International Mother Language Day is observed worldwide every February 21, promoting linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Established by UNESCO in 2000, the date commemorates the Bengali Language Movement, which took place on February 21, 1952, when students and activists in East Bengal (now Bangladesh) protested for the official recognition of the Bengali language. In Bangladesh, this day is celebrated as Language Movement Day, a public holiday. The observance encourages the protection and preservation of languages and supports multilingual education. Notably, the Linguapax Institute awards the International Linguapax Award on this day for significant contributions in this area. While main events are held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, member states are encouraged to organize their own activities. Each year, UNESCO sets a new theme for the celebration.