Across schools, community centers, and open spaces in 23 districts, over 350 children and young people came together this February to celebrate International Mother Language Day — not through formal ceremonies, but through creativity, storytelling, and shared pride in their linguistic heritage.
Led entirely by grassroots volunteers from Youth for Policy (YfP), the campaign transformed local spaces into platforms for expression and inclusion. From Zia Uddan in Dhaka to schools in Nilphamari, youth organized drawing competitions, poetry readings, cultural performances, and storytelling sessions, encouraging their peers to explore the history and meaning behind their mother tongue.
The campaign reached more than 350 direct participants, including school students, street children, and young community members. For many, it was their first time participating in an event that connected them to the history of the Language Movement in such a personal way. “I didn’t expect to win, but the prize made me believe I could create something meaningful,” shared Chondon, an eighth grader from Dinajpur.
In Dhaka, YfP volunteers worked with underprivileged children to teach them through games and art. In Rajshahi and Bandarban, students organized exhibitions that linked regional dialects to national identity. The events were designed to be participatory and inclusive — with a strong emphasis on local context, creativity, and cultural pride.
The campaign also served as a reminder of the deeper civic values embedded in Bangladesh’s history. In a country shaped by the struggle to protect its language, the initiative emphasized that cultural preservation is not just a historical memory — it is an ongoing responsibility.
Volunteers noted a rise in community engagement, with several schools and local organizations expressing interest in continuing similar programs in future years. Teachers shared that students who rarely participated in public activities were now confidently speaking about their identity and roots.