U.S. REP. MENG REINTRODUCES MEASURE PROMOTING INTERNATIONAL MOTHER LANGUAGE DAY

USANEWSONLINE.COM DESK, QUEENS, NY – Today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) reintroduced a resolution in the House of Representatives that seeks to promote International Mother Language Day in the United States, as people around the world prepare to commemorate the annual observance on Sunday.

International Mother Language Day, which is observed every February 21^st, was established in November 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’s measure supports the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day and encourages the people of the United States to observe it with appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities. Meng has sponsored the resolution during the past four Congresses.

“More Americans should know about International Mother Language Day and the significance of this observance, and my resolution would help increase that awareness,” said Meng. “It would also highlight the importance that this commemoration has to those of Bangladeshi descent. I am proud and fortunate to represent such outstanding and vibrant Bangladeshi American community here in Queens, and I will continue my efforts to bring more attention to this observance that holds special significance to them. I am proud to once again introduce this resolution.” Press Release.