International Mother Language Day is an observance held annually on 21st February worldwide to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. It was first announced by UNESCO on 17th November 1999. The date represents the day in 1952 when students from different educational institutions demonstrated for recognition of their mother language, Bengali, as one of the two n
ational languages of the Pakistan. During this demonstration, several students were shot and killed by police in Dhaka the present-day capital city of Bangladesh. The proposed IMLD monument will be built in the green space of Dentonia Park. This location is in between Danforth (known as "BANGLA PARA") and Crescent Town. It is very close to the Crescent Town, Teasdale, Danforth and Victoria Park areas which include the largest population of Bangladeshi residents and businesses in Toronto. The location has been reviewed by Parks and Forestry staff, and has been determined as an appropriate site. The location is convenient, well-lit and maintained year round. The monument will reflect the ideals and historic significance of the original monument in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It will be designed to reflect, but not copy, the aesthetic quality, design features, materials and size of the original monument. The design will be developed through an open proposal call process, with community consultation. It will be selected by a panel with experts and community representatives based on an assessment of criteria and community input. It will be developed in compliance with the City Policies for Donation of Public Art.
