police and tried to rush towards the Legislative Assembly which was in session in the Jagannath Hall auditorium. Abul Matin and Ahtaruddin Ahmad. Khairat Hossain MLA. Abdul Ghafur. M.made the next Prime Minister. Mirza Golam Hafiz. Shamsul Huq Chowdhury. the students began to go out in the streets in groups of sixes. Mrs. The process of peaceful breaking of 144 Cr. The meeting. but they were able to go out of the office and escape arrest. Members of the Legislative Assembly including Maulana A Rashid Tarkabagish. Still later a new Constituent Assembly was formed including representatives of the United Front. Aziz Ahmad. but this was far from truth. Oil Ahad. In the 1954 general elections which were fought on the basis of 21-point manifesto of the United Front. Quasem and Abdul Ghafur. account. Bloodstained body of Abul Barkat fell on the ground. Khaleq Nawaz Khan. For subsequent 3 to 4 days Dhaka turned into a city of demonstrations and processions by thousands and lakhs of people chanting angry slogans against police atrocities. Rafiq and a host of other known and unknown youths who either lost their lives or were admitted in the hospital in a critical state. Khairat Hossain and Anwara Khatun walked out of the Assembly session. were arrested. The news of students killing spread fast throughout the city and the country. blood of the language martyrs did not go in vain. Within two weeks from the nightfall of 23 February most of the members of the Committee of Action and other leaders of the Movement including Maulana Bhashani. As a result the situation fast grew tense. The new Constituent Assembly enacted in 1956 in first ever constitution of Pakistan conceding the demand of making Bengali a state language. The caution and insight that was needed to tackle such a critical situation could not be demonstrated by the District Magistrate Qureshi who ordered the police to fire. Khairat Hossain. Although the country lost a good number of valuable lives on 21 February 1952. followed by Salahuddin who lost the skull of his head. with blood spiling from their bodies. Mohammd Toaha. Kazi Golam Mahbub. Abul Hashim. while Abul Kalam Shamsuddin resigned as a member of the Legislative Assembly in protest. Shafiq.The police tried to resist the demonstrating students by resorting to lathicharge and firing tear gas shells on them. the ruling Muslim League was given a crushing defeat by the Bengali-supporting United Front. M. nobody ever dared to oppose the demand of making Bengali a state language of Pakistan. Offices and shops closed down spontaneously. According to government. The Weekly Sainik brought out special issue on 22 February. Then there were Jabbar. Mirza Golam Hafiz. Thousands of people came out in the streets of Dhaka spontaneously to protest against the barbaric incident. At about 3 AM in the night following 23 February police surrounded the office of Tamaddun Majlis at 19 Azimpur in order to arrest Prof. After 21 February 1952. Most of the leaders went into hiding as police had been frantically trying to arrest them. On 22 February police again opened fire on demonstrators killing quite a few more of them. Abdul Matin. One language demonstrator after another started falling on the ground in front of the Medical College Hostel. signifying constitutional victory of the struggle that was humbly initiated in 1947 the Tamaddun Majlis. The student who far outnumbered the police tried to clear their path towards the Assembly by resorting to incessant brickbatting. Khandakar Moshtaq Ahmad. The result of the order was tragic. it had to go for 2nd and 3rd editions on 23 February with reporters on the latest situation. although curfew was still in force. Shamsul Huq. etc. .A. As all the copies were exhausted soon. the number of casualties was four. In the evening curfew was promulgated in the city and it is apprehended that many dead bodies were removed from the hospital morgue during the night. and everytime these were opposed by the west Pakistanis and their . a Bengali.hailing from the eastern wing .Although the Movement was formally a success in 1956. was opposed by Liakat Ali. It was again Prof. the KhilafateRabbani Party with Abul Hasim as the Chairman. [Abul Kashem] was the first person to convene a literary meeting to discuss the State Language issue in the Fazlul Huq Muslim Hall. 1st Wave September 15. the first ever Bengali-medium college of the country. Regrettably.A. Later. 1998. a student residence of Dhaka University. There was no move to make Bengali the medium of instruction at the higher level. All rights reserved. The historic booklet published by Tamaddun Majlis on 15 September 1947. D. the representatives of East Bengal attending the Pakistan Educational Conference. Quasem of Tamaddun Majlis who took the initiative to establish. a Bengali opposition member.. The resolution ". Supporters and sympathizers soon afterwards formed a political party. February 23. moves a resolution in the first session of Pakistan's Constituent Assembly for recognizing Bengali as a state language along with Urdu and English. Dhaka.Talukder Maniruzzaman) November 1947 In Karachi. in the sixties. writers and journalists oriented towards Islamic ideology) in a booklet titled State Language of Pakistan : Bengali or Urdu? demands Bengali as one of the state language of Pakistan. an organization by scholars. The State Language Movement. It is by no means a small glory for the Language Movement A Brief History of the Bangla Language Movement Mohammad Bari. M. (-. N. 1948 Direndra Nath Dutta. which was launched in 1947 primarily to make Bengali the state language and medium of instruction. the Bangla College. The State Language Movement successfully created the psychological basis of that separate sovereign state that is Bangladesh today. Dutta came up with a few amendments to the original resolution. The Secretary of the Majlis. oppose Urdu as the only national language. this was opposed by Khawaja Nazimuddin . 1947 Tamuddun Majlis (Cultural Society. it had still to go a long way. the Prime Minister of Pakistan and other non-Bengali members in the Assembly.. made in it a subtle reference to the historic Lahore Resolution which envisaged a separate sovereign state in the Muslim majority zone of eastern India. while voicing the demand to make the mother tongue of the people of East Pakistan one of the state languages of Pakistan. at that time a Professor of Physics in Dhaka University.and a few other Bengali collaborators of the West Pakistanis in the Assembly. called by the Minister of Education Fazlur Rahman. was designed to achieve yet another greater glory for itself. while on a visit to East Bengal. rightists.Bengali stooges. and (2) the Assembly by another resolution would recommend to the central government that Bengali should be made one of the state languages. after all. The West Pakistanis were uncompromising to such a genuine demand of the majority Bengalis. 1952 ." (-. The East Pakistan Student League. declares in Dhaka University convocation that while the language of the province can be Bengali.leftists. the impending visit of the Governor-General. was among those who raised the protest slogan and was placed under detention.Rafiqul Islam) "The demand for Bengali as one of the state language gathered the spontaneous support of the Bengali Civil Servants.is set up with the objective of achieving national status of Bengali. academics.Hasan Zaheer) March 21." (-. The Quaid-i-Azam was due to visit Dhaka from 19 March.Md. founded in the first week of January by Mujibur Rahman.Hasan Zaheer) March 1948 (1st week) A Committee of Action of the students of Dhaka University. were reportedly active in supporting the movement. then a university student. " The situation grew worse in the days that followed. Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan) 2nd Wave January 26. The National leadership resorted to repressive policies in order to crush the Bengali language and put its supporters behind bars. 1948 Mohammad Ali Jinnah." "The remark evoked an angry protest from the Bengali youth who took it as an affront: their language Bangla (Bengali) was. March 11. spoken by fifty-four percent of the population of Pakistan. By the end of February 1948. including some ministers. and various groups of middle class. "The discussion of Jinnah with the student representatives could not bear any fruit but blurred the difference between the student group led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his associates and the student group led by Shah Azizur Rahman. was in the forefront of the agitation. students. the "State language of Pakistan is going to be Urdu and no other language." (-." (-. Several members of the Provincial Assembly. The provincial government became nervous and Nazimuddin under pressure of widespread agitation." (--Siddiq Salik) Jinnah meets the student representatives of Committee of Action to persuade them of the necessity of having one national language. inter alia. representing all shades of opinion . provided that (1) the Provincial Assembly shall adopt a resolution for making Bengali the official language of East Pakistan and the medium of instruction at all stages of education. 1948 Students demonstrating for Bangla as state language is baton-charged and a large number of students are arrested in Dhaka. the controversy had spilled over on the streets. sought the help of Muhammad Ali Bogra to enter into negotiations with the Committee of Action. The Dacca University campus became the focal point for student meetings in support of the Bangla language. the founder of Pakistan and its first Governor-General. An agreement was signed by Nazimuddin with the Committee which. but the students are not convinced. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Any one who tries to mislead you is really an enemy of Pakistan. and centrists . The Basic Principles Committee of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan announces its recommendation that Urdu should be the only state language. Khilafate-Rabbani Party. it is agreed that the language agitation can not be successfully carried by the students alone. The ensuing riot spreads to the nearby campuses of the Medical and Engineering colleges. Prime Minister Nazimuddin declares that Urdu alone will be the state language of Pakistan. 1952 The students of Dhaka University in a protest meeting call the Prime Minister and the Provincial Ministers as stooges of West Pakistan. Rafiquddin Ahmed and Abdus Salam . But Chief Minister Nurul Amin urges the House to . Students decide to defy the official ban imposed by Nurul Amin's administration and processions are taken out to stage a demonstration in front of the Provincial Assembly.m. Youth League. Noon . it is decided that the leadership of the movement should be assumed by the Awami League under Bhashani. February 20. 1952 At 6 p. January 28. Maulana Bhashani addresses the meeting. and with two representatives from the Awami League." (-. To mobilize full political and student support. 1952 Bhashani presides over an all-party convention in Dhaka. the first three are students of Dhaka University. Five persons Mohammad Salauddin. A broad-based AllParty Committee of Action (APCA) is constituted with Kazi Golam Mahboob as Convener and Maulana Bhashani as Chairman. 1952 In a secret meeting called by the Awami League. February 3. when the East Bengal Assembly is due to meet for its budget session. Both the developments spark off the second wave of language agitation in East Bengal. six opposition members press for the adjournment of the House and demand an inquiry into the incidents. 1952 A general strike is observed. This order generated tension and resentment among the students. "The news of the killing spread like wildfire throughout the city and people rushed in thousands towards the Medical College premises. 4 p. 1952 Committee of Action holds a protest meeting in Dhaka against the move 'to dominate the majority province of East Bengal linguistically and culturally'. Police starts lobbing tear gas shells to the students. which is attended by a number of communist front as well as other organizations. Abul Barkat. January 31.A meeting is held in the campus of Dhaka University.are killed. Students League. and the Dhaka University State Language Committee of Action.Talukder Maniruzzaman) Inside the assembly. Dhaka. January 30. an order under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code prohibiting processions and meetings in Dhaka City is promulgated. February 21. The provincial chief of Awami League. Abdul Jabbar.m. In a public meting at Paltan Maidan. The convention is attended by prominent leaders like Abul Hashim and Hamidul Haq Choudhury. On the suggestion of Abul Hashim it decides to hold a general strike on 21 February. -The police opens fire in front of the Medical College hostel. Students retaliate by batting bricks. " (-. 1952 The Dhaka University is closed sine die. The students. 1952 A complete general strike is spontaneously observed. 1952 The government gives full authority to the police and military to bring the situation in Dhaka back to normal within 48 hours. the Awami (Muslim) League had attained the status of an opposition parliamentary party. the Chief Minister Nurul Amin moves a motion recommending to the Constituent Assembly that Bengali should be one of the state language of Pakistan. "For the first time a number of Muslim members voted in favour of the amendments moved by the opposition. The government again responds with repressive measures. APCA decides to observe a general strike on February 25 to protest the government's actions. 1952 Thousands of men and women throng the university. But it spread widely throughout the districts . The students of Medical College erect overnight a Shahid Minar (Martyr's Memorial) at the place where Barkat was shot to commemorate the supreme sacrifices of the students and general population. however. The police also fire on angry mob who burned the offices of a pro-government newspaper. As the situation deteriorates.Hasan Zaheer) February 23. February 24. "During these 48 hours the police arrested almost all the student and political leaders associated with the language movement. the government calls in the military to bring things under control. Shahid Minar later became the rallying symbol for the Bengalis. the police opens fire.proceed with the planned agenda for the day.. Bowing to the pressure.Talukder Muniruzzaman) February 25. the movement lost its momentum in Dhaka.. Four persons are killed.. February 22. In addition to demands for recognition of Bengali as one of state languages of Pakistan. Nurul Amin claimed that the government "had saved the province from disaster and chaos" by its repressive measures. At this point all the opposition members of the Assembly walk out in protest. students now began to call for the resignation of the 'bloody' Nurul Amin cabinet .. After prayers when they go for a procession. argued that they had already "written the success story of the movement on the streets with . Medical College and Engineering College areas to offer prayers for the victims of the police firing. The split in the Muslim League became formalized when some members demanded a separate bloc from the Speaker. despite the resolution by the Provincial Assembly. The motion is passed unanimously. "In the face of these repressive measures." (-. which so far had consisted of the Hindu Congress members only.