AN unsuccessful attempt to replace Urdu [with] Bengali as the national language of Pak­istan was made in the Constituent Assembly on Wednesday [Feb 25] by Mr Dhirendra Nath Dutta (Congress) who claimed to speak on behalf of “voiceless Bengali-speaking millions” who form the majority of the people of Pakistan. But the Muslim members who were qualified to speak on behalf of the majority in Bengal did not support his demand.

Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, Leader of the House, reminded Mr Dutta that Pakistan was created because of the demand of 100 million Muslims of the Indian sub-continent and their language was Urdu. Pakistan was a Muslim state and it should have the language of the Muslims as a state language. He, however, pointed out that there was no question of ousting the Bengali language, it would hold the provincial field, and continue as medium of instruction in East Bengal.

The Leader of the House denounced Mr Dutta’s move in a forthright manner. The object of the mover, he said, was to create a rift between various parts of Pakistan. — Dawn Special Correspondent

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2023