Lakhipuronline Digital Desk, September 12, 2026: A 10-day free training program teaching the Meetei Mayek script recently concluded for the Manipuri diaspora in Bangladesh. The program aimed to help the local community reconnect with their native language and cultural identity.
Supported by the Directorate of Language Planning and Implementation under the Government of Manipur, the initiative ensures Manipuri people living across international borders can read and write their native script. The closing ceremony took place on the evening of September 10, 2026, at the Manipuri Cultural Complex in Tetaigoan, Adampur Bazar, Bangladesh.
Historical Context
The Manipuri community in Bangladesh, primarily residing in the Sylhet and Moulvibazar districts, settled in the region over two hundred years ago during the Seven Years' Devastation (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa). While these communities have preserved their spoken language, traditional clothing, and customs, the ability to read and write in the original Meetei Mayek script was largely replaced by the Bengali script. This training program serves to reintroduce the original script to the younger generation.
Organizers and Collaborators
The Manipuri Bhasha Gobeshona O Unnoyon Sangstha partnered with the International Mother Language Institute (IMLI) in Dhaka to organize the classes. The event received direct support from MEELAL (Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillol Apunba Lup) and the Manipur Government.
Ten local organizations assisted in hosting the event, including the Bangladesh Manipuri Sahitya Sangsad, Manipuri Primary Teachers Samiti, Manipuri Library and Research Centre, Heirol Foundation, Manipuri Kalyan Parishad, Manipuri Samaj Unnayan, Manipuri Bhasha Prosikshan Kendra, Manipuri Youth Forum, and the Manipuri Cultural Complex.
Closing Ceremony Details
Langoljam Jayanta, President of the Manipuri Cultural Complex in Kamalganj, Moulvibazar, attended the September 10 closing event as the Chief Guest. Ibunghal Shyamal, Secretary of the Manipuri Bhasha Gobeshona O Unnoyon Songstha, presided over the function.
Special Guests from Manipur included MEELAL President Langoljam Nongmailembi, General Secretary Paonam Thakaba, Education Secretary Maibam Indrajit, and Patriotic Writers Forum Manipur Secretary Rakesh Naorem.
"Teaching the mother tongue and its original script to our brothers and sisters across the border is a priority. Seeing the dedication of the students here in Bangladesh is truly inspiring".
Organizers conducted a written test on September 8. During the closing ceremony, the 17 highest-scoring students received special certificates and pens. All participants received a participation certificate and a basic Meetei Mayek alphabet book to continue practicing.
Formation of the MEELAL Bangladesh Branch
During the event, organizers announced the formation of "MEELAL Bangladesh Masa Loisang" for the 2026-2028 term to continually promote the script in the region. The newly appointed office bearers are:
- President: Ningthoujam Shanta Kumar
- Vice President: Kayenpaibam Brindarani
- Secretary: Konthoujam Shilpi
- Education Secretary: Ngangbam Arunkumar
- Finance Secretary: Kayenpaibam Tapankumar
- Publicity Secretary: Khuraijam Promeshwar
- Organising Secretary: Ayekpam Anju
- Executive Members: Naorem Joykumar, Abuzam Shyamoli Debi, Oinam Joymoni Debi, and RK Memtombi.
An Advisory Board was also established, featuring writer AK Seram, retired teacher L. Jayanta, and cultural activist Ibunghal Shyamal.
Honoring the Guests
Representatives from the ten local organizing groups presented the visiting delegates from Manipur with a traditional Lengyan and mementos. The 10-day training program formally concluded with a community dinner.
✍️ Published by Lakhipuronline Team
