The Tripura State Committee of Amra Bangali, a political party, observed Bhasha Shahid Diwas or Language Martyrs Day on Friday with utmost dignity. Leaders and members of the party gathered to pay floral tributes to the martyrs who made the ultimate sacrifice on May 19, 1961.
Gouranga Rudra Pal, the state secretary of Amra Bangali, spoke to reporters and highlighted the significance of Bhasha Shahid Diwas. He explained that the day is observed annually to commemorate the tragic incident that occurred on May 19, 1961, when eleven young individuals, including a woman, lost their lives during a police firing at the Silchar railway station. They were protesting against the imposition of the Assamese language on the Bengali-speaking population.
Amra Bangali took the opportunity to present a four-point demand on this occasion. Firstly, they emphasized that Bengalis should not be labeled as foreigners within their own state. Secondly, they called for the widespread use and recognition of the Bengali language at all levels of the state. Thirdly, they advocated for the formation of Bengalistan, a separate region where Bengali culture and identity can flourish. Lastly, they voiced their concerns over the humiliation of the Bengali language in the education sector.
The party members expressed their discontent with the current situation, where the Bengali language is not given the respect and importance it deserves in educational institutions. They called for immediate measures to rectify this issue and ensure that Bengali is given its rightful place in the education system.
Bhasha Shahid Diwas serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave individuals who fought for the linguistic rights of the Bengali-speaking community. It is an occasion to reflect on the importance of language in preserving cultural identity and promoting unity among diverse communities.
Amra Bangali’s observance of Bhasha Shahid Diwas in Tripura amplifies the voices of the Bengali-speaking population and brings attention to their legitimate demands for language rights. The party’s four-point agenda aims to safeguard the interests of Bengalis and create an inclusive society that values linguistic diversity.
As the anniversary of the language martyrs’ sacrifice is marked each year, it serves as a solemn reminder of the need to protect and promote linguistic and cultural heritage. Amra Bangali’s unwavering commitment to the cause of language rights resonates with the aspirations of the Bengali-speaking people in Tripura.
