NEWS24USA.COM DESK, WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) announced February 25 that she reintroduced legislation to promote International Mother Language Day in the United States as people around the world celebrated the annual observance this past Friday.
International Mother Language Day holds special significance to Bangladesh and those of Bangladeshi descent, many of whom reside in Meng’s congressional district in Queens.
The Congresswoman’s measure, a congressional resolution, calls on the House of Representatives to support the goals and ideals of International Mother Language Day. It also encourages the people of the United States to mark the annual observance with appropriate ceremonies, programs and activities. In addition, it notes that this year is International Mother Language Day’s 25th anniversary.
“I’m excited to continue championing this legislation to bring more attention to International Mother Language Day, and highlight its importance to the Bangladeshi American community,” said Congresswoman Meng. “I look forward to more Americans learning about it, and hope that everybody who commemorates the annual observance had a wonderful celebration this year. It is an honor and privilege to represent many Bangladeshi Americans on Capitol Hill, and I thank the Bangladeshi American community for the tremendous contributions it continues to make in Queens and across New York and the nation.”
A copy of Meng’s resolution can be viewed here. The measure has been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, where it is now awaiting further action. Cosponsors include Reps. Juan Vargas (D-CA), James McGovern (D-MA), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Dina Titus (D-NV) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY).
International Mother Language Day was first recognized in November of 1999 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to increase awareness of linguistic diversity and multilingualism. It is celebrated every year on February 21 to commemorate the 1952 demonstration where students in Bangladesh were killed because of their desire to adopt Bengali as a national language of Pakistan. Dhaka, now the Capital of Bangladesh, had been controlled by Pakistan at the time. Press Release.