Meng Introduces Resolution in Congress to Promote International Mother Language Day

With people around the world observing International Mother Language Day today, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) reintroduced a Congressional resolution that aims to promote the annual holiday in the United States.

International Mother Language Day 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 date was chosen to commemorate this day in 1952 when students in Dhaka were killed by police while demonstrating for recognition of Bengali as the national language of Pakistan. Dhaka, now the Capital of Bangladesh, was then controlled by Pakistan.

Meng's measure (H. Res. 141) calls on the House of Representatives to support the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day, and encourages people in the U.S. to observe it with appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities. Meng has sponsored the resolution during the past two sessions of Congress, and it was among the first House Resolutions that the Congresswoman introduced during her first term. It is presently cosponsored by Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY).

"This resolution is an exceptional way to increase awareness of International Mother Language Day, and I am proud to once again introduce the measure in the House," said Meng. "More Americans should be familiar with the significance of the holiday and the important meaning it has for Bangladesh and those of Bangladeshi-descent. I look forward to the measure coming-up for a vote in the very near future."

A copy of the resolution can be found here.