Identity and Nation Building through Language Movement: The Role of Dhaka Medical College

The Language Movement holds immense significance in the history of Bangladesh, as it marked the beginning of a struggle for linguistic and cultural identity. It gained momentum in 1952 when students and members of other walks of life including working people and intellectuals took to the streets to demand that Bangla be recognized as an official language of the state. Dhaka Medical College played a pivotal role in leading and accelerating the movement; students from Dhaka Medical College actively participated in political events and doctors & health-workers provided essential healthcare services to the injured participants. They established blood bank and offered tireless support. The Medical Barracks which served as an accommodation facility for students, also acted as a control room for the movement. Moreover, the students made significant contributions towards the establishment of martyr’s monument, honoring the sacrifices made during the struggle. Despite their significant contributions and leadership in the language movement, the role of Dhaka Medical College students & health-care professionals have almost been forgotten in public memory and has been largely overlooked in academic research. This article aims to address this gap by highlighting the contributions of the medical students, teachers, nurses and other employees during the period.