Frequently asked questions on Bijoyphool and answers

What is Bijoyphool?

The Bijoyphool is an insignia, basically symbolizing the victory of the liberation war of Bangladesh on 16 December 1971.

Does the Bijoyphool reflect anything else?

Yes, it does. It is also an icon of remembrance of those who have fought for the liberation war, a symbol of our land, history, tradition, culture and a harmonious living of people from different background, religions and ethnicities.

Where to wear it on?

On the left side on your outfit.

What time of the year is has to be worn?

Every year, from 1 December to 16 December

Can anyone wear it?

Yes of course. But it is for anyone who believes in the liberation war of Bangladesh and the fundamental values the country itself stands for can wear it.

Is there any other aspects or explanation of Bijoyphool?

You can describe it from various angles. For example, the green of the Bijoyphool represents the lush green land of Bangladesh, the red at the middle reflects the blood of those who have sacrificed their lives for its liberation war, the sun is the symbol of the country’s independence. Similarly, the five petals of the flower may be used to indicate various things – e.g. five fundamental human rights, five major rives flowing through the land, and the religious and social harmony of five groups of people of Bangladesh – the Muslims, the Hindus, the Christians, the Buddhists and the small ethnographic groups.

How was the initiative started?

The London-based acclaimed Bangladeshi poet and writer, Shamim Azad, in 1998, conceptualized and developed her thoughts around the idea of Bijoyphool. Later on, she experimented the idea further working with the support of 1971 liberation war veterans and young people.

Where was it launched first?

It had a humble launch in London in at the beginning of 2002. Then it had an official launch 2007 and finally fit was launched by Dr Saidur Rahman Khan, the then Bangladeshi High Commissioner in UK in 2010 ( ). Over the past 10 years, it has become a social movement and events have been taking place in various cities in the UK and places around the world including Bangladesh.

How can I join?

Just click on www.bijoyphool.co.uk and follow instructions from video clips. Then make it, wear it, pass it on and share your experience. You are in!

Do I need to take any permission to run a session?

No, you don’t.

What should I include in a session?

Only a few things. First, you must have a Muktijodhdha/a poet/an artist/a teacher to tell stories of the glorious time. Then you would need some simple items - prints of flowers from the internet, double sided tape or safety pins, sticky tapes etc. Last but not the least, you would need a flag of Bangladesh, books or pictures and memorabilia. You are all set to run a session.

Are there any limitations of numbers of participants?

Not at all. You can make flowers with your child/ a group of friends/ school children at home or anywhere it is convenient.

How can the Bijoyphool be used to disseminate the message it contains?

Well, this little green and red flower can be used to tell stories about Bangladesh’s history and tradition, society and culture, land and its people. It thus provides a range of opportunities for public advocacy and awareness, educational workshops, children’s learning, and above all, to project Bangladesh to the rest of the world.

Can I make a Bijoyphool myself and how?

Yes you can. Just click on www.bijoyphool.co.uk and follow instructions.

What would be the best way of engaging children in making the Bijoyphool?

You wear one. Then be ready to answer people’s questions. Then engage children themselves in making the flower wherever and whenever there are opportunities.

How can I know more about Bangladesh and the war of liberation 1971?

Type in the words and use Google search or any other search machine and you will find web pages, essays, pictures, videos and cinemas, which will encourage you to learn the true history of the country.

If I want to make financial contribution to the initiative, how can I do it?

There are several ways. You can buy resources, hire a place, contribute to some refreshment, organise music etc. for these sort of sessions targeting victory day between 1 to 16th Dec.

What is the ultimate objective of the initiative?

The ultimate objectives of the initiative are three-fold: to keep the flame of our liberation war, our sacrifices and our ultimate victory alive by upholding the values of that war, remembering and honouring our freedom fighters, and celebrating our victory; to unite people from all walks of life and mobilize them as a positive force in favour of the values for which Bangladesh fought a bloody liberation war and to infuse all these to our future generations everywhere – the UK and beyond.

Can I raise money by selling it to befit Muktijodhdhas?

No. Not yet. But that is what one of the main intentions, which we are currently working on.