Mural of International Mother Language Day pioneer defaced in Cumilla

Liberation War veterans demand full restoration of the mural

The mural of Rafiqul Islam, a freedom fighter and key proponent behind the UN recognition of International Mother Language Day, has been vandalised in Cumilla, triggering widespread outrage.

The mural, located next to the Rajbari Collectorate School, was erected under the supervision of the district administration and at the initiative of Rafiqul’s family.

It was unveiled on Feb 21, 2015, by then-Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Hasanuzzaman Kallol and Rafiqul’s wife Buli Islam. His ancestral home stands adjacent to the site.

Photos of the vandalised mural spread quickly on social media from Wednesday morning, prompting an outpouring of criticism from Liberation War veterans and citizens alike.

When asked, however, teachers at the institution and locals declined to comment.

In response to the public outrage, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md Amirul Kaisar assured that the mural would be restored. “I was unaware of the matter, but everything necessary will be done to preserve Rafiqul Islam’s memory and honour,” he said.

Former district freedom fighters’ commander Md Nure Alam Bhuiyan said, “Rafiqul Islam’s contribution to getting Bengali recognised as an international language is unparalleled. We are heartbroken over this act and demand that the mural be reinstated without delay.”

Rafiqul Islam’s role in the global recognition of Feb 21 is widely celebrated. On Feb 9, 1998, he wrote to then-UN secretary-general Kofi Annan, proposing that the day be internationally recognised to honour the 1952 Language Movement martyrs.

He later co-founded the organisation Mother Language Lovers of the World with Abdus Salam to garner support from UN member states. Their advocacy led UNESCO to formally declare Feb 21 as International Mother Language Day on Nov 17, 1999.

Since 2000, the day has been observed globally by UN member countries. In recognition of his historic achievement, Mother Language Lovers of the World was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2001.

Rafiqul died of cancer on Nov 21, 2013, in a Canadian hospital.