U.S. REP. MENG TO REINTRODUCE MEASURE PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY

USANEWSONLINE.COM DESK, WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced today that she will reintroduce a resolution in the House of Representatives that aims to promote International Mother Language Day in the United States, as people around the world prepare to observe the holiday next week.

International Mother Language Day, which is observed every February 21^st, was established in 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to increase awareness of linguistic diversity and multilingualism. Although the holiday is celebrated across the globe, it holds special significance to Bangladesh and those of Bangladeshi descent. The observance date was chosen to commemorate the day in 1952 in Bangladesh where students died demonstrating for recognition of Bengali as a national language of Pakistan. Dhaka, now the Capital of Bangladesh, was then controlled by Pakistan.

Meng plans to reintroduce her measure next week. It would support the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day, and encourage people in the U.S. to observe it with appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities. Meng has sponsored the resolution during the past three sessions of Congress.

“I am proud to once again introduce this important resolution and I urge all of my Congressional colleagues to support it,” said Meng. “Passage of this measure would go a long way towards making more Americans aware of what International Mother Language Day is about. It would also help increase the number of people who observe the holiday in the U.S., and increase awareness of its significance to Bangladesh and those of Bangladeshi descent. I look forward to my measure moving through the House.” Press Release.