Language triumphs over barrier: West Bengal, Bangladesh celebrate Mother Language Day on border

NewsBharati    21-Feb-2018
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Kolkata, February 21: International Mother Language day holds a special place among every Bengali speaking people. They remember “Bhasa Shahid” or martyrs who laid their life for language. It was on 21 February 1952, that many students of Dhaka University laid down their lives to protest the imposition of Urdu and denial of official language status to Bengali by the ruling Punjabi elite of Pakistan. The two sides Bangladesh, West Bengal forgetting the border come closer on this particular day every year.

On Wednesday, Benapole-Petrapole border turned colorful on Wednesday with performances by prominent singers, litterateurs, politicians from both sides. Leaving behind all the differences many people came closer to pay tribute to the heroes. “The fair has stepped into its sixteenth year strengthening trust and connection among the Bangla-speaking people,” said Benapole Municipality Mayor Ashraful Alam Liton.

Near Zero point of the border, India set up a stage at its export terminal at Petrapole while ‘Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Ekushey Mancha’ was set up in Benapole. Security was tightened in the area as infiltration or act of terror could happen amid the happy moment.

Delegations from both the countries met at the zero point to celebrate their proud day. Jyotipriya Mallick, minister for food and supplies in West Bengal, and Lok Sabha MP Mamata Thakur was present in the event. Famous writers from West Bengal including Shirshendu Mukhopadhyay and Sanjib Chattopadhyay recited poems.

“It is a matter of pride that the two sides are celebrating the achievements of Bangalees collectively. It will enhance harmony and friendship among the countries,” Awami League Presidium Member Pijush Kanti Bhattacharya from Bangladesh said. This day indeed fills minds of Bangalees across the globe with great pride.