Synoptic tale of a culture struggle
Muhammad Zamir is thrilled by a work on 1952
A Photographic History of Language Movement (1947-1956)
C.M. Tarek Reza
Nymphea Publication
The Language Movement of 1952 was the first step towards the realisation of our dream --- an independent Bangladesh where citizens would be free to pursue their unique identity and consolidate their rich literary and enlightened heritage.
The spirit of Ekushey and twenty-first February has been the inspiration for numerous poems, songs, short stories, essays, paintings and drama. For fifty-six years we have remembered the Language Movement and those associated with this significant chapter of our national history with pride, reverence and affection. This is, however, the first time that the movement, which established and re-affirmed our identity, has been remembered through a comprehensive collection of photographic data.
Ekushey symbolises for us a process of rediscovery. The demand for Bangla to be accorded the status of a state language reflected the yearning of the common man. This important publication presents the reader with just that.
C.M. Tarek Reza, the author, is no longer with us. A young man, he was working on his next publication, 'Ekattor-r Moment of Victory' when he met with a road accident and passed away on 6 May 2007. That has made this work under review that much more special.
The publication, through the photographs of this movement, portraits of its participants (selected without political bias), reprint of contemporary newspaper articles and cartoons, has underlined the democratic and non-communal nature of the struggle undertaken between 1947 and 1956. It also includes a synoptic but multi-faceted history of the Language Movement that seeks to explain the process through which the movement evolved. The volume first appeared in a shorter version in 2004. This time round, the additional materials have enhanced its quality.
The importance of this book lies not only in its historical perspective but also because it includes, for our next generation, an objective record of what happened and why it happened. It should also be a collectible for our non-resident Bangladeshis who live far away from home but still desire to retain links with their rich cultural heritage. The Bangladeshi Associations established in different parts of the world can also think of buying copies of this book for their community school libraries.
This publication could also prove to be very useful for the expatriate community residing in Bangladesh as well as people elsewhere. It will benefit anyone who wants to participate in a meaningful manner in the observance of twenty-first February as International Mother Language Day. A large part of the text is bi-lingual with English translation. That should facilitate understanding for the foreign readership.
Muhammad Zamir, columnist and former diplomat, is a life member of the Bangla Academy .
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