বহু ভাষার কবিতা | Poetry in Many Tongues

On the occasion of International Mother Language Day, SHALA_Neighbourhood Art Space hosted Bohu Bhashar Kobita or “Poetry in Many Tongues” — an evening dedicated to celebrating linguistic diversity through poetry, held on February 20, 2025, at its space on Tejgaon–Gulshan Link Road. The event featured poetry readings in seven languages spoken across Bangladesh and beyond: Bangla, Chakma, Marma, Mandi (Garo), Sylheti, Arabic, and English. With each reading, the audience experienced a unique rhythm, perspective, and cultural context, reflecting the country’s rich linguistic mosaic. Participants included: Fahim Bin Hamid (Arabic poetry) Sujalo Chakma (Chakma poetry) Umme Rayhana (English poetry) U Mimi Marma Suchi (Marma poetry) Nazia Afrin Monami (Bangla poetry) Anthony Rema (Mandi poetry) Ayesha Rahman Chowdhury (Sylheti poetry) Alongside the readings, the event also featured reflections on the meanings, social relevance, and historical context of the poems. Attendees engaged in open conversations around the role of language in identity, memory, and contemporary life. The program emphasized that International Mother Language Day is not only a moment of remembrance but also a call to recognize, preserve, and share the many living languages that shape Bangladesh’s cultural identity. With this event, SHALA_Neighbourhood Art Space continues its commitment to platforming diverse voices and fostering inclusive spaces for creative expression and dialogue.