Sylhetis would remain part of Bangladesh, just because we joined that doesn’t mean our language and culture has to be erased by ethnofascism. Sylhetis are first and foremost proud Muslim. Being Bangladeshi doesn’t mean Sylhetis should lose their heritage, their language has to get recognized otherwise 3-4 generation from now on no one would even speak or know Sylheti language at all. They can be both proud Bangladeshi and retain their unique ethnolingual status in Bangladesh.
This is because GoB erroneously made it a dialed when Bangladesh was formed (Which is understandable as most newly formed nation around the world did it in 1950s, 1970s to make the society more homogenous and bring strong national identity, we are in 21st century and pluralism and endogenous linguistic heritage are respected and it is a great time now for their language to be protected and preserved) since most Sylhetis are proud and contributing citizens of Bangladesh) and and many many people were ashamed to speak in Sylheti I have met few Sylhetis who are ashamed to speak in Sylheti as well. This even highlights even more that Sylheti Language needs to get it recognizition to be practice and taught both written and oral form in Sylhet Division in Bangladesh. Many people parhaps from parts of the country also moved in, which is ok as it is part of the one country, if you really respect our language, what is your problem if Sylheti language recognized and protected and made co official language in Sylhet Bangladesh along with Bengali already is a official language. Bangladesheis from
other districts speak in various form and dialect of Bengali, only Sylheti is a separate language and not a dialect due it it’s historic origin and it’s written. US federalism would work best if it’s is implemented properly. Indian style and US has no comparison one is a beacon of hope for mankind and another one is majoritarian tyranny, racism, practices religious persecution and enable caste system bigotry. Anyway that is a whole another debate
Thankfully these views are changing lately and Sylheti language is slowly but surely gaining traction for official recognition in Sylhet Division in Bangladesh and no one can stop it. We make up 13% percent of Bangladeshi population, we are not a pushover, our rights and everything will be protected and preserved in our Bangladeshi nation. Any ethno fascist who wants to subjugate us in Bangladesh will not work and succeed.
Listen- nobody here is denying the rights of Sylhetis to speak in their own language.
There are active political movements in the CHT to recognize the tribal languages and make it available in school curriculum. It is supported by the mass and I wholeheartedly support that because they should be able to speak in their own mother tongue. They should not be forced to learn Bangla when they have their own language.
The problem we are having with you is your narrative. Not only have you been propagating oppression in the form of freedom of speech, but now you and your buddy here are also claiming discrimination in terms of resource extraction and how GOB is robbing "Sylhet's" wealth. You are peddling the idea of federalism in Bangladesh's context without any knowledge of Bangladesh's political climate.
What you are trying to sell here is resentment. Trying to create a problem where there is none. You are constantly promoting regionalism over nationalism in an attempt to create discord among Bangladeshis. That is what is our problem is with you.
Can you point me to one respected academic study demonstrating the majority of Sylhetis wanting to add Sylheti language to their academic curriculum and used for official purposes? Can you point me to an active political movement by the majority of Sylhetis to make Sylheti an official language?
I mean a major mass movement
based in Bangladesh. Not a fringe group with the likes of yourselves at the helm.
If you can produce something like that, I will be interested to hear you out. If you cannot, it is better you sell your hate somewhere else.
PS:
To add to my list of questions for you- for the last 20+ years, Bangladesh has been appointing a Sylheti in key ministerial positions like Finance ministry. From Saifur Rahman in BNP to Shah Kibria and Abul Mal Abdul Muhit in BAL- were all Sylhetis. Despite having such a close position to the PM of Bangladesh, why haven't they pushed the issue?
The answer is- because it is a non-issue. It is only an issue for individuals with a hidden agenda to use language as a means of achieving an ulterior motive.