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((short description|Annual observance to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity))  
((Use dmy dates|date=February 2019))
((Infobox holiday
|holiday_name  = International Mother Language Day
|type          = International
|image         = Shaheed Minar.JPG
|alt=Abstract outdoor monument, reminiscent of a prison
|imagesize     =
|caption       = [[Shaheed Minar, Dhaka]] (Martyr Monument) commemorates the 21 February 1952 [[Bengali Language Movement]] demonstration.
|official_name = International Mother Language Day (IMLD)
|nickname      =
|observedby    = [[United Nations]]
|litcolor      =
|longtype      =
|significance  = Promotes the preservation and protection of all languages
|begins        =
|ends          =
|date          = 21 February
|scheduling    = same day each year
|duration      = One day
|frequency     = Annual
|celebrations  =
|observances   =
|relatedto     =
))

'''International Mother Language Day''' is a worldwide [[list of minor secular observances#February|annual observance]] held on 21 February to promote [[awareness]] of [[Linguistic diversity|linguistic]] and [[cultural diversity]] and to promote [[multilingualism]]. First announced by [[UNESCO]] on 17 November 1999,<ref name="UNESCO">((cite web|url=https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000117961.page=38|title=The General Conference proclaim"International Mother Language Day" to be observed on 21 February|website=unesdoc.unesco.org|date=1999-11-16|access-date=2019-04-21|archive-date=21 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190421120030/https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000117961.page%3D38|url-status=live))</ref> it was formally recognized by the [[United Nations General Assembly]] with the adoption of UN resolution 56/262<ref>((Cite web|url=https://undocs.org/A/RES/56/262|title=A/RES/56/262 - e - A/RES/56/262 -Desktop|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=15 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191215005257/https://undocs.org/A/RES/56/262|url-status=live))</ref> in 2002. 

Mother Language Day is part of a broader initiative "to promote the preservation and protection of all languages used by peoples of the world" as adopted by the UN General Assembly on 16 May 2007 in UN resolution 61/266,<ref>((Cite web|url=https://undocs.org/A/RES/61/266|title=A/RES/61/266 - e - A/RES/61/266 -Desktop|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-date=27 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190927150345/https://undocs.org/A/RES/61/266|url-status=live))</ref> which also established 2008 as the International Year of Languages.<ref>((Cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/background.shtml|title=International Mother Language Day, 21 February|website=www.un.org|language=EN|access-date=2019-11-09|archive-date=4 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104045942/https://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/background.shtml|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=https://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=A/RES/61/266 |title=Links to documents |website=Un.org |date=2002-09-09 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304054121/http://www.un.org/Docs/journal/asp/ws.asp?m=A%2FRES%2F61%2F266 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=live ))</ref><ref name="Ingles">((cite book|title=Ingles. Cuerpo de Maestros. Temario Para la Preparacion de Oposiciones .e-book,.|date = 25 September 2006|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iE6ZMS8Q-TAC&pg=PA97|publisher=MAD-Eduforma|isbn=978-84-665-6253-9|pages=97–))</ref><ref name="Rahim2014">((cite book|last=Rahim|first=Abdur|title=Canadian Immigration and South Asian Immigrants|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mUGtBAAAQBAJ&pg=PA102|date=19 September 2014|publisher=Xlibris Corporation|isbn=978-1-4990-5874-1|pages=102–))</ref>
The idea to celebrate International Mother Language Day was the initiative of [[Bangladesh]]. 

In Bangladesh, ((date|21-02-1952)) is the anniversary of the day when the [[Bengalis]] of the then-[[Pakistan|Pakistani]] province of [[East Bengal]] (which is now the independent state of [[Bangladesh]]) fought for recognition of their [[Bengali language]].<ref name="International Mother Language Day">((cite web|title=International Mother Language Day Celebration| date=4 October 2018 |url=https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213064208/https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday|archive-date=2019-02-13|url-status=live))</ref> It is also observed by the [[Indian people|Indian]] [[Bengalis]] of the [[India|Indian]] states of [[West Bengal]], [[Assam]], [[Jharkhand]], [[Tripura]] and the union territory of [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]].

== History ==
((POV section|date=March 2024))
((main|Bengali language movement))
[[File:1952 Bengali Language movement.jpg|thumb|Procession march held on 21 February 1952 in Dhaka]]
21 February was declared to be International Mother Language Day by UNESCO on 17 November 1999. It has been observed throughout the world since 21 February 2000. The declaration came up in tribute to the Language Movement done by the [[Bangladeshis]] (then the [[East Pakistanis]]).

When Pakistan was created in 1947, it had two geographically separate parts: [[East Pakistan]] (currently known as [[Bangladesh]]) and [[West Pakistan]] (currently known as [[Pakistan]]). The two parts were very different from each other in the sense of culture and language, and were also separated by India in between.

In 1948, the Government of Pakistan declared [[Urdu]] to be the sole national language of Pakistan, even though [[Bengali language|Bengali or Bangla]] was spoken by the majority of people combining East Pakistan and West Pakistan. The East Pakistan people protested since the majority of the population was from East Pakistan and their mother language was Bangla. They demanded Bangla to be at least one of the national languages, in addition to Urdu. The demand was raised first by [[Dhirendranath Datta]] from East Pakistan on 23 February 1948, in the constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

To demolish the protest, the government of Pakistan outlawed public meeting and rallies. The students of the [[University of Dhaka]], with the support of the general public, arranged massive rallies and meetings. On 21 February 1952, police opened fire on rallies. [[Abdus Salam (activist)|Abdus Salam]], [[Abul Barkat]], [[Rafiq Uddin Ahmed]], [[Abdul Jabbar (activist)|Abdul Jabbar]] and [[Shafiur Rahman]] died, with hundreds of others injured. This was a rare incident in history, where people sacrificed their lives for their mother tongue.<ref>((Cite web|last=UNB|first=Dhaka|date=2021-02-21|title=Nation paying tributes to language heroes|url=https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/nation-paying-tributes-language-heroes-2048657|access-date=2021-08-14|website=The Daily Star|language=en|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814200829/https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh/news/nation-paying-tributes-language-heroes-2048657|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((Cite web|title=People Sacrificed Their Lives So You Can Speak Your Language Today: The Story behind International Mother Language Day 21st February - Vocabridge - Language Translation Services Company - London, UK|url=https://www.vocabridge.com/en/publications/international-mother-language-day|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Vocabridge - Translation and Localisation Solutions|language=en|archive-date=21 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321042132/https://www.vocabridge.com/en/publications/international-mother-language-day|url-status=dead))</ref>

Since then, Bangladeshis celebrate the International Mother Language Day as one of their tragic days. They visit the [[Shaheed Minar, Dhaka|Shaheed Minar]], a monument built in memory of the martyrs and its replicas to express their deep sorrow, respect and gratitude  to them.((citation needed|date=February 2021))<ref>((Cite web|title=International Mother Language Day at Wellesley|url=http://www.wellesley.edu/news/2013/02/node/33669|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Wellesley College|language=en|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814200844/https://www.wellesley.edu/news/2013/02/node/33669|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((Cite web|title=Language Martyrs Day today|url=https://www.theindependentbd.com/post/237802|access-date=2021-08-14|website=Language Martyrs Day today ((!)) theindependentbd.com|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814200820/https://www.theindependentbd.com/post/237802|url-status=dead))</ref>

International Mother Language Day is a [[Public holiday|national holiday]] in Bangladesh. <!--Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.--> The resolution was suggested by [[Rafiqul Islam (activist)|Rafiqul Islam]] and Abdus Salam, Bengalis living in [[Vancouver]], Canada. They wrote a letter to [[Kofi Annan]] on 9 January 1998 asking him to take a step for saving the world's languages from extinction by declaring an International Mother Language Day. Rafiq proposed the date as 21 February to commemorate the 1952 killings in Dhaka during the Language Movement.
((Quote|text=Languages are the most powerful instruments of preserving and developing our tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother tongues will serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions throughout the world and to inspire solidarity based on understanding, tolerance and dialogue. |sign=From the United Nations International Mother Language Day [[microsite]]<ref>((cite web|title=International Mother Language Day|url=https://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/|work=United Nations|access-date=21 February 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130222221803/http://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/|archive-date=2013-02-22|url-status=live))</ref>))

Rafiqul Islam's proposal was introduced in the [[Jatiya Sangsad|Bangladesh parliament]] and in due course (at the behest of Prime Minister [[Sheikh Hasina]]) a formal proposal was submitted to UNESCO by the [[Government of Bangladesh]]. The process of shepherding the proposal through UNESCO's regulatory system was undertaken by [[Syed Muazzem Ali]], then Bangladesh ambassador to France and Permanent Representative to UNESCO, and [[Tozammel Tony Huq]], his predecessor, who was then a Special Adviser to UNESCO Secretary General [[Federico Mayor]]. Finally on 17 November 1999, the 30th General Assembly of UNESCO unanimously resolved that "21st February be proclaimed International Mother Language Day throughout the world to commemorate the martyrs who sacrificed their lives on this very day in 1952."<ref>Roger Gwynn, ''Tony: the Life of Tozammel Huq MBE'', Acre Press, 2019</ref>

== Timeline ==
((More citations needed section|date=February 2016))
[[File:Int-mother-lang-day-monument.jpg|right|thumb|alt=Outdoor ceremony, with girls in red-and-white costumes dancing|Dedication of the International Mother Language Day Monument in Ashfield Park, [[Sydney]], 19 February 2006]]
[[File:Group of people laying down flowers at BHESA's Ekushey February 2015.jpg|thumb|alt=People laying flowers at a simple indoor shrine|Commemorating IMLD in Canada]]
* 1952: [[Bengali Language Movement]]
* 1955: [[Language Movement Day]] first observed in Bangladesh<ref name=Islam>((cite book |last=Mamud |first=Hayat |editor-last=Islam |editor-first=Syed Manzoorul |editor-link=Syed Manzoorul Islam |chapter=This History of the Observance of Ekushey |title=Essays on Ekushey: The Language Movement 1952 |year=1994 |location=Dhaka |publisher=[[Bangla Academy]] |pages=78–79 |isbn=984-07-2968-3))</ref>
* 1999: UNESCO proclaims 21 February (Ekushey February) as International Mother Language Day
* 2000: Inaugural celebration of International Mother Language Day((Citation needed|date=February 2021))
* 2002: Linguistic-diversity theme, featuring 3,000 endangered languages (motto: In the galaxy of languages, every word is a star.)((Citation needed|date=February 2021))
* 2004: Children-learning theme; the UNESCO observance included "a unique exhibition of children's exercise books from around the world illustrating the process by which children learn and master the use of written literacy skills in the classroom".<ref>((cite web |url=http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID=28497&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=205.html |title=Languages in Education &#124; Education &#124; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization |website=Portal.unesco.org |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161109203113/http://portal.unesco.org/education/en/ev.php-URL_ID%3D28497%26URL_DO%3DDO_TOPIC%26URL_SECTION%3D205.html |archive-date=2016-11-09 |url-status=dead ))</ref>
* 2005: [[Braille]] and [[sign language]]s<ref>((Cite web|date=2020-02-06|title=International Mother Language Day|url=https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/magazine/international-mother-language-day|access-date=2021-02-02|website=British Council|language=en|archive-date=13 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213165807/https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/general-english/magazine/international-mother-language-day|url-status=dead))</ref>
* 2006: Annual theme: "Languages and cyberspace"<ref>((Cite web|date=2006-02-21|title=UNESCO-designated International Mother Language Day 2006 Theme: Languages and Cyberspace|url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/unesco-designated-international-mother-language-day-2006-theme-languages-and-cyberspace|access-date=2021-02-02|website=SIL International|language=en|archive-date=22 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222112832/https://www.sil.org/about/news/unesco-designated-international-mother-language-day-2006-theme-languages-and-cyberspace|url-status=live))</ref>
* 2007: Annual theme: [[Multilingual Education|Multilingual education]]<ref>((Cite web|date=2007-02-24|title=SIL celebrates International Mother Language Day 2007|url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/sil-celebrates-international-mother-language-day-2007|access-date=2021-02-02|website=SIL International|language=en|archive-date=22 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222112832/https://www.sil.org/about/news/sil-celebrates-international-mother-language-day-2007|url-status=live))</ref>
* 2008: [[International Year of Languages]]((Citation needed|date=February 2021))
* 2010: International Year for the [[Rapprochement]] of Cultures((Citation needed|date=February 2021))
* 2012: Mother-tongue instruction and [[Inclusion (education)|inclusive education]]((Citation needed|date=February 2021))
* 2013: Annual theme: "Books for mother tongue education"<ref>((Cite web|title=International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2013|url=https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/international-mother-language-day-21-february-2013|access-date=2021-02-02|website=UNESCO Bangkok|language=en|archive-date=9 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209030643/https://bangkok.unesco.org/content/international-mother-language-day-21-february-2013|url-status=dead))</ref>
* 2014: Annual theme: "Local languages for global citizenship: spotlight on science"<ref>((Cite web|date=2014-02-13|title=International Mother Language Day 2014|url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/international-mother-language-day-2014|access-date=2021-02-02|website=SIL International|language=en|archive-date=22 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222112832/https://www.sil.org/about/news/international-mother-language-day-2014|url-status=live))</ref>
* 2015: Annual theme: "Inclusion in and through education: language counts"<ref name="IMLD 2015">((cite web|title=International Mother Language Day Celebration 2015|date=24 December 2014|url=https://en.unesco.org/events/international-mother-language-day-celebration-2015|access-date=21 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213201414/https://en.unesco.org/events/international-mother-language-day-celebration-2015|archive-date=2015-02-13|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((Cite web|date=2015-02-20|title=International Mother Language Day 2015: Inclusion through education|url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/international-mother-language-day-2015-inclusion-through-education|access-date=2021-02-02|website=SIL International|language=en|archive-date=20 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220520095043/https://www.sil.org/about/news/international-mother-language-day-2015-inclusion-through-education|url-status=live))</ref>
* 2016: Annual theme: "Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes"<ref>((Cite web|date=2016-02-17|title=2016 International Mother Language Day: Quality education, language(s) of instruction and learning outcomes|url=https://www.sil.org/about/news/2016-international-mother-language-day-quality-education-languages-instruction|access-date=2021-02-02|website=SIL International|language=en|archive-date=9 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309155115/https://www.sil.org/about/news/2016-international-mother-language-day-quality-education-languages-instruction|url-status=live))</ref>
* 2017: Annual theme: "Toward sustainable futures through multilingual education"<ref>((Cite web|title=International Mother Language Day 2017 ((!)) United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization|url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/international-mother-language-day/|access-date=2021-02-02|website=www.unesco.org|archive-date=21 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170221194958/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/international-mother-language-day/|url-status=live))</ref>
* 2018: Our languages, our assets.((Citation needed|date=February 2021))
* 2019: [[International Year of Indigenous Languages]]<ref>[http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/all-events/?tx_browser_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=45648&cHash=3e0b305665 2019 - International Year of Indigenous Languages] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224111/http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/events/all-events/?tx_browser_pi1%5BshowUid%5D=45648&cHash=3e0b305665 |date=21 February 2019 )) UNESCO</ref>
* 2020: Annual theme: "Safeguarding [[linguistic diversity]]"<ref>((Cite web|last=|first=|date=25 February 2020|title=2020 International Mother Language Day|url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/2020-international-mother-language-day/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202000529/https://tribuneonlineng.com/2020-international-mother-language-day/|archive-date=2 December 2020|access-date=2021-02-02|website=tribuneonlineng.com|url-status=live))</ref>
*2021: Annual theme: "Fostering multilingualism for [[inclusion (education)|inclusion in education]] and society"<ref>((Cite web|title=Celebration of International Mother Language Day at UNESCO 19/02/2021 10:00 - 19/02/2021 12:30|url=https://events.unesco.org/event/?id=860451633&lang=1033|access-date=2021-02-02|website=events.unesco.org|language=en|archive-date=6 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206160204/https://events.unesco.org/event/?id=860451633&lang=1033|url-status=live))</ref>

* 2022: Annual theme: "Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities"<ref>((Cite web|title=International Mother Language Day, 21 February 2022|url=https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday|website=UNESCO|date=4 October 2018|language=en|access-date=12 February 2019|archive-date=13 February 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213064208/https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday|url-status=live))</ref>|

* 2023: Annual theme: "[[Multilingual education]]: A necessity to transform education"

* 2024: Annual theme: "Multilingual education - a pillar of learning and [[intergenerationality|intergenerational]] learning"

== ((anchor|International observances|celebration|Celebration of|Outside Bangladesh|Holiday|Implementation of))Observances ==
[[UNESCO]] chooses a theme for each International Mother Language Day, and sponsors related events at its [[Paris]] headquarters. In 2008, the International Year of Languages began on International Mother Language Day. It is celebrated in [[Chile]], [[Russia]], the [[Philippines]], [[Egypt]] and [[Canada]].<ref>City TV, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0DNTn20Fc&index=2&list=PLlkr8s3uWRbImXXOQsK7so0oMALIIQX_i, Diverse-City 02.25.14] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220071447/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG0DNTn20Fc&index=2&list=PLlkr8s3uWRbImXXOQsK7so0oMALIIQX_i, |date=20 February 2019 )), ''YouTube'', 25 February 2014, Retrieved 2015-05-07.</ref>

=== ((anchor|In Bangladesh))Bangladesh ===
[[File:PROCCESSION TOWARD SHOHID MINAR AT 21 FEBRUARY, 2023.webm|thumb|Procession toward Central Shaheed Minar at 2023 International Mother Language Day]]
((main|Language Movement Day))
Bangladeshis celebrate International Mother Language Day by placing flowers at the [[Shaheed Minar, Dhaka|Martyrs' Monument]] and its replicas.<ref name="mldmagazine">((cite web | first1=Riya | last1=Karin | first2=Shoha | last2=Islam | url=http://www.motherlanguageday.ca/files/pdf/publications/BPCA_MLDMagazine2015.pdf | title=Journey to Inclusion in & through Education: Language Counts | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402220203/http://www.motherlanguageday.ca/files/pdf/publications/BPCA_MLDMagazine2015.pdf |archive-date=2015-04-02 | publisher=Bangladesh PressClub Centre of Alberta (BPCA) | date=20 February 2015 | work=Mother Language Magazine | page=31 | access-date=2015-05-06))</ref> A public holiday in the country since 1953,<ref>Professor Kabir Choudhury, [http://www.motherlanguageday.ca/files/pdf/publications/BPCA_MLDMagazine2015.pdf "21st February: International Mother Language Day"] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402220203/http://www.motherlanguageday.ca/files/pdf/publications/BPCA_MLDMagazine2015.pdf |date=2015-04-02 )), ''Bangladesh PressClub Centre of Alberta (BPCA)'', Published 20 February 2015 in the ''Mother Language Magazine'' 2015 (Page 34), Retrieved 2015-05-07.</ref> it is also known as [[Language Movement Day|Shohid Dibôsh]] (Martyr Day). On 17 November 1999, the UNESCO General Conference recognized 21 February as International Mother Language Day.<ref>((cite web |url=https://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday |title=International Mother Language Day |website=Un.org |date=2007-05-16 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707184218/http://www.un.org/en/events/motherlanguageday/ |archive-date=2016-07-07 |url-status=live ))</ref> Bangladeshis organize social gatherings honoring their language and culture, hold literary competitions, draw [[alpana]] on the roads, eat festive meals and listen to songs.<ref name="mldmagazine" /><ref>Jonathan and Prithwi Raj, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC2K-4dUuoY, Ekushe February (instrumental)] ((Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515064239/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC2K-4dUuoY, |date=15 May 2022 )), ''YouTube'', 21 February 2012, Retrieved 2015-05-06.</ref> [[Bangla Academy]] arranges [[Ekushey Book Fair]] in [[Dhaka]] for the whole month of February.<ref>((Cite web |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/ekushey-book-fair-2019-bigger-than-ever-1690069 |title=The Daily Star, 20 January 2019 |date=20 January 2019 |access-date=20 February 2020 |archive-date=20 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200220173218/https://www.thedailystar.net/city/ekushey-book-fair-2019-bigger-than-ever-1690069 |url-status=live ))</ref>

=== ((anchor|In Canada))Canada ===
[[File:Document "Proclamation for the Province of British Columbia", 2015.jpg|thumb|IMLD British Columbia proclamation]]
International Mother Language Day was introduced to the [[Parliament of Canada]] for recognition by [[Matthew Kellway]] on 5 February 2014 as a [[Private member's bill#canada|private member's bill]], C-573, however it was never debated and failed to become law.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=6406360&File=24#1|title=International Mother Language Day Act|access-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107064825/http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&DocId=6406360&File=24#1#1|archive-date=2017-01-07|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=https://openparliament.ca/bills/41-2/C-573 |title=Bill C-573 (Historical) |website=Openparliament.ca |date=2014-02-05 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403180645/https://openparliament.ca/bills/41-2/C-573/ |archive-date=2016-04-03 |url-status=live ))</ref>

In 2015, [[British Columbia]] and [[Manitoba]] issued proclamations observing International Mother Language Day on 21 February.<ref>((cite web |url=http://motherlanguageday.ca/implementation-of-mother-language-day-in-canada |title=iPage |website=Motherlanguageday.ca |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816235914/http://motherlanguageday.ca/implementation-of-mother-language-day-in-canada |archive-date=16 August 2016 |url-status=dead ))</ref>
[[Edmonton]] observed International Mother Language Day on 21 February 2017.<ref name="edmonton">((cite web|url=http://m.thedailynewnation.com/news/126000/intl-mother-language-day-observed-at-edmonton|title=Int'l Mother Language Day observed at Edmonton|access-date=21 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807192042/http://m.thedailynewnation.com/news/126000/intl-mother-language-day-observed-at-edmonton|archive-date=2017-08-07|url-status=live))</ref>
Edmonton Ekushey observed by Bangladesh Heritage & Ethnic Society and Diverse Edmonton with due respect in Edmonton on 23 February 2020.<ref>((cite web|url=http://www.samajkanthanews.com/en/country-news/393-ekushey-observed-with-due-respect-in-edmonton|title=Ekushey observed with due respect in Edmonton|access-date=2020-02-01|website=samajkanthanews.com|archive-date=25 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200225054725/http://www.samajkanthanews.com/en/country-news/393-ekushey-observed-with-due-respect-in-edmonton|url-status=dead))</ref>

In December 2021, [[Independent Senators Group]] member, [[Mobina Jaffer]], introduced and Sponsored Bill S-214, An Act to establish International Mother Language Day, in the [[Senate of Canada|Senate]].<ref name=":0">((Cite web |title=S-214 (44-1) - LEGISinfo - Parliament of Canada |url=https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/en/bill/44-1/s-214?view=details |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=www.parl.ca |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215174815/https://www.parl.ca/LegisInfo/en/bill/44-1/s-214?view=details |url-status=live ))</ref> In March 2022, [[Ken Hardie]] Sponsored Bill S-214 in the [[House of Commons of Canada|House of Commons]], and it passed into law on June 15, 2022. <ref name=":0" /><ref>((Cite web |title=Bill S-214 ((!)) openparliament.ca |url=https://openparliament.ca/bills/44-1/S-214/ |access-date=2024-02-15 |website=openparliament.ca |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215174814/https://openparliament.ca/bills/44-1/S-214/ |url-status=live ))</ref>

=== ((anchor|In India))India ===
As part of Digital India initiative, digitized content will be made available in the country's 22 [[Languages with official status in India|scheduled languages]] and extended to India's other 234 recognized languages. Digitization began in June 2016 through the Bharatavani Project at the [[Central Institute of Indian Languages]] in [[Mysore]], and by February 2017 content in 60 Indian languages had been made available free of charge.<ref>((Cite web|url=http://www.bharatavani.in/|title=भारतवाणी|website=भारतवाणी|language=en-US|access-date=2017-02-20|archive-date=27 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227090822/https://bharatavani.in/|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.merinews.com/article/international-mother-language-day-india-to-protect-and-promote-22-scheduled-indian-languages-through-digitization-of-content/15913871.shtml |title=International Mother Language Day: India to protect and promote 22 scheduled Indian languages through digitization of content |website=Merinews.com |date=2016-02-21 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304135229/http://www.merinews.com/article/international-mother-language-day-india-to-protect-and-promote-22-scheduled-indian-languages-through-digitization-of-content/15913871.shtml |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead ))</ref><ref>((cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-22-indian-scheduled-languages-to-go-digital-on-international-mother-language-day-on-feb-21-2172468 |title=22 Indian scheduled languages to go digital on International Mother Language Day on Feb 21 &#124; Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis |website=Dnaindia.com |date=2016-02-01 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310084650/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-22-indian-scheduled-languages-to-go-digital-on-international-mother-language-day-on-feb-21-2172468 |archive-date=2016-03-10 |url-status=live ))</ref>

=== United States ===
The [[Mother Tongue Film Festival]] in Washington, D.C., has been held since 2017 to coincide with Mother Languages Day.

=== United Kingdom ===
A replica of Dhaka's Shaheed Minar was built in London in 1999 in [[Altab Ali Park]], [[Whitechapel]]. Members of the community come here to mark International Mother Language Day by laying wreaths and singing revolutionary songs.<ref>((Cite web|title=Survey of London ((!)) Shaheed Minar|url=https://surveyoflondon.org/map/feature/297/detail/|access-date=2021-03-14|website=surveyoflondon.org|archive-date=30 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130184612/https://surveyoflondon.org/map/feature/297/detail/|url-status=live))</ref><ref>((Cite web|title=Marking Martyrs' Day at home and online|url=https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/News_events/2021/February-2021/Marking-Martyrs%27-Day-at-home-and-online.aspx|access-date=2021-03-14|website=www.towerhamlets.gov.uk|archive-date=21 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230221144915/https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/News_events/2021/February-2021/Marking-Martyrs%27-Day-at-home-and-online.aspx|url-status=dead))</ref>

There is also a Shaheed Minar replica in Westwood, Greater Manchester. Community members come from across North England to mark International Mother Language Day at the monument.<ref>((Cite web|title=Bangla Stories - Oldham|url=http://www.banglastories.org/about-the-project/the-locations/oldham.html|access-date=2021-03-14|website=www.banglastories.org|archive-date=5 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305190905/http://banglastories.org/about-the-project/the-locations/oldham.html|url-status=live))</ref>

== ((Anchor|awards|Sponsorship and awards))Awards ==
=== ((anchor|International Linguapax Award))Linguapax Prize ===
The [[Linguapax Prize]] is awarded annually on IMLD by the Linguapax Institute in [[Barcelona]]. The prize recognizes outstanding achievement in the preservation of linguistic diversity, the revitalization of linguistic communities and the promotion of [[multilingualism]].<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.linguapax.net/english/what-we-do/linguapax-award |title=Inici - Linguapax Internacional |website=Linguapax.net |date=2016-04-28 |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519044641/http://www.linguapax.net/english/what-we-do/linguapax-award/ |archive-date=19 May 2015 |url-status=dead ))</ref>

=== Ekushey Heritage Award ===
[[File:Recipients of the BHESA Ekushey Heritage Award 2015.jpg|thumb|alt=Four photos of people holding plaques|Recipients of the 2015 BHESA Ekushey Heritage Award]]
The annual Ekushey Heritage Award, introduced in 2014 by the Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta (BHESA), recognizes outstanding achievement in fields such as education, social work and community service. The award is announced on International Mother Language Day.<ref>((cite web |url=http://www.bhesa.ca/index.php/awards |title=Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta |website=Bhesa.ca |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822124408/http://bhesa.ca/index.php/awards |archive-date=2016-08-22 |url-status=live ))</ref><ref>((cite news |title=International Mother Language Day observed at Edmonton, Canada |url=http://www.bssnews.net/newsDetails.php?cat=0&id=645786&date=2017-02-28 |work=Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha |date=28 February 2017 |access-date=2017-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170304195232/http://www.bssnews.net/newsDetails.php?cat=0&id=645786&date=2017-02-28 |archive-date=4 March 2017 |url-status=dead ))</ref><ref name="edmonton" />

=== Ekushey Youth Award ===
The Ekushey Youth Award, introduced in 2015 by Alberta's Mahinur Jahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF) and announced on IMLD, is awarded annually to recipients who inspire youth in the fields of education, sports, youth activities, literature, and community service. The award is open Alberta residents.<ref>((cite web |url=http://mjmf.org/index.php/about-us/ekushey-youth-awards |title=Mahinur Jahid Memorial Foundation (MJMF) - Ekushey Youth Awards |website=MJMF.org |access-date=2016-07-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160624042144/http://mjmf.org/index.php/about-us/ekushey-youth-awards |archive-date=2016-06-24 |url-status=live ))</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:International Mother Language Day Celebration.PNG|International Mother Language Day Celebration in Dhaka, with the [[Shaheed Minar, Dhaka|Martyr's Monument]] in the background
File:২১ ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০১৮ সালে শহিদ মিনার.jpg|Celebration, 21 February 2018
File:International Mother language day celebration at CU Alipore campus.jpg|International Mother Language day celebration at the [[University of Calcutta]] Alipore campus in 2018
File:International Mother Language Day in CIS-A2K TTT 2017.jpg|alt=Poster with writing|2017 International Mother Language Day celebration in [[Bangalore]]
File:Mother Tongue Day, Islamabad.JPG|alt=Group of people holding signs and banners|2015 Mother Tongue Day in Islamabad, with demonstrators demanding that Punjabi (the mother tongue of most Pakistanis) be made an official language of Pakistan
File:Visitors at BHESA's Ekushey February 2015.jpg|alt=People sitting and standing in a circle, with an inset photo of four men|[[Ekushey Book Fair]] in [[Alberta]], Canada
</gallery>

==See also==
((Portal|Holidays))
* [[United Nations]]
* [[First language]]
* [[Linguistic rights]]
* [[Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights]]
* [[Official languages of the United Nations]]
* [[International Day of the African Child]]
* [[European Day of Languages]] 26 September
* [[International Day of Education]]
* [[International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples]]
* [[World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development]]
((clear))

==References==
((Reflist))

==External links==
* [https://en.unesco.org/commemorations/motherlanguageday UNESCO homepage for International Mother Language Day]
* [https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day United Nations homepage for IMLD]

((Language Movement))

[[Category:Recurring events established in 2002]]
[[Category:February observances]]
[[Category:Observances in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:United Nations language days|Mother Language Day, International]]

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