NGO translates Founding Father’s speech in ethnic languages in Bangladesh

A faith-based non-profit agency in Bangladesh has translated the national hero or founder’s works for 22 ethnic linguistic communities.

The Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) Bangladesh is a part of a global body that works with local communities around the world to develop language solutions that expand their possibilities for promotion and preservation.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920–1975), widely known as Bangabandhu, was the founding father of Bangladesh. He was the first President and later as the Prime Minister of the country.

Declaring Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan, Bangabandhu made a historic speech on March 7, 1971, at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka to a gathering of over one million people.

SIL Bangladesh has translated Bangabandhu's historic speech and it was released during the “Ekushe Book Fair” for 22 minority languages ethnic groups at Dhaka on March 15.

“My language is my identity. The mother tongue of an ethnic group is its identity, culture, history, and tradition are my pride,” said Cornelius Tudu, the country director of SIL Bangladesh said.

The Language and Culture Archives benefit ethnolinguistic minority communities by preserving knowledge and resources and by providing open access to them.

The archives include information that is compiled or created as the result of SIL's service to these communities in the pursuit of their language development goals.

The Bangladesh government has recognized a total of 50 different ethnic groups in Bangladesh through a circular dated March 19, 2019.

Tudu said, “Almost everyone in this ethnic group has their language and culture. Many have their own written form and spelling and others do not.”

The SIL Bangladesh has been working for a long time to protect, preserve and develop the language and culture of the minority ethnic groups in South Asian country.

Bangabandhu's Historic Speech on March 7 is very important for Bangladeshi people to understand his thought and idea. That is why SIL Bangladesh takes an initiative to translate this book for 22 minority language communities, explained Tudu, a member of the Mahali indigenous community.

The ethnic minority communities include Bawm, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Chakma, Garo, Hajong, Khasia, Khyang, Koch, Kol, Lusai, Mahali, Meitei Manipuri, Mro, Munda, Oraon-Kurux, Oraon-Sadri, Pahari, Pangkhua, Santal, Tangchangya, Tripura Ushoi and Koda.

The SIL has taken this important step of translating Bangabandhu's Historic Speech into 22 minority languages of indigenous groups, so that ethnic minority community can read his speech in their language and be more motivated, encouraged and care to preserve and promote their language and culture, said Tudu, a Catholic.

“This book will help ethnic people to develop respect for their language and culture and be proud to present our nationality and identity to others,” he added.

On the other hand, ethnic people also have a significant contribution and role in the great liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. Many have been martyred and lost their dignity and were tortured.

The people of the ethnic minority communities participated in the war of liberation by responding to this speech of Bangabandhu.

The book will also remind the people of their contribution to the war of liberation and will encourage the next generation to work for the overall development of the country, protection of sovereignty, and welfare of all.

The book is an effort on the occasion of the birth centenary of Bangabandhu and the 50th anniversary of the great war of liberation celebrated this year.

“Let us all take concerted action with sincerity and effective action at the government, private and individual level to protect the language and culture of the minority groups living in Bangladesh,” said Tudu.

“Only then can we save the diversity of Bangladesh and the languages of the ethnic groups from being lost,” he added.

Bangladesh's 41 languages bring a rich diversity to the country and SIL language development and research teams use linguistics, literacy, anthropology, and translation to assist communities in their language development.

“On behalf of SIL International Bangladesh, I thank all those who have contributed in various ways, especially to the translators, colleagues, and well-wishers of these ethnic groups for publishing this book,” said Tudu.