What we expect from the International Mother Language Institute  | The Business Standard
Skip to main content
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Get the Paper
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
The Business Standard

Thursday
July 24, 2025

Sign In
Subscribe
  • Latest
  • Economy
    • Banking
    • Stocks
    • Industry
    • Analysis
    • Bazaar
    • RMG
    • Corporates
    • Aviation
  • Videos
    • TBS Today
    • TBS Stories
    • TBS World
    • News of the day
    • TBS Programs
    • Podcast
    • Editor's Pick
  • World+Biz
  • Features
    • Panorama
    • The Big Picture
    • Pursuit
    • Habitat
    • Thoughts
    • Splash
    • Mode
    • Tech
    • Explorer
    • Brands
    • In Focus
    • Book Review
    • Earth
    • Food
    • Luxury
    • Wheels
  • Subscribe
    • Get the Paper
    • Epaper
    • GOVT. Ad
  • More
    • Sports
    • TBS Graduates
    • Bangladesh
    • Supplement
    • Infograph
    • Archive
    • Gallery
    • Long Read
    • Interviews
    • Offbeat
    • Magazine
    • Climate Change
    • Health
    • Cartoons
  • বাংলা
THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2025
What we expect from the International Mother Language Institute 

Supplement

Ekram Kabir
21 February, 2025, 09:25 am
Last modified: 21 February, 2025, 09:30 am

Related News

  • Mural of Int'l Mother Language Day pioneer, Shaheed Minar vandalised in Cumilla
  • An effort to preserve the heritage of ‘Sylheti’ language
  • Bangladesh High Commission in Mauritius pays tribute on 21 February
  • Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi commemorates International Mother Language Day
  • Nation pays homage to language martyrs

What we expect from the International Mother Language Institute 

Despite being surrounded by diverse literary traditions, Bangladesh remains isolated from the stories of its neighbouring countries. With the right initiatives, translated literature could open doors to new perspectives 

Ekram Kabir
21 February, 2025, 09:25 am
Last modified: 21 February, 2025, 09:30 am
Illustration: TBS
Illustration: TBS

I often feel that we know little about the literature of our neighbouring countries. While we know some Bangla literature from India, we know very little about the literature of other Indian languages. 

Similarly, despite their geographical closeness, we remain largely unaware of the literature on Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

You might ask, 'What benefit will Bangladeshis gain from reading literature from these countries? You do not even know enough about your own literature!'

The Business Standard Google News Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel

A valid question. Yes, our own literature is often neglected. We do not read enough, and there is little investment in promoting it. Despite this, there are still discussions and publications on Bangladeshi Bangla literature. 

However, our country has around 15–16 other languages, yet we hardly discuss them. In this situation, you might question, 'Why should we learn about the literature of our neighbouring countries?'

The answer is simple, knowledge matters. Learning about other literature broadens our understanding, enhances our imagination, and enriches our reading experience. 

My question in return is, 'Why should we not learn? How will we get new ideas?'

When it comes to translating foreign literature into Bangla, two institutions come to mind—the Bangla Academy and the International Mother Language Institute. 

Bangla Academy translates in two ways, from Bangla into other languages and from foreign languages into Bangla. However, due to budget constraints, it cannot do as much as it would like.

The institute could undertake some simple initiatives. Several foreign cultural centres actively promote their countries' arts, literature, and cinema. Our institute could collaborate with these centres to translate and distribute foreign literature

Our expectations from the International Mother Language Institute are even greater. Primarily a research institution, it focuses on studying all mother languages across the world. Its main objectives include language standardisation, research and preservation of endangered languages, and promoting mother-tongue-based education for children.

Since its inception, the institute has faced challenges. A Google News search brings up disappointing reports about its activities. While the institute attempts research, book publishing, and museum development, this is not what we expected from an 'international' institution, rather we hoped for meaningful global connections.

The institute operates on a very low budget—so low that achieving any significant work seems nearly impossible. According to its website, it funds research, but there is little clarity on what kind of research, its purpose, and how it benefits the general readership in Bangladesh.

The institute could undertake some simple initiatives. Several foreign cultural centres actively promote their countries' arts, literature, and cinema. Our institute could collaborate with these centres to translate and distribute foreign literature. 

We remember that Russian books were once widely available in Bangla—this model could be replicated.

The private sector could also play a role in making foreign literature accessible. At least 50 companies in Bangladesh are actively engaged in CSR initiatives. Even if the cultural ministry does not provide adequate funding, effective discussions with these companies could help raise funds. 

Many would show interest. Renowned writers proficient in foreign languages could translate these works, while publishers could ensure their distribution. If the institute's research and seminars do not reach the general public, their usefulness must be reconsidered. 

We want to learn about the literature of different countries — and that is why our expectations from the International Mother Language Institute are even higher than those from Bangla Academy.

The institute may look impressive, but it has, unfortunately, not achieved much yet. 

 

Top News

International Mother Language Day / Amar Ekushey / language

Comments

While most comments will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive, moderation decisions are subjective. Published comments are readers’ own views and The Business Standard does not endorse any of the readers’ comments.

Top Stories

  • BB asks female staff to wear 'modest' attire, discourages short-sleeved or length dresses, leggings
    BB asks female staff to wear 'modest' attire, discourages short-sleeved or length dresses, leggings
  • Representational image. Photo: Collected
    US yet to confirm third-round talks as tariff deadline looms
  • Govt amends public service rules further, adding appeal rights, forced retirement
    Govt amends public service rules further, adding appeal rights, forced retirement

MOST VIEWED

  • Photo: Collected
    Bangladeshi man jailed for life in UK for murdering wife in front of their baby
  • Ctg port authority halts contractor recruitment for Kamalapur ICD operations for two months
    Ctg port authority halts contractor recruitment for Kamalapur ICD operations for two months
  • Fire at Cosmo School in Mirpur on 23 July 2025. Photo: TBS
    Fire breaks out at Cosmo School in Mirpur following generator explosion
  • Representational image. File Photo: Rajib Dhar/TBS
    Debate arises as edu adviser says postponed HSC exams of 22 and 24 July will be held on same day
  • The Government Seal of Bangladesh
    Govt mulls allowing trade unions with 20 workers, industry leaders warn of disorder
  • Photo: CA Press Wing
    Stronger stance needed on maintaining law and order: Political parties to CA

Related News

  • Mural of Int'l Mother Language Day pioneer, Shaheed Minar vandalised in Cumilla
  • An effort to preserve the heritage of ‘Sylheti’ language
  • Bangladesh High Commission in Mauritius pays tribute on 21 February
  • Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi commemorates International Mother Language Day
  • Nation pays homage to language martyrs

Features

Photo: Collected

24 July: More than 1400 arrested, 3 missing coordinators found

1d | Panorama
Photo: Mehedi Hasan/TBS

Aggrieved nation left with questions as citizens rally to help at burn institute

1d | Panorama
Photo: TBS

Mourning turns into outrage as Milestone students seek truth and justice

1d | Panorama
Illustration: TBS

Uttara, Jatrabari, Savar and more: The killing fields that ran red with July martyrs’ blood

2d | Panorama

More Videos from TBS

ISPR reports 31 dead, official tally 29

ISPR reports 31 dead, official tally 29

2h | TBS Today
13 political parties meet with chief advisor; urge to announce election date

13 political parties meet with chief advisor; urge to announce election date

3h | TBS Today
Bangladesh and Pakistan unite to fight drugs

Bangladesh and Pakistan unite to fight drugs

4h | TBS Today
Case Study of Milestone Tragedy

Case Study of Milestone Tragedy

4h | TBS Today
EMAIL US
contact@tbsnews.net
FOLLOW US
WHATSAPP
+880 1847416158
The Business Standard
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Sitemap
  • Advertisement
  • Privacy Policy
  • Comment Policy
Copyright © 2025
The Business Standard All rights reserved
Technical Partner: RSI Lab

Contact Us

The Business Standard

Main Office -4/A, Eskaton Garden, Dhaka- 1000

Phone: +8801847 416158 - 59

Send Opinion articles to - oped.tbs@gmail.com

For advertisement- sales@tbsnews.net