UPSC Prelims 2021
International Relations Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Answer: Option 2 — 2 Only

This question tests knowledge about International Mother Language Day and the historical language movement in Pakistan. Statement 1 is incorrect because International Mother Language Day was declared by UNESCO, not UNICEF. Statement 2 is correct as the demand for Bangla to be recognized as a national language was indeed raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, leading to the historic Language Movement.

❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: International Mother Language Day (21st February) was declared by UNESCO in 1999, not by UNICEF. It commemorates the Bengali Language Movement martyrs of 1952.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: The demand that Bangla should be one of the national languages of Pakistan was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan in the late 1940s and early 1950s, leading to the Language Movement of 1952.

📝 Short Notes: International Mother Language Day & Bengali Language Movement

• International Mother Language Day: Observed on 21st February annually, proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism.
• Historical Context: Commemorates the martyrs of the Bengali Language Movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) on 21st February 1952.
• Language Movement Background: After Pakistan's creation in 1947, Urdu was declared the sole national language despite Bangla being spoken by the majority in East Pakistan.
• Constituent Assembly Demand: Bengali legislators demanded recognition of Bangla as a national language alongside Urdu in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.
• 1952 Movement: Students and activists protested on 21st February 1952 in Dhaka; police firing killed several protesters, sparking widespread outrage.
• Outcome: Bangla was eventually recognized as a state language of Pakistan in 1956, and later became the sole official language of Bangladesh after independence in 1971.
• Global Significance: The sacrifice of language martyrs led to worldwide recognition of linguistic rights and cultural identity.