A national anthem is not only a song, it reflects a country's hopes, aspirations, traditions, and culture, as well as its glorious history. It serves as a source of national unity and inspiration, transcending all divisions of religion and race. Above all, it is a song that stirs such deep patriotism that the ordinary people of the country become inspired, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice for the nation, considering their own lives insignificant in comparison.
These days, there's a heated debate on social media and at tea stalls about whether the Bangladeshi national anthem, "Amar Shonar Bangla," is suitable or if it needs to be changed.
During the great Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971, some of the songs that inspired the freedom fighters were regularly broadcast from the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (Free Bengal Radio Station). At that time, the lyrics, melodies, and voices of these songs served as powerful weapons to boost the moral strength of the freedom fighters.
Many songs that provided immense inspiration were "Purba Diganta Surjo Utheche, Rokto Lal Rokto Lal Rokto Lal." The song, sung by a group of artists in unison, was written by Gobinda Haldar and composed by Samar Das, and it served as a great source of motivation.
Abdul Jabbar's rendition of "Salam Salam Hajar Salam" or "Hazar Bochor Pore" also provided immense inspiration.
Apel Mahmood's "Mora Ekti Phulke Bachabo Bole Juddho Kori" and "Teer Hara Ei Dheu-er Shagor Parii Debo re," along with Gazi Mazharul Anwar's lyrics and Anwar Parvez's composition of "Joy Bangla Banglar Joy," greatly invigorated the Liberation War.
Other songs include "Rokto Diye Naam Likhhechi" written by Abul Kashem Shandeep and composed by Sujeyo Shyam, Jibanananda Das's "Banglar Mukh Ami Dekhiyachhi," and "Bijoy Nishan Urchhe Oi" written by Shahidul Islam and composed by Sujeyo Shyam.
Gauri Prasanna Majumdar's song "Shono Ekti Mujibur-er Theke Lokkho Mujibur-er Kontoshshorer Dhoni" was composed by Anshuman Roy and sung by Shyamal Mitra.
Sikandar Abu Zafar's "Janotar Songram Cholbe," composed by Sheikh Lutfor Rahman, and Naiem Gohor's "Nongor Tolo Tolo," composed by Samar Das, along with many other songs, provided inspiration throughout the war.
In addition to the patriotic songs and poems of Rabindranath Tagore, Kazi Nazrul Islam, Atul Prasad, and Rajanikanta played a significant role in inspiring the Liberation War. Notable among these are like "Karar Oi Louho Kopat, Mora Jhanjar Moto Uddam, Bolo bir Chiro Unnoto Momo Shir," and others.
Let's take a look at some lines from the national anthems of other countries.
Vietnam's national anthem includes the line: "We have paved this path of honor with the corpses of our enemies."
France's national anthem includes the line: "Do you hear the roar of our village warriors? They are coming to slit the throats of your (the enemy's) children."
Mexico's national anthem includes the line: "May this field be soaked with the blood of my enemy."
Similar to these, many national anthems from other countries include lines designed to deter enemies and uphold sovereignty, featuring strong, provocative melodies and rhythms that galvanize their citizens.
Now, comparing these with a significant line from our national anthem:
"Ma, tor bodon khani molin hole, o ma, ami noyon jole bhashi" ("Mother, if your face becomes tarnished, I shed tears from eyes")
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Why, when someone hurts our mother, would we shed tears? We should be picking up arms whatever we have. Here, "Mother" represents the country. In our subcontinent, the mother is regarded with the highest respect and honor. Rather crying we must be offensive to protect our sovereignty at any cost, to sacrifice ourselves life without hesitation.
Most national anthems around the world have a connection to masculinity, often celebrating the glory of their ancestors and warriors and hope of protection. This may be why our military has chosen a separate battle song.
How did "Amar Shonar Bangla" become the national anthem? The song "Amar Shonar Bangla" by poet Rabindranath Tagore was written in the context of the 1905 Bengal Partition movement. The motive was West Bengal and East Bengal must not be separated.
The Bangladesh government-in-exile in Mujibnagar recognized this song as the national anthem of Bangladesh, during the Liberation War. It was regularly broadcast from the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra (Free Bengal Radio Station). During the war, the current instrumental arrangement of the song was composed by Ajit Roy, the composer at Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
After independence, when the Constitution was drafted in 1972, Article 4.1 included the first 10 lines (out of a total of 25) of "Amar Shonar Bangla" as the national anthem of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.
The primary purpose of a national anthem is to inspire patriotism among the people, evoke a deep love for the country in their hearts, and motivate them to make the highest sacrifices for the nation.
The melody should ignite enthusiasm in people's hearts and inspire them to take action. It should be invigorating, powerful, and deeply emotional, giving you goose bumps and making your blood boil.
The lyrics should reflect deep love for the country, the spirit of sacrifice, and reverence for national pride. It may also embody the history, culture, and struggles of the nation.
The rhythm of the anthem should symbolize discipline and firmness. It should inspire people to work together and strive collectively for the country.
The melody and lyrics should deeply affect people's emotions. The emotion will be so intense that tears will flow from your eyes without you even realizing it. You will start to love every person in the country, and the sovereignty of the nation will become dearer to you than yourself.
The anthem should include a call for unity among all the people of the nation. It should help elevate the nation above divisions.
The national anthem should be a symbol of the nation's indomitable strength and resolve, preparing people to make any sacrifice for the country.
On the other hand Bangladesh's National Anthem (Amar Shonar Bangla), Rabindranath Tagore's "Amar Shonar Bangla" is an unparalleled composition that symbolizes deep love and affection for the country. However, since it primarily focuses on the beauty of Bangladesh's nature and the sentiment of affection, it lacks certain qualities that would be ideal for a stirring and powerful national anthem.
The melody of "Amar Shonar Bangla" is soft and tranquil, which deeply moves people emotionally, but it is not directly stirring. It creates a profound sense of affection for the country but does not evoke the excitement of sacrificing. It is not trigger any one instantly.
The rhythm of the song is gentle and slow, which emphasizes emotion over discipline and firmness. A stronger and more assertive rhythm could unite and invigorate people, which are apparently absent in this song.
While "Amar Shonar Bangla" carries emotion, it primarily expresses affection and love for the country. It does not directly inspire one to go into battle or sacrifice one's at its best.
"Amar Shonar Bangla" is a magnificent national anthem that is highly effective in evoking affection and love for the country basically metaphoric. However, when judged from the perspective of a stirring and powerful national anthem, it lacks a bit of strong melody, rhythm, and emotional intensity.
During the bloody July student protests, several songs became quite popular. Although these songs were not like the traditional polished Bengali songs, they played a significant role in the movement. The language and music of the rap songs were particularly provocative and incendiary. The artist of the song "Aawaz Utha" was even imprisoned by the fascist government. Additionally, national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's "Karar Oi Louho Kopat" and "Mora Jhanjar Moto Uddam" were particularly notable.
From the anti-British movements to the present day in 2024, songs and poems have consistently played an important role in various struggles and movements. This time was no exception.
Many countries have changed or modified their national anthems long after gaining independence. Some have even changed their names. However, in these cases, the primary considerations were the people's hopes and aspirations, a favorable environment, and, most importantly, the people's mandate.
In the current context and reality, attempting to bring about any changes at the national level could provide an opportunity for the defeated forces to re-emerge in a new form and identity. If any change is truly necessary, it should be done keeping in mind the right timing and considering any potential national threats. Public demand must get the highest priority for any changes.
The writer is photojournalist at The Daily Observer
