Sylheti (Syloti - ꠍꠤꠟꠐꠤ) is one of the oldest, richest, and most widely spoken regional languages in Bangladesh and among diaspora communities worldwide. Spoken by millions of people, especially in Sylhet and surrounding regions, Sylheti has a distinct linguistic identity, a deep cultural heritage, and its own historic writing system - Sylheti Nagri.

Sylheti is not merely a dialect.
It is a fully developed language with its own grammar, literature, history, and script. Yet for decades, it has been marginalized and excluded from education systems, media, government platforms, and mainstream digital technology.

This lack of formal recognition threatens the future of Sylheti, placing it at risk of gradual linguistic erosion and cultural loss across generations.

Language is more than communication -
It is identity, dignity, history, and cultural pride.

Recognizing Sylheti as an official or regional language will:

Preserve a vital part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage
Support education in mother tongues
Promote academic research and Sylheti literature
Expand media, software, and technology in Sylheti
Empower millions of Sylheti speakers worldwide
 
Digital & Global Recognition Milestones
The first-ever Sylheti Nagri Keyboard for Android was developed in 2017 by Sabbir Ahmed Shawon and Md. Nurul Islam, marking the first major breakthrough in bringing Sylheti into the digital world.

Later milestones include:

Google Gboard adding Sylheti letters to its keyboard system
In 2025, Ridmik Keyboard introducing Sylheti script support
In 2026, Facebook officially recognized Sylheti as a language, adding it to its Language Settings and Platform Language Section, marking a major step toward global digital recognition
Despite later integrations, the Syloti Keyboard developed by Sabbir Ahmed Shawon and Md. Nurul Islam remains the first and pioneering Sylheti Nagri keyboard, laying the foundation for Sylheti’s technological and global presence.

 
Syloti Digital Platform
The official Syloti App and Language Platform was launched in 2024, dedicated to Sylheti language preservation, keyboard development, education, and digital empowerment.

Website:
https://syloti.bd

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/sylotiapp

LinkedIn:
https://linkedin.com/company/sylotikeyboard

 
Our Call to Action
We urge the Government of Bangladesh, educational institutions, cultural organizations, and international language authorities to:

Officially recognize Sylheti as a distinct language
Introduce Sylheti in schools, universities, and academic research
Promote and preserve Sylheti Nagri script and literature
Support media, software, AI tools, and digital platforms in Sylheti
Protect Sylheti as a living cultural and linguistic heritage
 
Closing Statement 
Sylheti deserves global recognition, institutional respect, and a secure future.
By signing this petition, you stand for linguistic justice, cultural preservation, digital inclusion, and the rights of millions of Sylheti speakers worldwide.

Let us ensure Sylheti survives, thrives, and takes its rightful place on the world stage.

Sign. Share. Support. Make History.
Protect Sylheti. Empower Millions.