Bangladesh's interim government allayed fears that there are no intentions to change the national anthem, " Amar Sonar Bangla ." This statement follows claims made by a former military officer, who suggested that India imposed the anthem, written by Rabindranath Tagore , during the country's 1971 independence.
Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain assured the public that the Muhammad Yunus-led government would avoid actions that could spark unnecessary "controversy."
On Friday, in a display of unity, the cultural organization Udichi Shilpigosthi organized a nationwide event where citizens collectively sang the national anthem. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the national flag was raised, and patriotic songs were performed to promote national pride amidst the growing discourse surrounding the anthem.
During a press conference on Tuesday, September 3, former military officer Abdullahil Amaan Azmi argued that "Amar Sonar Bangla" is outdated and no longer represents the identity of an independent Bangladesh.
Azmi, the son of former Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ghulam Azam, claimed that the anthem, written by Tagore and linked to the Bengal partition, does not align with the spirit of a liberated Bangladesh. "It reflects the time of the Bengal partition and the merging of the two Bengals," he said.
He alleged: “How can an anthem created to unite the two Bengals become the national anthem of an independent Bangladesh. This anthem was imposed on us by India in 1971.”
He added: "There are many songs that could serve as a national anthem. The government should form a new commission to select a new national anthem.”
Azmi, who had previously been forcibly disappeared and later freed following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also called for constitutional reforms to bring national laws more in line with Islamic principles. His views have gained momentum on social media, with some users supporting the call for a new anthem and proposing alternatives.
The debate over the anthem arises amid political turmoil and increasing communal tensions in Bangladesh. The removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, following intense anti-government protests, has resulted in violent outbreaks, particularly targeting the Hindu minority. Hindu-owned businesses and temples were vandalized during student-led demonstrations, raising concern both domestically and internationally.
Earlier, Yunus dismissed the claims of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, suggesting that India's concerns were overstated and used as a pretext. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, expressed optimism that the situation in Bangladesh would soon stabilize, highlighting the concern of 1.4 billion Indians for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country. On August 5, Bangladesh faced a political crisis when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following weeks of protests that escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of at least 300 people.
With inuputs from agencies
Religious Affairs Adviser AFM Khalid Hossain assured the public that the Muhammad Yunus-led government would avoid actions that could spark unnecessary "controversy."
On Friday, in a display of unity, the cultural organization Udichi Shilpigosthi organized a nationwide event where citizens collectively sang the national anthem. According to the Dhaka Tribune, the national flag was raised, and patriotic songs were performed to promote national pride amidst the growing discourse surrounding the anthem.
During a press conference on Tuesday, September 3, former military officer Abdullahil Amaan Azmi argued that "Amar Sonar Bangla" is outdated and no longer represents the identity of an independent Bangladesh.
Azmi, the son of former Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ghulam Azam, claimed that the anthem, written by Tagore and linked to the Bengal partition, does not align with the spirit of a liberated Bangladesh. "It reflects the time of the Bengal partition and the merging of the two Bengals," he said.
He alleged: “How can an anthem created to unite the two Bengals become the national anthem of an independent Bangladesh. This anthem was imposed on us by India in 1971.”
He added: "There are many songs that could serve as a national anthem. The government should form a new commission to select a new national anthem.”
Azmi, who had previously been forcibly disappeared and later freed following the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also called for constitutional reforms to bring national laws more in line with Islamic principles. His views have gained momentum on social media, with some users supporting the call for a new anthem and proposing alternatives.
The debate over the anthem arises amid political turmoil and increasing communal tensions in Bangladesh. The removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, following intense anti-government protests, has resulted in violent outbreaks, particularly targeting the Hindu minority. Hindu-owned businesses and temples were vandalized during student-led demonstrations, raising concern both domestically and internationally.
Earlier, Yunus dismissed the claims of violence against minorities in Bangladesh, suggesting that India's concerns were overstated and used as a pretext. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day speech, expressed optimism that the situation in Bangladesh would soon stabilize, highlighting the concern of 1.4 billion Indians for the safety of Hindus and other minorities in the neighbouring country. On August 5, Bangladesh faced a political crisis when Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India following weeks of protests that escalated into violence, resulting in the deaths of at least 300 people.
With inuputs from agencies
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