Other than the national anthem, I don’t find much to be proud of about my country. When I lived in Paris, I used to tell my French friends: your national anthem La Marseillaise speaks only of blood and killing, but our national anthem speaks of love. I would sing the song in Bengali and then translate it for them. They too were moved by the lyrics. I have listened to the words and tunes of many national anthems, but none can come close to Amar Shonar Bangla.

Today, alas, my poor country is in the grip of the jihadists. Jihadists like blood and killing. Their hearts overflow with hatred. They cannot understand the value of love. That is why they dislike a national anthem that expresses love for the country. Their vile communal mindset despises the song, since its lyricist and composer was a non-Muslim. Ah, my sorrowful country! To take away a country’s national anthem is like ripping out its heart. I don’t know when my country will be free from the grip of the jihadists.

~ Taslima Nasreen, Author, Bangladesh

Promotional | North East Integration Rally