Bangladesh
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Atong
[aot] Dhaka division: north Netrokona district. Users: 5,400 in Bangladesh. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: A’tong, Attong. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Boro-Garo, Koch.
Bangla Sign Language
[ins] Scattered. Users: 815,000 in Bangladesh (2021 DBS/DOOR/SIL). Estimated 500,000–1,000,000, assuming 0.3%–0.6% of the total population. Another estimate: 2,600,000 (2014 Disabled Peoples’ International Pacific-Asia Region). Status: 6a* (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bangla Ishara Vasha, Bangladesh Sign Language, Bangladeshi Sign Language, Bengali Sign Language, Indian Sign Language. Classification: Sign language, Deaf community sign language.
Bengali
[ben] Widespread. Users: 159,000,000 in Bangladesh, all users. L1 users: 130,000,000 in Bangladesh (2017). L2 users: 29,000,000 (2017). Total users in all countries: 272,674,940 (as L1: 233,672,060; as L2: 39,002,880). Status: 1 (National). Statutory national language (1972, Constitution, Article 3), has been reinforced by the Bengali Language Introduction Act of 1987 to fully enact Article 3 of the Constitution, making the use of Bengali compulsory at all levels of state activities except in foreign affairs. Alternate Names: Bangala, Bangla-Bhasa. Autonym: বাংলা (Bangla). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
Bihari
[urd] Chittagong, Dhaka, Khulna, and Rangpur divisions; mainly refugee camps in 13 districts. Users: 250,000 in Bangladesh (2009 UNHR). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Urdu. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Western Hindi, Hindustani.
Bishnupuriya
[bpy] Sylhet division: south Habiganj district, Sylhet city, 1 village; Moulvibazar district; Sunamganj district, 2 villages. Users: 40,000 in Bangladesh (2003). 400 monolinguals. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Bishnupria, Bishnupriya, Bishnupriya Manipuri, Bisna Puriya. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
Chak
[ckh] Chittagong division: Baishari, Bandarban, Bishar Chokpra; south Naikhongchari area in Arakan Blue mountains. 14 villages. Users: 3,000 in Bangladesh (Bradley 2007b). Total users in all countries: 4,000. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Sak, Tsak, atsaʔ. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Jingppaw-Asakia, Asakian.
Chakma
[ccp] Chittagong division: Chittagong city, Chittagong Hills area; Khagrachari and Rangamati districts. Users: 150,000 in Bangladesh (2007 SIL). Total users in all countries: 378,000. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Changma Kodha, Sakma, Sangma, Takam. Autonym: Changma Vaj. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
Chin, Asho
[csh] Chittagong division: Bandarban, Chittagong, and Rangamati districts. plains area (Laitu); hill area (Kongtu). Users: 4,000 in Bangladesh (2011). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Khyang, Khyeng, Qin, Sho, Shoa. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin, Peripheral, Southern, Cho-Asho, Asho.
Chin, Bawm
[bgr] Chittagong division: Bandarbar and south Rangamati districts, near Myanmar border. Users: 10,000 in Bangladesh (2011). Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Bawm, Bawm hawlh, Bawn, Bawng, Bom. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin, Central, Lai.
Chin, Khumi
[cnk] Chittagong division: Bandarban district, Rowanchari, Ruma, and Thanchi subdistricts. Users: 4,000 in Bangladesh (2018). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Khami, Khumi, Khumi Chin, Khuni, “Khweymi” (pej.). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin, Peripheral, Southern.
Chittagonian
[ctg] Chittagong division: widespread. Users: 13,000,000 (2006 SIL). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Used as an L2 in Rangamati, Bandarban, Cox’ s Bazar, and Chittagong districts primarily for business and market. Alternate Names: Chatgaiyan Buli, Chatgaya, Chittagonian Bengali. Autonym: চাঁটগাঁইয়া বুলি (Caṭgãia Buli). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
English
[eng] Users: 29,300,000 in Bangladesh (2020 Euromonitor International), L2 users. Status: 5* (Dispersed). Classification: Indo-European, Germanic, West, English.
Garo
[grt] Dhaka division: Dhaka, Jamalpur, Madhupur, Netrokona, Sherpur districts; enclaves north, southwest and northwest of Mymensingh city; Sylhet division: Sylhet and Sunamganj districts. Users: 120,000 in Bangladesh (2005). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Used as LWC among all Mandi. Alternate Names: Garrow, Mande, Mandi. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Boro-Garo.
Hajong
[haj] Mymensingh division: Rangpur district east to Sunamganj district; Sylhet division. Users: 8,000 in Bangladesh. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Hajang. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
Khasi
[kha] Sylhet division: Brahman Bazar enclave south of Sylhet town, Jaintiapur north border enclave; Barlekha area southwest to Kamalpur. Users: Very few speakers. Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Cossyah, Kahasi, Khasie, Khasiyas, Khassee, Khuchia, Kyi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khasian.
Koch
[kdq] Dhaka division: north Sherpur district. Users: 6,000 in Bangladesh (2006 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Koc, Kocch, Koce, Kochboli, Konch. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Boro-Garo, Koch.
Koda
[cdz] Rajshahi division: Puthia, Mohonpur and Mundumala districts. Users: 1,300 in Bangladesh (2005). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Mundari.
Kok Borok
[trp] Chittagong division: Chandpur and Comilla areas east of Ganges delta; Sylhet divsion: 2 border areas southeast of Habiganj. Users: 5,000 in Bangladesh. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Debbarma, Tipura, Tripura, Tripuri. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Boro-Garo, Dimasa-Kokborok, Kok Borok.
Kol
[ekl] Rajshahi district: Godagari subdistrict. Users: 1,660 (2012 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Hor. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Mundari.
Kurux
[kru] Rangpur division: Dinajpur, Panchagarn, Rangpur, Saidpur and Thakurgaon districts’ areas. Users: 50,000 in Bangladesh (2011), decreasing. Ethnic population: 50,000 (2011). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Kurukh, Oraoan, Uraon. Classification: Dravidian, Northern.
Lyngngam
[lyg] Dhaka division: Netrokona district. Users: 1,000 in Bangladesh. Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Megam. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khasian.
Mahali
[mjx] Rajshahi division: Abirpara, Matindor, and Mundumala-Pachondor villages; scattered. Users: 3,000 in Bangladesh (2010 SIL). Ethnic population: 3,000 (2004 SIL). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Mahle. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Santali.
Marma
[rmz] Chittagong division: Bandarban, Khagrachari, and Rangamati districts. Users: 150,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Total users in all countries: 186,700. Status: 3 (Wider communication). Largest and earliest language group to settle in the area. Used in Cox’s Bazar and Bandarban districts in religious ceremonies, market, stores, and churches. Alternate Names: Arkanese-Marma, Mraima, “Mogh” (pej.). Autonym: မရမာ (Mraima). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
Megam
[mef] Dhaka division: Netrokona district, Kalmakanda subdistrict. Users: 6,870 (2000). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Migam, Negam. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Boro-Garo.
Meitei
[mni] Sylhet division: Moulvi Bazar district, Kamalganj subdistrict; Sylhet city. Users: 15,000 in Bangladesh (2003). 300 monolinguals. Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Manipuri, Meetei, Meitei Manipuri, Meithei. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Kuki-Chin-Naga.
Mizo
[lus] Chittagong division: Rangamati, Sajek. Users: 250 in Bangladesh (2007 census). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Hualngo, Lei, Lusai, Lushai, Lushei, Sailau, Whelngo. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin, Central, Mizo.
Mru
[mro] Chittagong division: Bandarban district. Users: 30,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Total users in all countries: 50,200. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Maru, Mro, Mrung, Murung. Autonym: Mru. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Mru.
Mundari
[unr] Rajshahi division: Naogaon district; Rangpur division: Dinajpur district; Sylhet division: possibly some tea estates. Users: 2,500 in Bangladesh (2005 Caritas Bangladesh). Ethnic population: 5,000. Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Colh, Horo, Mandari, Mondari, Munari, Munda. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Mundari.
Odia
[ory] Users: 32,500 in Bangladesh (2000). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Oriya.
Pangkhua
[pkh] Chittagong division: Rangamati district. Users: 2,400 in Bangladesh (2015 Z. Akter). Ethnic population: 4,000 (2021 Joshua Project). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Pangkhu, Pankho, Pankhu, Panko. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Kuki-Chin, Central.
Pnar
[pbv] Sylhet division: Sylhet district, Jaflong area, Jaintiapur, north of Raipur, and Tamabil; Moulvi Bazar district, Alinagar, Barlekha, Fenchuganj area, Fultala, Goalbari, Islampur, Kamalganj, Khajori, Madhabkunda, Rashidpur, and Satgoan. Users: 4,000 in Bangladesh (2002). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khasian.
Punjabi, Eastern
[pan] Users: 23,700 in Bangladesh (2000). Status: Unestablished. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Intermediate Divisions, Western, Panjabi.
Rakhine
[rki] Barisal division: Patuakhali district; Chittagong division: Cox’s Bazar, Maheshkhali island and south. Users: 200,000 in Bangladesh (2011 SIL). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Rakhain, Rakkhaine, “Mogh” (pej.). Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Ngwi-Burmese, Burmish, Southern.
Rangpuri
[rkt] Rajshahi division: Joypurhat area; Rangpur division: Dinajpur, Gaibanda, Lalmonihat, Nilphamari, Panchagar, Rangpur, and Thakurgaon districts. Users: 10,325,000 in Bangladesh, all users. L1 users: 10,000,000 in Bangladesh (2007 SIL). L2 users: 325,000 (2015 SIL). Total users in all countries: 10,801,000 (as L1: 10,476,000; as L2: 325,000). Status: 5 (Developing). Used in the market and for commerce, media, and travel by nearly all minority language speakers in the greater Rangpur-Dinajpur area. Rangpuri has reportedly been spoken in the area for centuries. Alternate Names: Anchalit Bangla, Bahe, Bahe Bangla, Deshi Bhasa, Dhekia, Dhekri, Polia. Autonym: রংপুরী (Rangpuri). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
Riang
[ria] Chittagong division: Rangamati district. Users: 500 in Bangladesh (2007). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Kau Bru, Reang. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Boro-Garo, Dimasa-Kokborok, Kok Borok.
Rohingya
[rhg] Chittagong division: Cox’s Bazaar district. Users: 947,000 in Bangladesh (2017 The Arakan Project). Status: 6b* (Threatened). Alternate Names: Rohinga, Ruwainggya. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
Sadri, Oraon
[sdr] Khulna division: Jhenaidah, Kushtia, and Magura districts; Rajshahi division: widespread; Rangpur division: Hilli area; Sylhet division: possibly Habiganj and Moulvibazar districts. Users: 166,000 (2000). Status: 6b (Threatened). Alternate Names: Pahan. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bihari.
Santhali
[sat] Rajshahi and Rangpur divisions: widespread. Users: 225,000 in Bangladesh (2011). Status: 5 (Dispersed). Alternate Names: Har, Har Rar, Hor, Sandal, Sangtal, Santal, Santali, Satar, Sonthal. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Munda, North Munda, Kherwari, Santali.
Sauria Paharia
[mjt] Rajshahi division: northwest of city, also near Singra; Rangpur division: south of Rangpur city. Users: 7,000 in Bangladesh (2007). Status: 7 (Shifting). Alternate Names: Malto, Paharia. Classification: Dravidian, Northern.
Sylheti
[syl] Sylhet division: Habiganj, Moulvibazar, Sunamganj, and Sylhet districts. Users: 8,020,000 in Bangladesh, all users. L1 users: 6,520,000 in Bangladesh (2017). L2 users: 1,500,000. Total users in all countries: 11,520,000 (as L1: 10,020,000; as L2: 1,500,000). Status: 3 (Wider communication). Alternate Names: Siloti, Srihattia, Sylhetti, Sylhetti Bangla, Syloti, Syloty. Autonym: Sileti, ছিলটী (Silôṭi). Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
Tangchangya
[tnv] Chittagong hills. Users: 21,600 (1991 census). Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: Tanchangya. Classification: Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Outer Languages, Eastern, Bengali-Assamese.
Tippera
[tpe] Chittagong division: Chittagong district, Fatikchari subdistrict; Khagrachari district. Users: 85,000. Status: 4 (Educational). Alternate Names: Kok Borok, Tipperah, Tippurah, Tipra, Tipura, Triperah, Tripura. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Boro-Garo.
Usoi
[usi] Chittagong division: Bandarban district. Users: 22,400. Status: 5 (Developing). Alternate Names: Kau Brung, Unshoi, Unsuiy, Ushoi, Usui. Autonym: Kaobrung. Classification: Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Sal, Boro-Garo, Dimasa-Kokborok, Kok Borok.
War-Jaintia
[aml] Sylhet division: Moulvi Bazar district, Alinagar, Barlekha, Fenchuganj area, Fultala, Goalbari, Islampur, Kamalganj, Khajori, Madhabkunda, Rashidpur, and Satgoan; Sylhet district, Jaflong area, Jaintiapur, north of Raipur, and Tamabil. Users: 16,000 in Bangladesh (2003 SIL). 4,000 monolinguals. Total users in all countries: 67,600. Status: 6a (Vigorous). Alternate Names: War-Khasi. Classification: Austro-Asiatic, Mon-Khmer, Northern Mon-Khmer, Khasian.