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The ‘Joy Bangla' Deception
For decades, liberals like Amartya Sen have claimed Bangladesh to be the paragon of peace, harmony and tolerance in the Indian subcontinent. The massive rise in Hindu persecution post August 2024 has proved that the liberal narrative of Bangladesh could not have been more wrong.
The book uncovers the story of Bangladesh that the alleged left had actively attempted to suppress and censor. It dispels the myth of 21 February as well as the language movement in East Pakistan. The story of Bangladesh is that of subversion of Hindus and Buddhists through legalised thefts to waves of pogrom to constant discrimination while paying lip service to the rhetoric of secularism.
After being the victim of violence in East Pakistan/Bangladesh, Bengalis are now facing the loss of their identity with the noise of Greater Bangladesh called by Maulana Bhasani becoming louder. The conferring of the award of the greatest Bengali to Mujibur Rahman or the peddling of the complete distortion of history by the Encyclopaedia Britannica that Bengali ethnicity was born from a massive migration of people from the middle-east around 1,400 years ago are its two expressions.
In conclusion, the book calls for safeguarding the Bengali identity and language by preventing its appropriation by the Bengali-speaking Islamists.
The book uncovers the story of Bangladesh that the alleged left had actively attempted to suppress and censor. It dispels the myth of 21 February as well as the language movement in East Pakistan. The story of Bangladesh is that of subversion of Hindus and Buddhists through legalised thefts to waves of pogrom to constant discrimination while paying lip service to the rhetoric of secularism.
After being the victim of violence in East Pakistan/Bangladesh, Bengalis are now facing the loss of their identity with the noise of Greater Bangladesh called by Maulana Bhasani becoming louder. The conferring of the award of the greatest Bengali to Mujibur Rahman or the peddling of the complete distortion of history by the Encyclopaedia Britannica that Bengali ethnicity was born from a massive migration of people from the middle-east around 1,400 years ago are its two expressions.
In conclusion, the book calls for safeguarding the Bengali identity and language by preventing its appropriation by the Bengali-speaking Islamists.
- GenresNonfiction
352 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 3, 2025
Amazing book!!
Right from the title, The Joy Bangla Deception catches your attention. The name itself is powerful it perfectly encapsulates the current political and societal undercurrents in Bangladesh. But the title is just the beginning; the book is a treasure trove of information, tracing the journey of Bengal from its ancient past to the modern day reality of Bangladesh. The authors have done a remarkable job in presenting complex historical and geopolitical narratives in a simple, lucid manner.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is how it weaves the story of India-Pakistan relations and the partition into the context of East Bengal (now Bangladesh). In India, national discourse often revolves around our western (Pakistan) and northern (China) neighbors. The eastern neighbor, Bangladesh, seldom finds space in serious discussions, and when it does, it's usually around the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. This book is a stark reminder that Bangladesh, with a population of over 150 million, was a part of India just 80 years ago and deserves far more attention than it gets.
A deeply disturbing revelation in the book is the rapid rise of anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh right after its liberation in 1971 a liberation in which India played a pivotal role. Even more shocking is the systematic persecution of Hindus, reducing them to a marginalized and politically irrelevant community. The book also sheds light on the appalling treatment meted out to the tribal communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a subject rarely discussed in mainstream narratives. I wonder why Chittagong hill tract were not added to India back then even with 95% non muslim population.
Another eye-opener is the exploration of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s foreign descent and his Islamist inclinations. It is fascinating, to realize that throughout history, Bengali Muslims have seldom been ruled by indigenous leaders. Instead, their rulers were often Turks, Afghans, Arabs, or even Habshi (African) slaves. Feom this book I came to know about Mujib’s family tracing its origins back to Iraq adds another layer of complexity to this narrative.
What makes The Joy Bangla Deception an important book is its courageous dismantling of the myth that Bangladesh is a secular success story. It forces the reader to reassess the mainstream perception and confront uncomfortable truths. This book makes me wonder important questions about India’s possible support to separatist movements in Pakistan, such as in Balochistan. Would a future "independent" Balochistan behave any differently towards India than Bangladesh did post-1971? The skepticism is valid and thought-provoking.
I wholeheartedly congratulate the authors, Kausik Gangopadhyay and Devavrata, for this outstanding work. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in South Asian geopolitics, history, or simply for those who wish to understand our eastern neighbor beyond the surface level narratives.
Right from the title, The Joy Bangla Deception catches your attention. The name itself is powerful it perfectly encapsulates the current political and societal undercurrents in Bangladesh. But the title is just the beginning; the book is a treasure trove of information, tracing the journey of Bengal from its ancient past to the modern day reality of Bangladesh. The authors have done a remarkable job in presenting complex historical and geopolitical narratives in a simple, lucid manner.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is how it weaves the story of India-Pakistan relations and the partition into the context of East Bengal (now Bangladesh). In India, national discourse often revolves around our western (Pakistan) and northern (China) neighbors. The eastern neighbor, Bangladesh, seldom finds space in serious discussions, and when it does, it's usually around the issue of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. This book is a stark reminder that Bangladesh, with a population of over 150 million, was a part of India just 80 years ago and deserves far more attention than it gets.
A deeply disturbing revelation in the book is the rapid rise of anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh right after its liberation in 1971 a liberation in which India played a pivotal role. Even more shocking is the systematic persecution of Hindus, reducing them to a marginalized and politically irrelevant community. The book also sheds light on the appalling treatment meted out to the tribal communities of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, a subject rarely discussed in mainstream narratives. I wonder why Chittagong hill tract were not added to India back then even with 95% non muslim population.
Another eye-opener is the exploration of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s foreign descent and his Islamist inclinations. It is fascinating, to realize that throughout history, Bengali Muslims have seldom been ruled by indigenous leaders. Instead, their rulers were often Turks, Afghans, Arabs, or even Habshi (African) slaves. Feom this book I came to know about Mujib’s family tracing its origins back to Iraq adds another layer of complexity to this narrative.
What makes The Joy Bangla Deception an important book is its courageous dismantling of the myth that Bangladesh is a secular success story. It forces the reader to reassess the mainstream perception and confront uncomfortable truths. This book makes me wonder important questions about India’s possible support to separatist movements in Pakistan, such as in Balochistan. Would a future "independent" Balochistan behave any differently towards India than Bangladesh did post-1971? The skepticism is valid and thought-provoking.
I wholeheartedly congratulate the authors, Kausik Gangopadhyay and Devavrata, for this outstanding work. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in South Asian geopolitics, history, or simply for those who wish to understand our eastern neighbor beyond the surface level narratives.
May 25, 2025
When I first read The ‘Joy Bangla’ Deception, I was electrified by Gangopadhyay and Devavrata’s bold thesis: the rallying cry “Joy Bangla” has always served as a veneer for an Islamist agenda in Bengal. From the very first chapter, their meticulous evidence convinced me that what passes for secular nationalism is in fact a masterful act of ideological concealment.
Challenging the Myth of Secular Origins
Contrary to popular belief, the authors demonstrate that there was never a genuine secular uprising in 1971. By painstakingly analyzing speeches, manifestos, and archival documents, they reveal how every major proclamation wove in Islamic symbolism—showing that calls for “freedom” were framed in religious terms from the movement’s inception. This reframing left me nodding in agreement: the liberation struggle itself was guided by religious mobilization, not secular idealism.
Political Architects of the Facade
A re-examination of political leaders dismantles the hero-worship narrative. Gangopadhyay and Devavrata’s close reading of Mujibur Rahman’s public addresses—so often celebrated as secular manifestos—actually exposes repeated appeals to Islamic unity. Every post-1971 constitutional amendment and law they document appears less like a deviation than a fulfillment of the movement’s original Islamist blueprint.
A Forgotten Chapter: Language Recognition at Partition
One crucial insight that many have overlooked—or perhaps obscured—is the fact that, immediately after Partition in 1947, the Pakistani government recognized both Bengali and Urdu as national languages. There was no language dispute at first; Bengali speakers held equal standing. It was only later, as economic disparity and political power became unevenly distributed between East and West Pakistan, that language was weaponized into a flashpoint. This reminder shifts the focus: the root conflicts were economic and political, with language merely serving as the spark once deeper grievances emerged.
Cultural Propaganda and Psychological Conditioning
The analysis of cultural output—songs, poems, films—reveals another layer of the deception. Each artistic piece celebrating “Joy Bangla” carried subtle religious allusions, conditioning the populace to equate Bengali identity with Islamic faith. Recognizing this cultural programming made it clear to me how effectively the movement kept its true motives hidden behind the guise of nationalist pride.
Repercussions for Bangladesh’s Future
Believing in a secular legacy, the authors warn, risks perpetuating a myth that obscures present realities. Educational policies, legal codes, and public discourse continue to reflect Islamism, not the secular pluralism we’ve been led to imagine. Confronting the truth behind “Joy Bangla” is the essential first step toward any genuine reform.
Conclusion: Confronting the True Legacy of “Joy Bangla”
The ‘Joy Bangla’ Deception shattered my assumptions and reframed the entire narrative of Bangladesh’s founding. Gangopadhyay and Devavrata expose an unbroken thread: from 1971 to today, “Joy Bangla” has functioned as Islamism’s most successful PR campaign. The clarity and rigor of their argument left me firmly convinced that freeing Bangladesh from this deception begins by abandoning the myth of secular nationalism once and for all.
Challenging the Myth of Secular Origins
Contrary to popular belief, the authors demonstrate that there was never a genuine secular uprising in 1971. By painstakingly analyzing speeches, manifestos, and archival documents, they reveal how every major proclamation wove in Islamic symbolism—showing that calls for “freedom” were framed in religious terms from the movement’s inception. This reframing left me nodding in agreement: the liberation struggle itself was guided by religious mobilization, not secular idealism.
Political Architects of the Facade
A re-examination of political leaders dismantles the hero-worship narrative. Gangopadhyay and Devavrata’s close reading of Mujibur Rahman’s public addresses—so often celebrated as secular manifestos—actually exposes repeated appeals to Islamic unity. Every post-1971 constitutional amendment and law they document appears less like a deviation than a fulfillment of the movement’s original Islamist blueprint.
A Forgotten Chapter: Language Recognition at Partition
One crucial insight that many have overlooked—or perhaps obscured—is the fact that, immediately after Partition in 1947, the Pakistani government recognized both Bengali and Urdu as national languages. There was no language dispute at first; Bengali speakers held equal standing. It was only later, as economic disparity and political power became unevenly distributed between East and West Pakistan, that language was weaponized into a flashpoint. This reminder shifts the focus: the root conflicts were economic and political, with language merely serving as the spark once deeper grievances emerged.
Cultural Propaganda and Psychological Conditioning
The analysis of cultural output—songs, poems, films—reveals another layer of the deception. Each artistic piece celebrating “Joy Bangla” carried subtle religious allusions, conditioning the populace to equate Bengali identity with Islamic faith. Recognizing this cultural programming made it clear to me how effectively the movement kept its true motives hidden behind the guise of nationalist pride.
Repercussions for Bangladesh’s Future
Believing in a secular legacy, the authors warn, risks perpetuating a myth that obscures present realities. Educational policies, legal codes, and public discourse continue to reflect Islamism, not the secular pluralism we’ve been led to imagine. Confronting the truth behind “Joy Bangla” is the essential first step toward any genuine reform.
Conclusion: Confronting the True Legacy of “Joy Bangla”
The ‘Joy Bangla’ Deception shattered my assumptions and reframed the entire narrative of Bangladesh’s founding. Gangopadhyay and Devavrata expose an unbroken thread: from 1971 to today, “Joy Bangla” has functioned as Islamism’s most successful PR campaign. The clarity and rigor of their argument left me firmly convinced that freeing Bangladesh from this deception begins by abandoning the myth of secular nationalism once and for all.
October 4, 2025
this book is a must read for everyone in India, specifically people from eastern part that includes WB, Assam, Tripura. it delves into the history of Bangladesh, why it was created - first in 1947 and then in 1971. under the veneer of bengali identity and nationalism, this country has shown islamist mindset from time to time. multiple political parties connieved to marginalize minority communities since 1971. we, as Indians, must be watchful and careful to thwart any sinister design coming from our eastern neighbor.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews