The debate increased due to the steps of the new government

Big changes are being seen in Bangladesh regarding the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Recently the slogan ‘Jai Bangla’ has been removed from the status of national slogan. Earlier, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s photographs were removed from bank notes. These steps have been taken at a time when the country’s new interim government has taken power. These decisions have given rise to a new debate in the politics and society of Bangladesh.

‘Jai Bangla’: Symbol of freedom struggle

The slogan ‘Jai Bangla’ is a symbol of Bangladesh’s 1971 independence struggle. This slogan was popularized by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was the first Prime Minister of Bangladesh. This slogan was used by millions of people during the freedom movement and became an emotional symbol of patriotism and independence.

High Court decision of 2020

In 2020, during Sheikh Hasina’s government, the High Court of Bangladesh declared ‘Jai Bangla’ as the national slogan. The court had said that its use should be mandatory in government programs, national days and educational institutions.

Supreme Court put a stay on the High Court’s decision

Recently, the Supreme Court of Bangladesh stayed the High Court’s decision. The judgment was delivered by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Syed Rifat Ahmed.

• Additional Attorney General Anik R Haq announced that ‘Jai Bangla’ would no longer be recognized as a national slogan.
• After this decision, the process of removing symbols associated with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has intensified.

Questions on Sheikh Mujib’s legacy

The past few months have seen major changes in political and cultural symbols in Bangladesh:

1. Sheikh Mujib’s picture was removed from bank notes.
2. The status of ‘Jai Bangla’ slogan as a national slogan was abolished.

After these changes, the question is being raised whether the new interim government of Bangladesh is trying to weaken the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?

Changing situation after Sheikh Hasina’s departure

After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on 5 August 2024, the political landscape in Bangladesh is changing rapidly. Removing the ‘Jai Bangla’ slogan is being considered an important link in this change.

political and emotional significance

• ‘Jai Bangla’ was not just a political slogan, but it was a symbol of the freedom struggle and national identity of the people of Bangladesh.
• There is deep dissatisfaction among Mujib supporters with the decision to remove this slogan.

Judicial process or political conspiracy?

The new government of Bangladesh is calling this decision a part of the ‘judicial process’. On the other hand, Sheikh Mujib’s supporters consider it a conspiracy against his legacy and freedom fight.

leading questions

1. Is this step a deliberate strategy to change history?
2. Is the new government in Bangladesh trying to erase Mujib’s legacy?

These questions are very important for the political future of Bangladesh.