Sayem Mahmud: Joy Bangla, a Bengali slogan inaugurated first in 1969, is a spirit of Bengali nationalism. In 1969 Sorbodolio chhatra songram Parishad (SCSP) staged a program to congratulate sheikh mujibur Rahman, the President of Bangladesh Awami League, on 23rd February at racecourse ground when he was named Bongobondhu. After the promulgation comes out of the mouth of Tofayel Ahmed, the Vice-President of Dhaka University Central Students unity( DUCSU) of the day, the crowded plebeian shouted with joy Bangla.

The term “joy Bangla” is a part derived from “Purno Abhinandan” by the Rebel poet Kazi Nazrul Islam offered nationality in 1976 the year of the poet’s demise. during the turmoil in 1969 to 1971, it was used as a catalyst to instigate the crowd struck in the same chord. use of the words in Bangabandhu’s mesmerizing speech delivered in 7th march 1971 added extra importance and urge to unite the people irrespective of cast and creed. Major general Zia ur Rahman, 27th march 1971, declared the independence of Bangladesh in favor of sheikh Mujibur Rahman mentioning joy Bangla at the end.

To pay homage to the historic slogan, the highest court of Bangladesh -high court- filed a writ asking why Joy Bangla would not be declared the national slogan on 4 December 2017. 2 years after the writ petition and hearing, the high court bench ascribed the government to take action making sure the use of valiant slogan everywhere. From today all the govt officials and educational institutions are bound to utter joy Bangla at the end of the speech as did Jai hind in India. The government is convicted to report the progress in the next 3 months.

Writer:

Ex Student, International Islamic University,  Chattagram