Published: 12:00 AM, 31 October 2026
Our Carefree Attitude towards Upholding the Sanctity of Bengali Language Is Painful
Sanjana Bilkis Noor
Bengali, the mother tongue of the majority of Bangladeshis, holds a unique place in the nation's history, culture, and identity. However, a growing concern has emerged among teachers, parents, and language experts: many students are unaware of the proper use of Bengali in speaking and writing. Despite studying the language from primary school to higher education, a significant number of students struggle with correct spelling, grammar, pronunciation, and sentence construction.
Bangladesh earned international recognition for its Language Movement of 1952, when students and ordinary citizens sacrificed their lives to establish Bengali as a state language. February 21 is now observed worldwide as International Mother Language Day. Yet, many students fail to demonstrate the linguistic skills and awareness that this historic achievement deserves.
One major reason behind this problem is the growing influence of social media and digital communication. Students often use shortened words, incorrect spellings, and informal expressions while texting and posting online. Although such language may be convenient for casual communication, its excessive use can negatively affect formal writing. Many students also mix Bengali with English unnecessarily, even when appropriate Bengali words are available.
The education system is another important factor. In many institutions, students focus primarily on memorizing textbook answers and obtaining good examination results rather than developing practical language skills. Limited classroom discussions, creative writing exercises, and speaking activities prevent them from gaining confidence in using Bengali correctly. Moreover, some teachers may not give sufficient attention to pronunciation, punctuation, and grammatical accuracy.
The preference for English-medium education and the perception that English is essential for career advancement have also contributed to the problem. While learning English is valuable in a globalized world, it should not come at the expense of the mother tongue. Students need to understand that proficiency in Bengali is equally important for preserving cultural heritage, communicating effectively, and expressing national identity.
Experts believe that coordinated efforts can improve the situation. Schools should organize essay competitions, debates, poetry recitations, and reading sessions to encourage the practical use of Bengali. Teachers should emphasize understanding rather than memorization, while parents should encourage children to read Bengali newspapers, novels, and literary works. Educational authorities can also introduce engaging language-learning activities and provide better training for Bengali teachers.
Students themselves must take responsibility by practicing correct spelling, reading quality Bengali literature, and avoiding careless language use in formal communication. Digital platforms can also promote correct Bengali through educational content and language-awareness campaigns.
Bengali is more than a subject in the classroom; it is an essential part of Bangladesh's heritage. Protecting its proper use requires collective commitment. By developing stronger language skills among students, Bangladesh can honor the sacrifices of the Language Movement and ensure that future generations preserve the beauty, richness, and dignity of their mother tongue.
Sanjana Bilkis Noor studies
Business Administration in
Southeast University, Dhaka.
