Czech writer Martin calls for spreading spirit of Bangladesh Language Movement to end global violence

Czech Republic’s writer-researcher Ribek Martin has made a call to spread the spirit of the Language Moment among all to prevent worldwide conflict.

“Through learning of foreign languages, translation of literatures, travel, and discussions, let’s create a mental language that will inspire us to think for a peaceful future for all,” he said at the inauguration of Amar Ekushey Book Fair at Bangla Academy premises on Monday evening.

“Let this Language Movement be successful. This is my only wish,” he added.

At the book fair, Martin revealed his three wishes. Creation of “mental language” was one of the three wishes.

He also wished that there would be no blood-letting to protect one’s root.

He also urged all to “enrich” the habit of reading with the help of books and the internet. 

By delivering his speech in broken Bangla, Martin drew the attention of all.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and other members of the crowd broke into applause to spur him on.

He said the Language Movement of Bengalees is considered as a great “human experience” in world history.

“February 21 is not treated merely as International Language Day, rather it is considered as an important symbol of the world,” the writer-researcher added.

“It was the joint struggle of many communities to express freely their mind, language, and culture. The martyrs of that moment and their memory are the light for our future.”

He stated that many countries were still suppressed by colonial concepts. “They should break free from the shackles to sing loudly in their own voice.”

The British poet and translator of Jibanananda Das’ works, Joe Winter, at the inauguration shared his experience that developed his interest for translation of Bengali poems.

“I visited Kolkata for the first time in 1994. At that time, I was not interested in translating Bengali poems. I wanted to learn Bengali language.  But after staying there for some time I got inclined towards translating poetries.  I got attracted towards its greatness.”

“After translating poetries of different languages and travelling various parts of India in 2006, I came to the conclusion that Kolkata is the centre of world’s poetry.”

Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Hariye Jaoa’ was the first Bengali peam he translated, Winter said and recited it at the programme.

He concluded his speech by reciting a poem of Kazi Nazrul Islam.

International Publishers Association (IPA)’s President Richard Dennis Paul said, “I have gone to several book fairs across the world. But this is the biggest of all.”

Prime Minister Hasina inaugurated the month-long book fair.

At the programme, she handed over Bangla Academy Literary Award 2015 to 11 writers, poets and litterateurs.