The United League of Arakan (ULA) on the occasion of International Mother language  Day on Monday emphasized on bolstering a better future with Bangladesh.

In a media release titled ‘Statement of Solidarity’ the ULA mentioned that it is an occasion for us too  to commemorate the diversity of languages and cultures that the Mother World has embraced.

Mentioning that 21 February 2022 is the 23rd International Day of Mother Language, recognized by UNESCO, the ULA/AA has taken the opportunity to congratulate all people of the world on their mother tongue languages.

Mentionable is that the ULA is a political body of the Arakan Army and remain keen in improving ties with Bangladesh. It is one of the most active armed groups in Myanmar (Burma), which is fighting the Union government for their self-determination and sovereignty.

The ULA  statement in the beginning  paid tributes to the heroes and language, numerous martyrs who died fighting for the recognition of Bengali as the official language in their land during the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence against the then west Pakistan regime.

Furthermore, the statement added, under the charismatic leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, founding father of Bangladesh, the people of Bangladesh were able to achieve their priceless and invaluable sovereignty and independence in 1971 which is also the primal foundation for maintaining the political and cultural identity of a nation.

The ULA statement also  mentioned about the historical ties between the Bengalis and the Arakanese people.

“Our forefathers from the lands of Bengal and Arakan stove to have their respective civilizations thrive on the Bay of Bengal and on the bank  Naff river. They constitute the natural bond between the people and regions of Bangladesh and Arakan.  We deeply regard that both of our societies are historically and culturally interlinked. The Arakanese community is a part of the Bengali nation, and in the same way the Bengali community is a part of our Arakan nation. Since both territories are comprised of our brothers and sisters, we firmly believe that it is our responsibility to serve both of our people for the best,” said the statement.

In the concluding paragraph, it expressed pleasure in sending the statement  on behalf of the Rakhine people and wished to further enhance future relations with Bangladesh.

“Sending this statement of solidarity on this day on behalf of the Arakan people is an honour for us. We profoundly believe that the restitution of Arakan sovereignty to our people is the ultimate aim of our national liberation movement and the right to our mother tongue language is also a part of that. We desire to bolster a better future between our nations & regions in terms of military, economic, culture and diplomatic relations.

It concluded saying, “Good neighbours shall be good friends. May Bangladesh live forever!”