The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has stayed the High Court’s decision which declared “Joy Bangla” as the national slogan of the country. This phrase, popularized by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been an important part of Bangladesh’s history and identity.
“Joy Bangla” or “Victory to Bangla” was a symbol of patriotism and unity especially during the birth of Bangladesh. “Joy Bangla” was more than a political slogan – it was a war cry.
On 2 March 2022, it was made the national slogan by the Awami League government and it became mandatory to chant the two words during national celebrations in all government offices.
The latest developments come after the ouster of Rahman’s daughter and former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from power on August 5. Since then, the new government has taken steps to remove symbols associated with Hasina and her father, including removing Rehman’s image. Currency note.
Following the change of government, the state moved the High Court to stay the judgment and filed a leave to appeal petition in the Supreme Court on December 2, seeking a stay on the High Court judgment of March 10, 2020.
The Supreme Court’s decision was taken on the basis that the national slogan is a matter of government policy, and the judiciary should not interfere in it.
Additional Attorney General Aneek R Haq said that “‘Joy Bangla’ will not be considered a national slogan following the order of the Appellate Division.”
The move is part of a broader effort by the new government to distance itself from the previous administration. Despite the High Court upholding the decision, the government has also decided not to observe August 15 as a national mourning day and public holiday.
Earlier this year, on August 13, the Advisory Council of the Interim Government had decided not to keep August 15 as a national holiday.
Bangladesh Bank is also printing new currency notes depicting the July uprising, referring to the student-led protests that forced Hasina to flee to India. It is noteworthy that these new notes will not include the picture of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
