BUHC Hosts Seminar on Bangladesh’s Mother Languages
The BRAC University History Club recently hosted an event on February 20th to celebrate the diverse languages of Bangladesh at the Exhibition Gallery on the 2nd Floor of BRAC University. This event brought together teachers and students to explore Bangladesh’s linguistic diversity, various challenges faced by indigenous people, and the importance of preserving ethnic languages in an increasingly globalized world.
Professor Shaila Sultana (Director of BRAC Institute of Language) began the session with a thought-provoking discussion about the effects of monolingualism in the classroom. Through stories, she gave the audience an insightful perspective on the current linguistic landscape of Bangladesh, focusing on schools with a predominantly indigenous population. She emphasized the limited use of ethnic languages and the overwhelming preference for Bangla and English, which often results in learning barriers and linguistic insecurity among students.
Following her, Amrik Khisa (Junior, ENH), captivated the audience with a passionate version of “Tor ar Mor”, a song in the Chakma language. His presentation emphasized indigenous languages’ beauty and cultural relevance.
Afterwards, Professor Afsan Chowdhury (Researcher, Author, ENH Faculty) provided a practical viewpoint, highlighting the economic importance of acquiring English and digital literacy in today’s environment. ” Your need determines what you have to learn. Only the efficient survives”, he said, encouraging the audience to strike a balance between cultural preservation and practical abilities for survival in a competitive global economy.
The final speaker, Pulina Chakma (Sophomore, ENH), shared her personal experiences of facing bullying in school due to her indigenous identity. Her recounting of these memories stressed the need for empathy and respect in fostering inclusivity. “I hope we will be more empathetic and respectful to others,” she said, urging everyone to cherish their indigenous identity and language.
