Dhaka: The then East Pakistan was a hotbed of fire during the 1952 Language Movement, according to veteran journalist Alamgir Mohiuddin. He emphasized that the Language Movement laid the foundation for the Great War of Liberation in 1971 and all subsequent freedom struggles and democratic movements in the country.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Mohiuddin, a young journalist during the 1952 Language Movement and currently the editor of the daily Naya Diganta and Director of the Board of Directors of the national news agency BSS, shared his memories in an interview with BSS reporter Saiful Islam. He spoke on the eve of the observance of ‘Immortal Ekushey’ and International Mother Language Day, detailing various aspects of the language movement that ultimately helped achieve the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
Mohiuddin recounted that during the Language Movement, the people of East Pakistan were told to speak in Urdu or English, but they insisted on speaking in Bangla, their mother tongue. He highlighted the stubbornness of the then Pakistani ruling class and the spirit of Bengali nationalism, which compelled the people to protest against the regime.
He urged the new generation to love their language, drawing a comparison with the English, who not only cherish their language but have also imposed it around the world. Mohiuddin lamented the increasing use of English among Bengalis, which he believes is leading to a loss of national identity.
Mohiuddin stressed the importance of respecting those who led the language movement, as it taught the Bengali nation to understand its own identity. He warned that without respect for one’s language, there cannot be respect for the common people.
Alamgir Mohiuddin was born in Natore district and pursued his education at Nazim Uddin High School, Rajshahi College, and Rajshahi University, where he studied English. In his personal life, he is the father of two daughters.