Bangladesh

Languages

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: 272,677,150 (as L1: 233,674,270; 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 a trade language under the Portuguese colonial administration in 1528. Widespread during the British period (1700–1947) with other speech communities migrating to Chittagong district and surrounding areas. Main domain is everyday communication. 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). Originating in Pegu of Burma (Myanmar), the Marma people migrated to Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh from the 14th–17th centuries. Marma became widespread during the European colonization (1757–1857). Used in ethno-medicinal practices, daily communication, trade, and religious ceremonies. 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). Became widespread in the 16th century alongside Standard Bengali [ben]. Used in literature, religious poetry, home life, and online written 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