A US Congresswoman from New York, Grace Meng, has announced she has reintroduced a measure in the US Congress to promote International Mother Language Day, a holiday that holds special significance to Bangladesh and those of Bangladeshi descent. 

International Mother Language Day was established by UNESCO after a resolution by Bangladesh and co-sponsored by 28 other countries. The day is a national holiday in Bangladesh and is referred to there as the Language Movement Day.

“More Americans should know about International Mother Language Day and the significance of this observance, and my resolution would help increase that awareness,” Meng was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune.

She called on the House of Representatives to support the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day through a resolution.

“It would also highlight the importance that this commemoration has to those of Bangladeshi descent,” she said, adding she is proud and fortunate to represent such an outstanding and vibrant Bangladeshi American community in her constituency.

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina on Saturday also said that the language movement, started in 1952 in erstwhile East Pakistan, paved the way for freedom for Bangladesh. 

She said that Bangalis attained independence under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman through a long struggle starting from the Language Movement.