Protect languages of ethnic minorities

Speakers at a discussion yesterday called for taking necessary steps and creating public awareness to preserve the languages and literatures of people of the ethnic minority communities.

Adivasi Kalyan O Unnayan Sangstha organised the programme at Public Library, marking International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9).

Speaking at the programme as the chief guest, Dhaka University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Samad said ethnic minority communities should work hard to protect their languages.

He also underscored the need for enhancing the practice of indigenous languages, literatures and culture and establishing a committee and community radio to ensure such practice.

Dr Kazal Krishna Banerjee, a professor at the DU English department, called for including indigenous languages into mainstream.

He also highlighted the importance of awareness and a change in people's mindset in this regard.

While presenting the keynote paper, poet Anisur Rahman said a government decision in 2010 recognised 30 communities as ethnic minorities.

Referring to a research article, he claimed that a total of 75 ethnic minority communities of Bangladesh have been mentioned in the article.

Anisur Rahman alleged that the government decision deprived the rest of the  ethnic minority communities of their identities.

Rakhi Mrong, women affairs secretary of Adivasi Kalyan O Unnayan Sangstha, said, “To enrich cultural elements and literatures, languages need to be protected and conserved,” she said.

Among others, Mahmudul Amin, associate professor of National Academy for Educational Management, and Ashish Hajong, a leader of Bangladesh Hajong Chhatra Sangathan, spoke at the programme.

 It was chaired by Mong A Khen Mongmong, president of Adivasi Kalyan O Unnayan Sangstha.