A slogan is a short form of a memorable motto or phrase, which is used repeatedly to immediately express a certain reform, goal, or brand (identity).It can be used in a political, religious, social, or commercial context and it helps to unite people, inspire, awaken, or draw attention to a particular symbol.Slogans are used a lot during this time.A slogan is easy to remember, which helps a person, organization, or brand to remain in the minds of people for a long time.It is also used as a symbol of a nation's history, tradition, or patriotism, such as the slogan reflecting the Bengali liberation struggle and national unity.
It is not possible to say exactly how many slogans exist in the world, because slogans are created and transformed in context, and their number is increasing gradually.Some of the popular slogans used in Bangladesh and the Indian subcontinent are briefly explained below:
Inquilab Zindabad - The meaning of the slogan Inquilab is 'revolution'. Inquilab Zindabad is a widely used Hindustani (Hindi-Urdu) phrase, which translates to "Long live the revolution".It was first used in literature by Muhammad Iqbal, known as the national poet of Pakistan.Although the slogan was initially used by left-wing communists during the British Raj, today it is used by civil society activists and various politicians during protests in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
The slogan is said to have been coined in 1921 by Maulana Hasrat Mohani, an Urdu poet, Indian freedom fighter, prominent leader of the Indian National Congress and one of the founders of the Communist Party of India.It was popularized by Bhagat Singh (1907-1931) through his speeches and writings in the late 1920s.
This slogan even became very popular in Bangladesh in 2024. The political party of Bangladesh, the National Citizens Party or NCP, uses Inquilab Zindabad as their party slogan.
Joy Bangla - Joy Bangla slogan, which is used in Bangladesh and the Indian states of West Bengal and Assam.It is also known about the origin of Joy Bangla that the leader of the anti-British movement was Purna Chandra Das, a school teacher from Madaripur. He was imprisoned, tortured and tortured for the anti-British movement.Impressed by his self-sacrifice and sense of nationality, poet Nazrul composed the poem 'Purna-Abhinandan' (1922) from the poetry collection Bhangar Gaan at the request of KalipadaRoychowdhury on the occasion of his release from prison.In this poem, KaziNazrul Islam first used the word 'Joy Bangla'.
One source says that it is believed that student leader Sirajul Alam Khan first uttered the slogan "Joy Bangla" in his speech at a public meeting in Paltan, Dhaka city on January 19, 1970. Bangabandhu Sheikh MujiburRahman himself first uttered the slogan "Joy Bangla" in his speech at a huge public meeting at the Race Course Ground in Dhaka on March 7, 1971.
Another piece of information about the origin of this slogan is that, in an article titled 'Bengali's Bangla' published in the 3rd Baishakh 1349 Bangabd (1942) issue of Naba Yug Patrika, edited by KaziNazrul Islam, he (KaziNazrul Islam) said: "Teach Bengalis and Bengali children from their childhood only this one mantra; This sacred Bangladesh is Bengalis's-ours. Bengali should be for Bengalis. May Bengalis win. May Bengalis win." -Bengali's Bangla
Awami League leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ended his famous March 7 speech in 1971 by uttering "Joy Bangla". Since then, it has gained popularity among the common people. On 27 March 1971, Bir Uttam Major Ziaur Rahman also uttered "Joy Bangla" at the end of the declaration of independence that he read from the temporary Kalur Ghat radio station. After the start of the Liberation War, "Joy Bangla" was used at various times from the Swadhin Bangla radio station.The signature song of this radio station was Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy.
Bangladesh Zindabad - The use of Bangladesh Zindabad began before the creation of Bangladesh, during the period of the united Pakistan. This slogan is a Persian-derived standard Bengali suffix;Zindabad (long live), which is placed after the name of a person or country.It is used to express victory or patriotism.Bangladesh Zindabad is a slogan used by Bangladeshis and as an expression of patriotism and is often used in political speeches.Its use began before the creation of Bangladesh.
During the Bangladesh Liberation War, "Bangladesh Zindabad" and "Sheikh Mujib Zindabad" were used as a common phrase.In 1975, during the presidency of Khandaker Mushtaq Ahmed, Bangladesh Zindabad was made the national slogan of Bangladesh instead of Joy Bangla.This slogan was also used during the presidency of Ziaur Rahman. In particular, it was used as the closing statement of his speeches.This slogan is now used as the party slogan of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).
Nara'eTakbir - Nara'eTakbir (pronounced "nara'etakbir") is an Islamic slogan, meaning the declaration of "Allahu Akbar" (God is Great). It is commonly used in religious gatherings, Islamic gatherings, and political rallies, along with the sound of "Allahu Akbar". The word "nara'e" comes from the Persian word "nara", meaning "voice" or "voice", and the word "takbir" is an Arabic word, meaning to say "Allahu Akbar" or to declare the greatness of God.
"Long live independent Bengal", "Long live free Bengal" - The then senior public leader Maulana Bhasani used slogans like "Long live independent Bengal", "Long live free Bengal" from the beginning of 1971.
Down with tyranny, liberate democracy - Down with tyranny, liberate democracy is a popular political slogan in Bangladesh. Nur Hossain participated in an anti-dictatorship march in Dhaka city and was martyred by police firing that day."
Who are you, who am I, Razakar Razakar ?" who says, Swairachar, swairachar" were chanted and the slogans during the quota reform movement since 14 July 2024, which was used in protest against the "grandchildren of the rajakar" by Sheikh Hasina.
Slogans of the past used to excite us.Recently, some obscene slogans have appeared on the streets of Bangladesh.So obscene that they cannot be brought to the mouth of polite society.Obscene slogans in Bangladesh are definitely an uncomfortable subject for the previous generation.These days, obscene slogans are being used frequently against political opponents.The topic is no longer a weapon to hide;rather, it has gone from being uncomfortable to being annoying.
Educational slogans help shape people's behavior and attitudes, spread educational messages, and bring about positive changes in society.It provides knowledge, strength, and confidence, which creates future leaders and makes the country strong.Slogans highlight the importance of education and encourage people to be aware and educated.
We must be responsible for our own opinions and respect dissent.We must provide moral education and religious initiation.In all areas, we must uphold the values that have been passed down through the ages.Above all, we must teach others, specially the new generation good words.
The writer is an essayist and President of the International Anti-Drug Organization
