Md. Shawkat Alam Faisal

Recently, ideas over modifying Bangladesh's national anthem, "Amar Sonar Bangla," sparked heated debate on social media and in political circles. The dispute erupted after remarks made by Abdullahil Aman Azmi, son of the late Jamaat-e-Islami chairman Ghulam Azam, at a news conference on September 3, 2024. According to Azmi, the current anthem, written by Nobel winner Rabindranath Tagore, is "contrary to the existence of independence" for Bangladesh.

"Amar Sonar Bangla," written in 1905, was intended to oppose the British partition of Bengal. Azmi claims that the anthem represents a time when the concept of a united Bengal, rather than a distinct and autonomous Bangladesh, was popular. He doubts if the hymn, which depicts a Bengal that encompasses sections of what is now India, accurately represents Bangladesh's national identity and independence. Azmi's call for a new anthem has elicited a varied response.

Proponents of modifying Bangladesh's national anthem provide a number of justifications in support of the change. One of the key reasons is the anthem's historical significance with separation of Bengal by the British. They feel that a new anthem should more accurately symbolize the country's sovereignty, battle for independence, and sacrifices made during the 1971 Liberation War. Another argument for revising the song is that it does not adequately represent the objectives of the modern Bangladeshi state. Supporters of reform argue that the anthem's poetic and idyllic imagery, while beautiful, may not resonate as strongly with the realities of modern Bangladesh, which has changed dramatically since independence. They argue for an anthem that is more directly related to the country's history, values, and future vision, promoting a greater sense of national pride and unity among its citizens.

Proponents of modifying the national anthem claim that it should not be viewed as an unchanging symbol, as religious books such as the Quran, Bible, or Vedas are sacred and eternal to their respective faiths. They argue that, while the national anthem is deeply cherished, it is a man-made composition intended to reflect a country's beliefs, identity, and history. As such, it is subject to revision or change, particularly if it no longer connects with the current generation or adequately reflects the country's evolving identity. They underline that, just as countries change their laws, regulations, and symbols to reflect changing times and people's ambitions, the national anthem can be altered to better correspond with the country's current ideals and vision for the future. This position promotes a flexible and pragmatic approach, acknowledging that, while national symbols are significant, they should not be considered as sacred or unchanging.

Another topic of contention about Bangladesh's national anthem is its musical roots and lyrics. The anthem's tune was influenced by the song "Ami Kothay Pabo Tare," composed by Gagan Harkara, a lesser-known Bengali folk artist. Rabindranath Tagore reworked this music for "Amar Sonar Bangla," adding lyrics that capture the beauty and spirit of Bengal. However, this has sparked discussion about whether the song should be regarded as fully original to Tagore or as a collaborative work founded in Bengali traditional traditions.

In addition, Tagore's involvement in writing national anthems for other countries has been discussed. He penned India's national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," and helped create Sri Lanka's anthem, "Sri Lanka Matha." Both of these anthems include the names of their respective countries: "Bharat" for India and "Sri Lanka" for Sri Lanka. In contrast, the word "Bangladesh" does not appear in Bangladesh's anthem. It refers to "Bangla," a term that historically referred to the whole Bengal area, including modern-day Bangladesh and parts of India. Critics believe that this reflects the historical setting in which the anthem was composed, when the concept of a unique, independent Bangladesh had not yet completely evolved, and that a more explicit reference to Bangladesh would better represent the country now.

Opponents of changing Bangladesh's national anthem give various convincing reasons for keeping the current anthem. The anthem's significant historical relevance and emotional resonance with the nation's struggle for freedom are among its most notable features. Written by Rabindranath Tagore, a figure venerated throughout the subcontinent, the song is regarded as a testament to the Bengali people's tenacity and resilience in the face of colonial persecution. During the 1971 Liberation War, the song became a rallying cry for independence fighters, representing their vision of a free and sovereign Bangladesh. Many people believe that changing the song would disrespect the legacy of those who fought and died for the country's independence.

Furthermore, the anthem's poetic words and visuals are regarded as perfectly encapsulating the soul of the land and its cultural history. For many people, the national anthem is more than just a song; it is a symbol of Bangladesh's unity, culture, and history. They say that changing this emblem risks undermining the continuity of national identity and the collective memory that links people together. Furthermore, there is concern that modifying the anthem could pave the way for further alterations of other national symbols and customs, resulting in a loss of cultural cohesion. Opponents of change argue that once created, national symbols should remain constant in order to promote a sense of continuity and stability within the country.

Some opponents of replacing the national song believe that the desire for a new anthem stems from the fact that "Amar Sonar Bangla" was composed by Rabindranath Tagore, a Hindu writer, in a Muslim-majority country. They argue that religious differences are an underlying component in calls for reform, with some seeing it as a veiled attempt to align national symbols more closely with the religious majority. Those who support changing the anthem, however, deny this accusation, claiming that their desire for a new anthem is motivated not by religious bias, but by a desire for a symbol that more authentically depicts Bangladesh's independence and identity. To highlight this point, they say they would wholeheartedly endorse the choice of "Dhono Dhanye Pushpe Bhora" as the national anthem, which was also written by a Hindu writer, D.L. Roy. This, they believe, proves that their preference for a new anthem is motivated by nationalistic and historical concerns rather than religious ones.

When considering modifying Bangladesh's national anthem, it's helpful to look at precedents from other countries that have gone through comparable changes. Many countries have altered or totally replaced their national anthems to better represent their changing identities or political realities. For example, in 1997, South Africa replaced their national song, mixing sections of the old apartheid-era anthem with "Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika," a hymn linked with the anti-apartheid fight.

This new hymn represented the country's transformation to a democratic society and its dedication to unification. Similarly, in 2004, Afghanistan approved a new national anthem that reflected the country's ethnic diversity by featuring lyrics in numerous languages spoken throughout the country. Iraq likewise changed their anthem in 2003, following the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's rule, replacing the old one with "Mawtini," a song with broader cultural resonance and widespread recognition in the Arab world. Another example is Russia, which revived the Soviet anthem's melody in 2000, but with new, more appropriate lyrics for the post-Soviet age. Myanmar (formerly Burma) also adopted a new song in 1947 to commemorate its independence from British colonial authority, representing the country's newly acquired sovereignty.

The argument over replacing Bangladesh's national song is increasingly seen as part of a healthy, democratic discourse, rather than being ignored outright. Advocates of this viewpoint say that debates over national symbols such as the anthem are natural in a vibrant, changing community. People's ideas and aspirations vary over time, and it is only fair to give these voices a chance to be heard. Constructive discussion regarding the anthem, whether in support of or against change, promotes a better understanding of national identity and increased citizen engagement. The goal is to avoid making decisions based on passing trends or demands, but to guarantee that all viewpoints are weighed thoughtfully and respectfully. Such talks should not be viewed as a danger to tradition, but rather as an opportunity to reflect on the values and concepts that bring the country together.

The writer is an Apprentice Lawyer at the Bangladesh Bar Council.