There is a special place for February 21 in the hearts and minds of Bangladeshis, and the sacrifice on that historic day in 1952 did not go in vain…Bangla was recognized, the dignity of our mother tongue was defined in blood.

International Mother Language Day is now a worldwide annual observance held on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity as well as multilingualism.

Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh cricket’s pocket-battleship paid his respect on the occasion of February 21 in his own way, uniquely in his personal style. He recalled the sacrifice of Salam, Rafiq, Jabbar, Barkat and others who defied the beatings and bullets of police to stand their ground for Bangla in his Facebook post.

Mushy gave his personal touch to his tribute to Bangla by writing his name on the back of the national jersey in his mother tongue, and the number too! His homage to Bangla couldn’t have been more from the heart…we hope his message reminds us to learn Bangla and other languages properly for our purpose.

Mushy pays his homage to the International Mother Language Day in his distinctive style. Image taken from Mushfiqur Rahim’s Facebook page.