Mural of Language hero Rafiqul Islam vandalised in Cumilla

The mural of Rafiqul Islam, a key figure behind the recognition of International Mother Language Day and a valiant freedom fighter, was vandalised by unknown miscreants near the Cumilla Collectorate School and College, sparking outrage across the community.

Installed in honor of Islam’s contributions to the Bengali language and the Liberation War, the mural stood beside a Shaheed Minar and near his ancestral home in the city’s Rajbari area. Since its installation in 2014, it had served as a symbol of respect, where locals, students, and teachers gathered to pay tribute to the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement.

Photos of the damaged mural began circulating on social media early Wednesday, prompting strong criticism from freedom fighters, educators, and citizens alike.

“This is a heartbreaking act,” said Cumilla District Freedom Fighters Commander Shafiul Ahmed Babul. “Rafiqul Islam played a historic role in getting international recognition for our language. We urge the administration to immediately restore the mural in his memory.”

Local sources reported that the mural was erected under the initiative of the district administration. Despite public interest, school authorities declined to comment on the incident.

In response, Cumilla Deputy Commissioner Md. Amirul Kaisar stated: “I was not aware of the incident, but we will take all necessary steps to restore the mural and honor Rafiqul Islam’s legacy.”

On February 9, 1998, Rafiqul Islam wrote a letter to then-UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, urging the recognition of February 21—commemorating the Bengali Language Movement martyrs of 1952—as International Mother Language Day. Along with his colleague Abdus Salam, he formed an organization called “The Mother Language Lovers of the World” to rally international support for the cause.

Their efforts bore fruit on November 17, 1999, when UNESCO officially recognized February 21 as International Mother Language Day. Since 2000, the day has been observed globally across UN member states. For this historic achievement, their organization was awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2002.

Rafiqul Islam passed away on November 21, 2013, in Vancouver, Canada, after a prolonged battle with cancer.