As February marks the month of language, it is an opportune time to reflect on the profound significance of language in shaping societies, movements, and individual lives. Language, as a tool of communication, holds immense power 鈥� it can inspire revolutions, unite communities, or incite chaos. Yet, it is also a double-edged sword, capable of both creation and destruction.
If we revisit the July movement, it becomes evident that language played a pivotal role in its unfolding. While the movement was influenced by various factors, the ultimate downfall of the dictatorial government was triggered by the arrogant, abusive, and irresponsible use of language by Sheikh Hasina and her ministers. Their words, dripping with disdain and disregard for public sentiment, gradually fuelled the flames of public anger, intensifying the movement and leading to the government鈥檚 collapse. This serves as a stark reminder of how language, when wielded carelessly, can have far-reaching consequences.听
Similarly, since August 5, language has continued to shape the course of events in profound ways. The sheer volume of daily occurrences makes it nearly impossible to keep track of everything, but one common thread ties them all together: language. Whether it is a demand for employment, a cry for justice, or a call for change, language is the medium through which these assertions are made. Yet, language is also a catalyst for the anarchic conditions that have gripped the nation. On social media, for instance, a single inflammatory post can incite attacks on individuals or the destruction of property, mobilising thousands to act on those words. Conversely, a poet or writer may pen something that inadvertently offends religious or cultural sensibilities, leading to imprisonment, death threats, or worse. Thus, language not only has the power to topple governments but also to endanger lives.
During the tenure of the previous tyrannical government, we witnessed countless individuals imprisoned for years over seemingly 鈥渋nsignificant鈥� Facebook posts. This oppressive environment often evoked parallels to George Orwell鈥檚听Nineteen Eighty-Four听(1949), where the protagonist, Winston Smith, secretly writes his dissent in a diary, only to face dire consequences. Similarly, under the past regime, many were forced to express their thoughts covertly, shielding their social media posts with privacy settings. Even these precautions did not spare them from legal and social harassment. Ironically, the fall of Hasina鈥檚 government has not brought about the freedom of language many had hoped for. While people can now voice opinions they once suppressed, language remains constrained. Dissent is still met with persecution, and individuals are often targeted for their words.
What is particularly striking is the asymmetry in language鈥檚 impact. While it can swiftly act as a destructive force, its constructive potential often unfolds at a slow pace. For instance, the chief adviser and his team frequently deliver eloquent and inspiring speeches, yet the tangible impact of their words on the lives of ordinary citizens remains limited. Similarly, in our society, religious speakers and other influential figures can easily incite aggression and violence through their rhetoric. However, when these same individuals advocate for peace, justice, or moral ideals, their words often fail to resonate with the same immediacy or intensity.
A recent video I came across illustrates this disparity. A religious speaker, addressing a large crowd, passionately declared that those who insult religion deserve the harshest punishment 鈥� death 鈥� and that forgiveness should never be granted, even if the offender repents. The crowd roared in unanimous support. This moment left me deeply unsettled. I had always believed that no sin is beyond Allah鈥檚 forgiveness, but the speaker鈥檚 words challenged this conviction. It made me question whether my understanding was flawed, and in this process of questioning, language played a central role. It underscored how language can shape beliefs, manipulate emotions, and even distort moral principles.听
Yet, language is not merely a tool for division and destruction; it is also a powerful instrument for fostering peace and societal well-being. From childhood, our development as social beings is intertwined with language. It enables us to distinguish between right and wrong, to empathise with others, and to articulate our aspirations for a better world. When influential figures 鈥� those whose words carry weight 鈥� use language constructively, it can have a transformative impact on society. Thoughtful, compassionate, and inclusive language can bridge divides, heal wounds, and inspire collective action toward peace and progress.
The dual nature of language as a double-edged sword demands that we wield it with caution and responsibility. Its power to incite or inspire, to destroy or build, lies in the hands of those who use it. As we navigate the complexities of our world, let us remember that the words we choose carry weight. They can either perpetuate cycles of violence and division or pave the way for understanding, reconciliation, and hope. The choice is ours.
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Rakibul Hasan Khan is a Bangladeshi poet and academic based in New Zealand, where he is working as an adjunct faculty in English at the University of Otago after completing his PhD at this University.