Events of epical proportion are so because they transcend the boundary of tragedy and mourning to turn into national or universal celebrations. As the groundswell of love for the mother tongue and the search for the special identity of the Bangalee people, Ekushey February is one such momentous event that has inspired them to be what they are today and still inspires to be what they ought to be. No wonder, this occasion has received the international recognition it deserves not because it is unique in case of a nation but also because it has its strong influence on the peoples the world over to wage struggles for realising their identities and dreams. The emotion, love, dedication and sacrifice that went into achieving one of the fundamental ingredients of nationhood for the Bangalees ultimately led the nation to its liberty from an alien an oppressive rule but then there are still miles to go.
Why? It is because unfettered from the bondage of suppression, a people has to wage a war against its own lapses and aberrations. This is indeed the hardest part of all struggles. No nation can claim to have become perfect, a people that has groaned under colonial rules for more than 200 years finds the going even tougher. What is particularly noticeable is the fact that the Bangalees now want to be anything but themselves. It has taken a long time for the pro-Liberation forces to establish their foothold on the corridor of power. With the overwhelming attention paid to economic resurrection, other highly important areas have been neglected and this is producing poisonous fruits. During the early years of economic reconstruction, most nations have been indifferent to other basic social programmes. It is time social justice were given top priority, rule of law allowed to play its due role, socio-economic disparities reined in, gender violence of all types taken care of and fostering of indigenous healthy culture encouraged.
All this cannot happen until and unless, the majority of people become at least modestly educated, financially independent or solvent, culturally advanced and dedicated to the cause of the country. One of the greatest lessons the language martyrs taught the nation is sacrifice and their sacrifice ignited the fire in the bosom of the freedom fighters who laid down their lives, sustained injuries and fought until the triumph over the enemies. That spirit of sacrifice is nowhere to be found now. Today the people can pay their best respect to the martyrs of language and Liberation War by emulating their spirit of sacrifice. Now the task is easier because one does not have to put one's life at risk but only part with a portion of fortunes and commit some energy and time.
The task should begin with the love for the language, which detractors complain, is unfit for higher studies. This is the most ludicrous complaint on the part of a people that earned its right to language by the sacrifice of life. Continuous research and experiment with language can make things improve and at a certain stage the country will see emergence of a dedicated group of talented linguists who will advance it to the desired level and standard. Establishment of institutions for such works and patronage to researchers are a must. Similarly, the rich vein of local culture has to be fostered in order to beat the harmful alien influences.
