Demand for Sylheti as the Second State Language: ‘Sylheti Panchayet’ Leads New Movement

​Staff Reporter, Bojrokontho Sylhet

​The organization ‘Sylheti Panchayet’ has officially raised a demand for the autonomy of the Sylhet division and the recognition of the Sylheti language as the second state language of Bangladesh. This demand was placed during a recent gathering, sparking widespread debate across social media and local circles.
​According to the leaders of the organization, Sylheti is not merely a regional dialect; it boasts a unique history and a distinct script known as ‘Sylheti Nagri.’ They pointed out that approximately 12 million people across the Sylhet division and in various countries worldwide speak Sylheti. They argue that granting state recognition is essential to honor the emotions and heritage of this vast population.
​A spokesperson for ‘Sylheti Panchayet’ stated, “We have our own script and a rich literary tradition. To preserve our culture and language, it is imperative to grant autonomy to Sylhet and recognize Sylheti as the second state language.”
​The organization also urged the government to take immediate steps to prevent the extinction of the Sylheti Nagri script and to ensure the inclusion of the language in various educational sectors.