The government has selected three eminent personalities and an organisation for the maiden International Mother Language Award for their contributions to preservation and promotion of mother tongues nationally and internationally.

National Professor Mohammad Rafiqul Islam has chosen for the award for his contribution at the national level, International Mother Language Institute said in press release on Thursday.

Mathura Bikash Tripura, executive director of Jabrang Welfare Association in Khagrachhari, will get the award for his work to protect the mother tongues of the ethnic minority groups.

At the international level, the government picked Islaimov Gulom Mirzaevich, an Uzbekistan researcher, and The Activismo Lenguan or Language Activism of Bolivia for the award.

Md Safiul Muz Nabeen, a director of the International Mother Language Institute, said the biennial award has been launched this year, with two at the international level and two at the national level.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hand the awards by virtually joining the ceremony on February 21.