The language movement is a remarkable incident in the history of Bengali people and for Bangla language.
History has talked a lot about the sacrifice of Salam, Rafiq, Barkat, Jabbar but has not shouted out much of the contribution of women.
Here are the stories of some of the unsung heroines who made a difference in the language movement.
- Rowshon Ara Bachchu
Rowshon Ara Bachchu was born on 17 December 1932. Her family originated from Kulaura in Moulvibazar district.
She was part of one of the three groups that were the first to cut through the police barricade on 21st February 1952.
She stood against the crippling education policy of the Pakistan government and attended the protests against Urdu being the state language of Pakistan. In 2009, she was awarded Anannya Top Ten Awards.
- Pratibha Mutsuddi
Pratibha Mutsuddi was born in Mahamuni Pahartali village in Chittagong.
She was one of the youngest organizers of the language movement who organized a procession in Chattogram and chanted slogans to protest against police brutality in Dhaka University campus.
She also orchestrated the protest on 21st February 1955 and she is still working for the underprivileged women in her 80’s.
She served as the director and principal of Kumudini Welfare Trust. She was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2002 for her contribution in education.
- Sofia Khan
Sofia Khan showed keenness in politics and patriotism from a very early age. At age nine, she became involved with the women’s movement.
She was involved in leftist movements as a member of the Chhatra Federation during her years in college.
In 1952, Sofia Khan actively participated in the movement and also participated in the meeting-rally organized by the Sharbodolio Sangram Parishad.
She also organized girls from schools and colleges and carried out protests. She was one of the women who broke the curfew on 21st February and collected donations for the victims.
The language movement veteran died at a hospital in Dhaka at the age of 87.
- Anwara Khatun
Anwara Khatun was born in around 1925 in Mirpur, Dhaka. She is a renowned activist and a member of Awami Muslim League since its beginning.
She was the only woman to provide her residence for legislative meetings during the language movement.
Anwara Khatun was elected as a member of the East Pakistan parliament in 1946 and once again in 1954, when the East Pakistan United Front held its election.
She revolted against the chief minister’s inaction on 21st February and also opposed Muslim League during the six point movement. She passed away in 1988.
“A nation that does not respect its mothers is destined for destruction.”
Spoken by Anwara Khatun at a historic legislative assembly speech on February 22, 1952.
- Dr Sufia Ahmed
Dr Sufia Ahmed is a Bangladeshi academician. She was born in Faridpur district. She was one of those to defy the curfew on 21st February.
She later on went to Turkey as part of a 10 member cultural delegation and performed in Bangla.
She is the first female national professor of Bangladesh, selected in January 1995. She was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2002 by the government of Bangladesh and received the Sufia Kamal Award in 2015.
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Writer
K M Jahin
Content Writing Intern
YSSE