Save indigenous languages

Every individual has linguistic rights. Everyone has the right to choose one's language or languages for communication both within private and public spheres. Though international law ensures that linguistic minorities can use their own languages in their community, trouble in this regard often stays alive at the national level. We must give indigenous languages like Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Sadri and Garo their due recognition.

Though our constitution guarantees the right to study in one's own mother tongue, Bangla still remains the language of instruction in all educational institutions in Bangladesh. This is a significant cause for the high drop-out rate of children of the indigenous groups. We must protect, preserve and promote the mother tongues of the non-Bengali populations.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

[email protected]