বাংলা ভাষা প্রচলন সংক্রান্ত সরকারি নির্দেশ, ১৯৭৮
এই আদেশটি প্রেসিডেন্ট জিয়াউর রহমানের নির্দেশে অনুষ্ঠিত ১৯৭৮ সালের ১২ই জানুয়ারি কেবিনেট ডিভিশন (মন্ত্রীপরিষদ বিভাগ নয়) থেকে জারি করা হয়। কিন্তু এটি প্রচারিত হয় ইংরেজিতে।
(a) The Bengali language is an integral part of our nationalism and was a key element in our struggle for independence. The failure to use and apply the language at all levels of national life is a sad commentary on our declared intentions and sincerity. All work and files concerning the cabinet and ministries may be conducted in Bengali from now onwards. Reports on command over the mother tongue should be made a part of the ACR of each officer.
(a) Stress should be laid on preparing the coming generation from the very elementary school-level for application and use of Bengali in all activities of life and living. A responsible committee may be formed to ensure preparation of text books in simple and lucid Bengali, rather than the difficult language in which many school textbooks have been written. Imposing the use of the language from the top will not bear fruit unless adequate preparation is made at the base level. The report of the national Education committee is being awaited pending receipt of which no further committee should be set up. A number of steps have been taken to expand the use of Bengali in practical life. Instructions at college and university level are given usually in Bengali and the students have an option to appear in the examination in English also. In the armed services and the police, the word of command has been changed into Bengali. The PSC may conduct the examinations in Bengali which will influence the university and the officers to adopt wider use of Bengali. The departmental examinations and the in-service training programmes of Govt. employees may also be conducted in Bengali. With sincerity of purpose, it will not be difficult to use Bengali at all official levels. The language itself will develop and grow in quality with practice. The language must rid itself of the grip of the ‘pundits’ and must reach for the people. That is the way it can be made simple, effective and progressive.
(b) We must take the lead and sincerely play our role to the best of our ability. Others will follow us. There is no need to fix a target date for the eventual switch-over to Bengali. The work may start now and instead of going for publicity, necessary executive orders may be issued.
সূত্র: ভাষা আন্দোলনের ইতিহাস ও দলিল – সাহিদা বেগম