A Brief Colonial History Of Ceylon(SriLanka)
Sri Lanka: One Island Two Nations
A Brief Colonial History Of Ceylon(SriLanka)
Sri Lanka: One Island Two Nations
(Full Story)
Search This Blog
Back to 500BC.
==========================
Thiranjala Weerasinghe sj.- One Island Two Nations
?????????????????????????????????????????????????Monday, August 14, 2017
Bangladesh: The immortal slogan of “Joy Bangla”
The imprecise nature of political slogans is a virtue. Actual political programmes do not derive from words alone but from the balance of class forces that exist at a particular point in time.
( August 13, 2017, Dhaka, Sri Lanka Guardian) Remarkable
political movements always employ slogans that encapsulate in a few
powerful words the aspirations of those fighting for a new world. French
revolutionaries fought under the banner, “Liberty, Equality,
Fraternity,” words that still resonate with radicals. The first words of
the U.S. Constitution—“We the People”—have quickened the hearts of
generations of populist activists. Emiliano Zapata’s soldiers longed for
“Tierray Libertad,” and the peasant armies of Mao Tse Tung went to war
for “Land to the Tiller.” “Joy Bangla” is such a slogan having great
power, force, potency or effect and also most patriotic slogan for the
people of Bangladesh. Every slogan has a context, circumstances that
give rise to the words and make them effective. For example, when the
Chinese communists were waging their long struggle against the army of
Chiang Kai-shek, they relied upon mass support from peasants, who formed
the base of the Red Army. By pronouncing the slogan of “Joy Bangla”,
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman echoed and reverberated millions of
voices at the speed of light from one end of the country to another to
liberate Bangladesh from the brutal hands of Pakistan military junta and
its local hellish accomplices.
The
imprecise nature of political slogans is a virtue. Actual political
programmes do not derive from words alone but from the balance of class
forces that exist at a particular point in time. What slogans do is
clarify the most basic political cleavages; and they help people develop
the mindset most suited to active participation in whatever struggles
are at hand. “Joy Bangla” slogan has its glorified context. Bangladesh’s
War of Independence in 1971 was valiantly fought against the blood
thirsty Pakistan’s Army and their mango-twigs in the name of Bangabandhu
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and enunciating “Joy Bangla” slogan. Words change
meanings. In our daily life, we listen and say many things to justify
our conversation – some words stay out in our mind, many go away with
time. With human psychology, nobody can remember everything but when we
say “Joy Bangla” our mind may immediately pick up that we are talking
about Bangladesh. Although slogans work slowly, but this slogan is
electrifying and its mighty power is ever lasting.
The political slogan gives a good feeling to the people. Creating a
prominent identity is what every political party desires and so getting
an extra identity is surely a bonus. Slogan is sewed with our political
name and is used everywhere along with it … so it technically works as a
shadow for a political party’s name. “Joy Bangla” slogan, undoubtedly
is the most powerful slogan which united the whole nation of Bangladesh
into a solitary political platform to fight and achieve our own country,
Bangladesh. A political party name cannot stand alone as compressed
communication to speak for its people. Thus political slogans have a key
role in communicating the essence of a political party. Slogan is
appealing as well as elaborate as compared to the one word noun. A
phrase with a meaning is apparently easier for people to relate to and
remember; thus the impact of this noun is accentuated with its shadow
i.e. slogan. And “Joy Bangla” slogan is standing on this glorious
spirit.
A slogan actually works as a DNA for any political party. A truly successful slogan, if it is to continue to stay successful, is not just a benefit but a commitment – it is what the political party stands for! This DNA for the political party does not only attract the people but also helps in garnering the necessary support from the people. “Joy Bangla” slogan is much more than that. Many times a slogan is actually a précis of a political organisation and is designed to mirror the commitment and loyalty of its people. Moreover, slogans can also work as bridge between the political party and the people to build and strengthen the relationship. Since it gives meaning to the name, it can create feelings and attract people towards it. Thus, a person can relate and eventually be inclined towards the slogan resulting in increase of supporters. “Joy Bangla” slogan’s support base was huge and it will remain huge in future.
A slogan actually works as a DNA for any political party. A truly successful slogan, if it is to continue to stay successful, is not just a benefit but a commitment – it is what the political party stands for! This DNA for the political party does not only attract the people but also helps in garnering the necessary support from the people. “Joy Bangla” slogan is much more than that. Many times a slogan is actually a précis of a political organisation and is designed to mirror the commitment and loyalty of its people. Moreover, slogans can also work as bridge between the political party and the people to build and strengthen the relationship. Since it gives meaning to the name, it can create feelings and attract people towards it. Thus, a person can relate and eventually be inclined towards the slogan resulting in increase of supporters. “Joy Bangla” slogan’s support base was huge and it will remain huge in future.
Slogans are usually based on a short sentence easy to remember words,
long lines are hard to memorise so the shorter the better! The message
they leave and what picture they sketch in our minds when someone reads,
hears or simply sees a slogan is crucial. Since the political name
cannot specify the essence of its goal, it has to make something
memorable that represents the party and the country itself. We should
keep an eye on the sound it produces and the nerves it touches when it
strikes the people’s mind. “Joy Bangla” slogan truly touches our nerves
to fight the evil forces. Slogan also works best to display the real
perspective for any political party, this way it can attract the larger
audience easily and can also connect with them emotionally. For more
than 100 years, political parties have used slogans in their political
movements. All political parties have used catchy phrases to tell their
people what makes their political philosophy or service special or
different. When done well, a slogan can become the centre-piece of a
political party’s identity. “Joy Bangla” slogan is not only the
centerpiece of Bangladesh Awami League but also the centerpiece of the
country, Bangladesh.
Political parties use slogans because it is an easy and quick way to
grab the attention of the public by using simple and catchy phrases and
“Joy Bangla” slogan is such a simple and catchy phrase but its power is
strong-boned and strong-willed for emancipation of the people of
Bangladesh. A very productive route for a political party to go down is a
reliable slogan and “Joy Bangla” is such a reliable political slogan.
The very slogan is believed to have that a phrase with meaning strikes
more of a chord with the people and the country than just the political
party name alone because the slogan is a deserving of esteem and
respect; not only it gives the people a commitment but tells them what
the party stands for deserving of esteem and respect of the same breath.
“Joy Bangla” slogan has been exerting great power over the people of
Bangladesh since long because it can give meaning to the name so it
needs to apply to their everyday lives and should connect emotionally
with them. The Sheikh’s electrifying voice on Mar 7, 1971 will remain
alive all the time in our life, When he roared: “My brothers, today I
appear before you with a heavy heart…The audience at the-then Race
Course Ground (now Suhrawardy Uddan) hung on to every word of his
19-minute-long speech amid pin-drop silence 46 years ago. The crowd
repeated after him when he was seen saying: “He didn’t agree with me,
rather he (President Yahya Khan) yielded to Mr. Bhutto’s demand.” And
people assembled there erupted in an echo when he was heard uttering
those immortal lines: “…The struggle this time is our struggle for
emancipation, the struggle this time is the struggle for our
independence.” The crowd endorsed in unison as the deep resolute voice
of Bangabandhu was heard saying : “You can’t keep seven crore Bengalis
subjugated. Now that we have learnt to court death, no one can dominate
us.” People there present resonated with the cry of “Joy Bangla” as the
speech concluded with that immortal slogan.
According to Valerie Ann Taylor: “Joy Bangla’ slogan worked miracle” Joy
Bangla” is not only the slogan of the Awami League, it is the slogan of
our Liberation War, it is the slogan of Bangladesh. A slogan is a
tag-line or phrase that creates to visually express the importance and
benefits of a great speech. By and large, it’s a theme to a struggle
that usually have a genuine role in people’s lives. It has the ability
to loan people’s time and attention by putting people at the heart of
the solution. Fact is, it is so crucial for a great armed uprising to
fight and defeat the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971 to establish
Bangladesh.
Every day we see millions of messages and catchphrase everywhere from
print media to online advertisements. True, there are some slogans that
we know by heart but a millions of them have come and gone that we
hardly ever noticed. What is it about a political slogan that catapults
it into fame? Here is a solitary one: “Joy Bangla”. It is simple,
catchy, short and easy to remember and it perfectly defines Bangladesh,
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his political party. It makes the
persons to feel the taste and remind them of the slogan, “Joy Bangla.”
It also highlights our pre-independence exploitation, oppression and
persecution by the Pakistani rulers and various facets of the Bengali
struggle.
Aside from having outstanding political recall, the slogan of Joy
Bangla, the “V” factor that makes us look twice, think thrice and
delight the imagination of success. According to Charles Whittier: “A
political slogan should be a statement of such merit about a political
service that is worthy of continuous repetitive pronouncement; it is
worthwhile for the general public to remember; and is phrased in such a
way that the general public is likely to remember it.” “Joy Bangla” is
an all time memorable political slogan. A goodeniaceae slogan must stay
consistent. Reveal the real purposes and benefits of the common
benefits. Using proven words and short keywords Bangabandhu pronounced:
“Joy Bangla” and the whole country became tumultuous. Bangabandhu also
received a tumultuous welcome from the people of all walks of life.
It is very indignant that after 1975 to till 1990, people, especially
the young, used to feel shy in voicing the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan because
they were taught that they shouldn’t utter it by the shenanigan
politicians like Gen. Zia, Gen Ershad and a voyeur politician like Begum
Zia. What is the meaning of the two words of that distinguished slogan?
…. The meaning is victory of the Bengladesh. Joy Bangla’— the slogan of
the 1971 liberation war— is raised by Awami League and its affiliate
organizations and all people of Bangladesh during our glorious
Liberation War in 1971. But the Joy Bangla slogan is not only the slogan
of Awami League…it is the slogan of our independence…it is the slogan
of Bangladesh…The future generation must utter the slogan louder
shedding the shame.
Because the most popular and memorable Bengali slogan is “Joy Bangla” or
“Hail Bangladesh.” Now the slogan is on everybody’s lips. Joy means
victory. So Joy Bangla means victory for Bangladesh. This was the war
cry used by the Freedom Fighters during our Liberation War in 1971. The
country is moving forward and the youth will make the country forward
further through their hard-work and merit. And this will be the future
Joy Bangla. We must work hard for full revival of the spirit of
Liberation War; and we all need to work together so that the future
generation chants the ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan in a louder voice. For, the
reasons that the underlying spirit of Bangabandhu’s unique political
activities were embodied in the slogan of Joy Bangla. The basic spirit
has not changed since the country’s founding and will never be changed.
The large crowd gathered to hear the historic speech of Bangabandhu was
at its enthusiastic best, shouting ‘Joy Bangla’ slogan and beating drums
by dozens. People there then were moved.
Since the advent of Joy Bangla Slogan, it fought the front-line battle
to penetrate our minds, and win our hearts. This Slogan-bite exercises a
profound influence on our language, people, and culture? In a word,
yes! Joy Bangla moves the country-Bangladesh and the world as well.
Correct politics is the life of a political party. It expresses itself
through political strategy and tactics. Strategy and tactics are raised
to people through slogans and on that basis; people are united and
directed to struggle. So, it is long-term. Bangabandhu’s politics was
correct and long-term fundament. First, by putting forward basic
political slogans that accord with the course of historic development
and by putting forward slogans of action for each stage of development
and each major turn of events in order to translate these political
slogans into reality. So, in order to lead the whole masses of
Bangladesh society, politics led by Bangabandhu had to make political
strategy and tactics corresponding to the historic development of
Bangladesh on the one hand, and strategic and tactical slogans as
reflection of respective strategy and tactics on the other.
This slogan is correct with Bangabandhu’s stance for creating
Bangladesh. Among the two aspect of people’s democratic revolution –
national revolution and democratic revolution – the principal aspect is
national one because Bangladesh was a Pakistan’s colony, the whole
nation was oppressed under colonial exploitation and rule and we want
its end under Bangabandhu’s great leadership. The solution of this
national revolution was to establish independent and sovereign
Bangladesh and this was possible through national liberation war in 1971
at the clarion call of Bangabandhu and his thunderous “Joy Bangla”
slogan. Bangabandhu’s strategy was to resolve national contradiction, to
establish independent and sovereign Bangladesh by overthrowing
Pakistan’s colonial ruling regime. While chanting this slogan, general
people of Bangladesh sought oppressed and suppressed people’s victory
over exploiters and dream of freedom and democracy in 1971.
So, raising the slogan “Joy Bangla” is truly patriotic; it means
Bangladesh. This matches with the social development of Bangladesh.
Clearly it expresses Bangladesh people’s national spirit, patriotism and
victory. This is why this slogan ends any type of hesitation. This is
the solution of the question of national liberation of Bangladesh and
solution of any national contradiction. It matches with our politics.
So, this is correct. It is definitely Sheikh Mujib, the most prominent
figure in Bangladesh’s history, if you talk about Bangladesh and the
“Joy Bangla” slogan. “This slogan epitomises the aspirations of Bengali
people over many years. Right after Bangabandhu’s six point demand,
another slogan became popular: “Tomar amar thikana, Padma, Meghna,
Jamuna.” (The land that is criss-crossed by these rivers is ours.) This
is also the reflection of the communal harmony that has always been the
cardinal principle of Bengali culture.” “For the first time in 1971, the
aspirations of people of all religions and social classes found a
common platform,” Shamsuzzaman Khan points out.
Two simple words can inspire a generation, unite a community, and change
a nation. Two simple words can conjure up images of a multitude of
movements. Two simple words can transcend cultural differences. These
two simple words provided inspiration for the Bangladesh liberation
movement, helped establish Bangladesh. These two simple words are: “JOY
BANGLA!” This great slogan was a creed written into the founding
documents that declared the destiny of a nation. Yes we could set up our
own country. This slogan resonates positively within our community. A
slogan is a memorable motto or phrase used in a political, commercial,
religious, and other context as a repetitive expression of an idea or
purpose. “Joy Bangla” is such a memorable and adorable political slogan.
A slogan can be used for a powerful cause where the impact of the
message is essential to the cause. The slogan can be used to raise
awareness about a current cause; one way is to do so is by showing the
truth that the cause is supporting. A slogan should be clear with a
supporting message. Slogans, when combined with action, can provide an
influential foundation for a cause to be seen by its intended audience.
Slogans, whether used for advertising purpose or social causes, deliver a
message to the public that shapes the audiences’ opinion towards the
subject of the slogan. The most memorable slogans are concise and to the
point. Impossible is Nothing. Possible is Success. William Safire once
wrote, “Good slogans have rhyme, rhythm or alliteration to make them
memorable.” This gold standard of slogan has all four.
It was a quick and monumental about-face. The Sheikh’s slogan emphasised
his reasoned demeanor and deliberate decision-making process. There are
three simple communications devices that every campaign needs: a
message, issues that support the message, and an effective political
campaign slogan. Memorable slogans often use short “phrase bursts,” a
staccato style that breaks up a longer sentence into easily-recalled
phrases. “Joy Bangla” sounds with resonance of the same category.
Our tactical line should be to destroy the anti-national, anti-
independence and anti-liberation forces from this sacred soil of
Bangladesh as the end result. Long Live Joy Bangla. A diamond is
forever. The power of dreams is for a limitless time. The taste of a new
generation will grow up for “Joy Bangla” slogan. His master’s voice
will remain eternal. We repeat to rebel is justified. Smash the
obnoxious nexus of anti-liberation forces from this country once and for
all crying out in a very louder tone “Joy Bangla.” Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman and the “Joy Bangla” slogan are synonymous. In point of
fact, the spirit of “Joy Bangla” slogan will remain immortal in the
history of Bangladesh.
-The End-