The idea behind the International Mother Language Day is somewhat contradictory. The day might well be titled Mother Language, but what it actually promotes is the prevailing global linguistic diversity. International Mother Language Day was founded by UNESCO in 2000, since when it has been held on 21 February.
Exactly 68 years ago, two students from Bangladesh were shot during a demonstration in favour of official recognition of Bangla, their native language. This day was symbolically adopted as International Mother Language Day during a convention of the United Nations in 2000.