Bangladesh Court Stays ‘Joy Bangla’ Slogan Decision

The Supreme Court of Bangladesh has stayed a High Court verdict that declared ‘Joy Bangla’ as the country’s national slogan. The slogan, popularized by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during Bangladesh’s liberation movement, had been officially recognized as the national slogan under the previous government led by his daughter, Sheikh Hasina. The Supreme Court’s decision comes amidst political shifts and changes in government policy, highlighting the complexities surrounding national identity and governance in Bangladesh.

Key Developments

• High Court Verdict of 2020: On March 10, 2020, the High Court of Bangladesh declared ‘Joy Bangla’ as the national slogan, mandating its use at state functions and in educational institutions.
• Official Recognition Under Hasina’s Government: The decision was implemented by the Awami League-led government, which issued a gazette notification on March 2, 2022, affirming ‘Joy Bangla’ as the national slogan.
• Change of Government: Following student protests on August 5, 2024, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India, and an interim government led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus assumed power on August 8.
• Supreme Court Stay Order: On December 2, 2024, the state filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the High Court’s 2020 ruling. 
• A four-member bench headed by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed stayed the verdict, asserting that the decision on a national slogan is a matter of government policy, beyond judicial intervention.

Arguments Presented

Government’s Stance

• The national slogan is a policy decision, and judicial rulings on such matters infringe on executive authority.
• The change aligns with the interim government’s focus on redefining state symbols and priorities.

Supreme Court Ruling

• The Appellate Division stated that ‘Joy Bangla’ cannot be considered the national slogan under its stay order.

Opposition to the Decision

• Critics view the removal of ‘Joy Bangla’ and changes to other symbols as undermining the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely regarded as the “Father of the Nation.”

Contextual Changes

• Bangabandhu’s Image Removed: Bangladesh Bank has begun printing new currency notes featuring the student uprising of July 2024 but excluding Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image.
• August 15 Holiday Revoked: The interim government’s advisory council decided to remove August 15, the day of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s assassination, as a national holiday.
• Political Realignment: These moves signify a broader shift in national narratives under the new administration.
• Additional Ruling on Mourning Day: On December 1, 2024, the apex court also stayed a separate High Court decision designating August 15 as a national mourning day and public holiday.