TALTALI, BARGUNA, Feb 21: In the land that once witnessed bloodshed for the right to speak one's mother tongue in 1952, members of the Rakhaine community in Taltali Upazila of Barguna now fear that their own language is gradually fading away.
In Taltali Upazila under Barguna District, around 500 Rakhaine families - nearly 3,000 people - currently reside. However, community leaders say the use of their native language has declined significantly over the years.
While elderly members of the community still converse in Rakhaine, children and teenagers are increasingly accustomed to Bangla. At home, in schools and in marketplaces, Bangla dominates daily communication. As a result, the Rakhaine language now survives mainly in spoken form, with written practice almost non-existent.
General Secretary of the Rakhaine Development Organisation Mongchin Than said, many children understand the language but respond in Bangla. "We speak in Rakhaine, but the new generation cannot speak it properly. There is no provision for primary education or textbooks in our language. Children start their schooling entirely in Bangla, so written practice is nearly zero," he said.
He added that a language once rich with stories, songs and history is now largely confined to oral communication.
Community elders expressed concern that without immediate steps, the language may not survive among future generations. They urged the government and relevant authorities to take effective measures to preserve their mother tongue.
Taltali Upazila Nirbahi Officer Mohammad Zahidul Islam said, the loss of a language means the loss of a community's identity. "We will discuss the issue with the concerned authorities and take necessary steps to preserve Rakhaine language and culture," he said.
Experts say that if timely initiatives are not taken - including introducing Rakhaine language education in local schools, publishing books and organising community-based language programmes - the younger generation may gradually lose connection with their linguistic heritage.
The upazila administration has reportedly begun preliminary preparations to organise workshops and introduce language preservation initiatives at local schools and community centres. However, community leaders say sustained efforts from government, social organisations and the Rakhaine community itself will be essential to ensure the survival of their mother tongue.
