The Rohingya community in Bangladesh’s Cox’s Bazar observed International Mother Language Day on Friday(February 21) with a heartfelt tribute to linguistic heritage and unity. The event took place at Block C of Camp 9 in Palongkhali union, Ukhiya, drawing thousands from various camps across the district.  
The program commenced with a tribute to the martyrs of Bangladesh’s historic 1952 Language Movement, underscoring the universal importance of protecting linguistic diversity. Religious leaders, teachers, youth activists, and Rohingya community leaders addressed the gathering, emphasizing the need to preserve the Rohingya language and culture in exile.  
Speaking at the event, Maulana Mohammad Saleh  said, “We have our own language and culture. We speak the Rohingya language, and every generation must preserve our linguistic heritage.” His words resonated with the audience, many of whom have faced challenges in maintaining their language and cultural identity while living in refugee camps.  
Expressing deep gratitude toward Bangladesh for providing refuge since the 2017 humanitarian crisis, Rohingya leader Dil Mohammad stated, “We are grateful to Bangladesh. Peace and unity must be maintained in the camp. Our homeland is Arakan, and we want to return there.”
The event was organized by the Rohingya National Education Board, an organization dedicated to preserving the Rohingya language and promoting educational opportunities for refugees.  
Participants emphasized the need for global recognition of their plight and the importance of mother languages as carriers of identity and cultural heritage.  
International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999, originated in Bangladesh and is observed worldwide to promote linguistic and cultural diversity. For the Rohingya, this day remains a poignant reminder of their struggle for recognition and the enduring hope of returning to their homeland in Myanmar’s Rakhine State.