PM Hasina: ‘Joy Bangla’ is for all, proving no sacrifice goes in vain

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said “Joy Bangla” has got recognition of the national slogan proving that no sacrifice goes in vain.

“Today the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan is for all, the people of this country, the victorious nation and the Bengali nation. It has proved that no sacrifice goes in vain,” she said while addressing a programme titled “Joy Bangla” at a city hotel, virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.

Bangladesh Association of Banks arranged the programme to mark the announcement of “Joy Bangla” as the national slogan.

Hasina said Bangabandhu concluded his historic March 7 speech by chanting the “Joy Bangla” slogan that means he had been quite sure that Bengalis would gain victory.

“This ‘Joy Bangla’ was once banned in the country, which is very unfortunate,” she said.

But the people who belong to Awami League or followers of the ideology of Bangabandhu, freedom fighters and believers in the spirit of the Liberation War upheld the slogan, she said.

“Obstacles came, we had to hear many insulting words and face various criticisms. Since we have been able to keep up this true (words) even after these, it has been recognised as the national slogan today,” said the PM.

She said this slogan had helped achieve the victory by inspiring the people of the country to sacrifice their lives. “Inspired by this slogan, the people had written with blood that they wanted to achieve victory,” she said.

The prime minister formally inaugurated the “Joy Bangla” festival arranged on this occasion.

She also unveiled the cover of a book titled “Muktidata Sheikh Mujib” and launched an album of seven patriotic songs at the function.

PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman also spoke at the function presided over by BAB Chairman Md Nazrul Islam Mazumder.

The Cabinet Division on March 2 last issued a notification declaring “Joy Bangla” the main inspiring slogan in the freedom struggle and the war of liberation, as the national slogan following the cabinet’s decision taken on February 20 last.

According to the notification, officials of all government offices should chant the slogan “Joy Bangla” at the end of all national day celebrations and other functions of the state and the government.

Besides, teachers and students should say the slogan “Joy Bangla” at the end of daily gatherings and for concluding speeches at the meetings and seminars in all educational institutions.

Earlier, the High Court asked the government to take steps for ensuring the use of “Joy Bangla” as the national slogan.

“Joy Bangla'' was also the main slogan during the 1971 Liberation War. Freedom fighters made the supreme sacrifice shouting “Joy Bangla” slogan in the war.