Bangladesh New Political Shake-Up: Why Inquilab Zindabad Is Replacing Joy Bangla

Dhaka - Bangladesh’s political landscape is witnessing a striking shift as the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) moves away from the historic slogan "Joy Bangla", instead rallying behind "Inquilab Zindabad". This unexpected change signals a deeper transformation in the country’s evolving political dynamics.  

Led by Muhammad Nahid Islam, the NCP has emerged from grassroots student protests, positioning itself as a centrist alternative to the traditional powerhouses. While "Joy Bangla" has long been associated with the ruling Awami League and the legacy of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, "Inquilab Zindabad", meaning "Long Live the Revolution", carries a legacy rooted in anti-colonial and leftist struggles across South Asia.  

Originally coined by Indian communist leader Hasrat Mohani in 1921 and later popularized by Bhagat Singh, the slogan has historically been a call for radical change. By embracing it, NCP leaders are making a bold statement—one that aligns them with movements of upheaval and resistance rather than the establishment.  

This shift raises critical questions: Is this a strategic rebranding to appeal to younger, disillusioned voters? Or is it a calculated challenge to Bangladesh’s entrenched political narratives? As the NCP gains momentum, the battle of slogans may soon become a battle for the nation’s ideological future.  

With elections on the horizon, the real question remains—will "Inquilab Zindabad" redefine Bangladesh’s political discourse, or is this just another fleeting political gimmick?