National Anthems of the World

Lyrics, history and anecdotes

🇧🇩 Bangladesh

The national anthem of Bangladesh is called: « Amar Shonar Bangla ».

Continent: Asia

Bordering Countries:
🇮🇳 India
🇲🇲 Myanmar

History of « Amar Shonar Bangla »

« Amar Shonar Bangla » (My Golden Bengal) is the national anthem of Bangladesh. The anthem reflects the country’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the enduring spirit of its people.

Key Dates and People

  • 1905: The lyrics of « Amar Shonar Bangla » were written by Rabindranath Tagore, a Bengali polymath, poet, and Nobel laureate in Literature. The song was composed during the partition of Bengal by the British colonial government.
  • 1971: Following Bangladesh’s declaration of independence from Pakistan, « Amar Shonar Bangla » was adopted as the national anthem of the newly independent country.
  • 1972: The anthem was officially adopted by the government of Bangladesh, and it has since been a symbol of national pride and identity.

Anecdotes

  • Partition of Bengal: The song was written in 1905 during the first partition of Bengal, which was a significant event in the history of the region. The lyrics express a deep love for the land and a longing for unity and peace.
  • Independence Movement: « Amar Shonar Bangla » played a crucial role during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. It was sung by freedom fighters and civilians alike, inspiring them in their struggle for independence.
  • Cultural Significance: The anthem is performed at national celebrations, official ceremonies, and sporting events, reinforcing its role in uniting the Bangladeshi people and celebrating their heritage. The anthem’s stirring lyrics and melody inspire a sense of unity and pride among Bangladeshis.

Lyrics Excerpt

In Bengali

আমার সোনার বাংলা, আমি তোমায় ভালোবাসি।
চিরদিন তোমার আকাশ, তোমার বাতাস, আমার প্রাণে বাজায় বাঁশি॥

ও মা, ফাগুনে তোর আমের বনে ঘ্রাণে পাগল করে,
মরি হায়, হায় রে—
ও মা, অঘ্রাণে তোর ভরা ক্ষেতে আমি কী দেখেছি মধুর হাসি॥

কি শোভা, কি ছায়া গো, কি স্নেহ, কি মায়া গো—
কি আঁচল বিছায়েছ বটের মূলে, নদীর কূলে কূলে।
মা, তোর মুখের বাণী আমার কানে লাগে সুধার মতো,
মরি হায়, হায় রে—
মা, তোর বদনখানি মলিন হলে, ও মা, আমি নয়নজলে ভাসি॥

In English (translation)

My golden Bengal, I love you.
Forever your skies, your air set my heart in tune as if it were a flute.

O mother, the aroma of the mango orchard in Falgun drives me crazy,
Ah, what a thrill!
O mother, in Ogrohayon, in your filled fields, I have seen the sweet smile.

What beauty, what shades, what affection, what tenderness!
What a quilt you have spread at the feet of banyan trees and along the banks of rivers.
Mother, your words are like nectar to my ears,
Ah, what a thrill!
If sadness, O mother, casts a gloom on your face, my eyes are filled with tears.

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