By Bimal Roy from Manikgonj
With the initiative of BARCIK International Mother Language Day 2026 was celebrated recently in Manikgonj. More than fifty students participated in drawing, handicrafts, and poster-writing activities to mark the very day.
However, in the event two brothers, Ujjol Monidas (Class 8) and Dhonanjay Monidas (Class 5), built a Shaheed Minar using bamboo and paper where the community paid tribute to the language martyrs. Ujjol won first place in the secondary-level drawing competition, while Dhonanjay secured first place at the primary level.
Their achievement symbolizes hope that education can help overcome marginalization and build a brighter future.
It is to mention that more than two hundred Monirishi families have lived for generations in Monidas Para of Purba Dashra, Manikganj Municipality. Historically marginalized by caste discrimination, their traditional livelihoods depended on making bamboo and cane products such as baskets, sieves, fish traps, and farming tools. Over time, with the spread of plastic products and changes in agriculture, the demand for these items declined, forcing many families to shift to day labor, rickshaw pulling, small businesses, and other informal work.
Educational deprivation has long affected such marginalized communities. According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, Manikganj’s literacy rate is about 71 percent, lower than the national average of 74.8 percent, reflecting the challenges faced by disadvantaged groups.
Since 2009, BARCIK has been working with marginalized communities in Purba Dashra to strengthen access to education. Over the years, many children from the Monidas community have progressed to higher education. Today, most children in Monidas Para attend local schools, child marriage has significantly declined, and women are increasingly involved in income-generating activities. The involvement of Ujjol and Dhononjoy Monidas in the language day celebration reflected the progress they have made over times.
