DHAKA: The High Court has fixed January 18 (Thursday) for the hearing on its rule over recognition of ‘Joy Bangla’ as national slogan. 

The HC bench of Justice Rezaul Haque and Justice Mahmudullah fixed this date on Sunday (December 10).

The petitioner's lawyer and former secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association Dr. Bashir Ahmed moved for hearing the court.

Earlier on December 4, the HC issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why 'Joy Bangla slogan', should not be declared as national slogan.

The cabinet secretary, law secretary and education secretary were asked to respond to the rule within 72 hours.

Bashir Ahmed said 'Joy Bangla’ is a symbol of our national inspiration.  In the world, 60 countries have national slogans. It is very unfortunate that we haven’t got 'Joy Bangla’ as our national slogan even after 46 years of independence.

BDST: 1440 HRS, DEC 10, 2017
AH/AP/SMS