A Step Toward Government Recognition of the Syloti Nagri Script
A group of activists from Sylhet, led by Delowar Hussein, have submitted a memorandum to the District Administrator, urging the government to officially recognize the Syloti Nagri script and the Syloti language.
The activists first gathered at Sylhet Shahid Minar (opposite Sylhet Women’s College) around 11 a.m., then marched toward Bandarbazar to the District Administrator’s office, where they formally submitted the memorandum.
They expressed deep concern that Sylheti people continue to face neglect in many sectors, despite Sylhet being one of the most culturally rich and economically vital regions of Bangladesh — known for its natural beauty, vibrant heritage, and major contribution to remittance earnings. Activists emphasized that the community is even at risk of losing its linguistic and cultural identity.
The activists made it clear that they are not asking for any special favor — rather, they are claiming their rightful place and recognition as Sylhetis, rooted in history and culture.
Their key demand is for the ancient Syloti Nagri script to be officially recognized and included in academic textbooks, ensuring its preservation for future generations and protecting it from extinction.
With unwavering determination, they vowed to continue their movement to safeguard the Sylheti identity — until the language, script, and culture of Sylhet receive the full respect and recognition they truly deserve.
About Syloti Nagri
The Syloti Nagri script is an ancient writing system once widely used in the Sylhet region to write the Sylheti language, a distinct linguistic heritage of northeastern Bangladesh. With roots tracing back several centuries, Syloti Nagri carries the stories, poetry, and traditions of Sylhet’s ancestors. Once nearly forgotten, efforts are now being renewed to revive and preserve this script as a proud symbol of Sylheti cultural identity.
