Govt takes up projects to protect ethnic languages
Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad yesterday said the government has taken up various projects to protect languages of indigenous people.
He sought cooperation from the ethnic minorities and others concerned to make these programmes a success.
"We don't want any languages to become extinct. So, the cultural affairs ministry has taken many programmes to conserve languages of ethnic minorities," the minister said at a discussion.
Mother Language Lovers of the World, Bangladesh chapter, organised the discussion to mark the 10th anniversary of the recognition of February 21 as the International Mother Language Day at the TSC auditorium on the Dhaka University campus.
The previous Awami League government had taken up a project to set up International Mother Language Institute, but the next government of BNP-led four-party alliance suspended it, the minister said, adding that the present government has again started the project.
He said the new generation should be encouraged to learn more about their mother language and its history.
Speaking as a special guest, Jyotirindra Bodhipriya Larma alias Shantu Larma, chairman of Chittagong Hill Tracts Regional Council, said the government should recognise languages of the ethnic minorities.
The policy-makers have a lot to do regarding the development of language, he said and called on all to stop dominance of major languages over minor languages.
Speaking as the guest of honour, renowned litterateur of West Bengal Samaresh Majumder said, "Unlike in Bangladesh, Bangla language cannot hold his head high in India as West Bengal is only a province of the big country."
Chief Adviser to the Mother Language Lovers of the World Prof Anisuzzaman presided over the discussion.
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