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{{Short description|Regional Bengali cultural-political organisation in India}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{refimprove|date=July 2025}}
{{citation style|date=July 2025}}
{{Orphan|date=February 2026}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2025}}


{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2021}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2021}}   
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
|name = Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan
| name           = Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan
|native name = জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলন
| native_name    = জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলন
|motto = [[Joy Bangla]]
| logo          = Logo of Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan.jpg
|formation = {{start date and age|2019|12|09}}
| image          = Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan flag banner.jpg
|predecessor = [[Bangla Pokkho]]
| formation      = 9 December 2019
|founder = Siddhabrata Das, Anirban Banerjee, Tanwi Das
| founders      = Siddhabrata Das, Anirban Bandyopadhyay
|headquarters = [[Kolkata]], [[India]]
| location      = Kolkata, West Bengal, India
|membership = 1600 registered members<ref>{{cite news |last1=Choudhury |first1=Niladri Roy |title=কলেবর বৃদ্ধি পেল জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলনের » সংবাদ সমাচার |url=https://sangbadsamachar.com/politics/jatiya-bangla-sammelan-to-include-more-members-and-to-open-organization-in-more-districts/ |date=11 September 2021}}</ref>
| type          = Socio-political organisation
|language = [[Bengali language|Bengali]]
| language       = Bengali
|logo = File:Logo of Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan.jpg
| leader_title  = Working President
|logo_size = 150px
| leader_name    = Anirban Bandyopadhyay
|caption = Flag of the outfit 
| website        = <!-- If any -->
|image = Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan flag banner.jpg
|abbreviation = '''JBS'''
|leader_title = [[President (corporate title)|Interim president]]
|leader_name = Shamit Sanyal
}}
}}


'''Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan''' (alternately spelled ''Jaatiyo Bangla Shommelon'', {{trans|National Bengali Conference}}; {{small|abbr.}} '''JBS''') is a [[Bengali nationalism|Bengali subnationalist]] [[Non-governmental organisations in India#Trust|organization]] based in [[Kolkata]], [[India]]. It was created with the aim of securing the economic and social rights of [[Bengalis]] in [[West Bengal]]. Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan was modelled after many similar [[advocacy group|rights groups]] based in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu like the [[Karnataka Rakshana Vedike]] and also draws inspiration from their functioning.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bengal sees rise of subnationalism ahead of assembly elections |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bengal-sees-rise-of-subnationalism-ahead-of-assembly-polls/articleshow/77572893.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=August 17, 2020}}</ref><br />
'''Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan''' ({{langx|bn|জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলন}}; lit. ''National Bengali Conference'') is a socio-cultural and linguistic organisation based in [[West Bengal]], India. It was founded in December 2019 by dissident members of the Bengali rights group [[Bangla Pokkho]], with a vision to promote linguistic democracy, secular civic nationalism, and cultural inclusivity.
The organisation has active members in every district of West Bengal except [[Kalimpong district|Kalimpong]]. Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan has often taken a protective stance towards Bengali language and culture both within the state of West Bengal and outside for which the organization has been criticized  at times as being aggressive and borderline chauvinistic.<ref>{{cite news |title=TMC stokes Bengali pride calls BJP ''outsiders'', BJP hits back |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/tmc-stokes-bengali-pride-calls-bjp-outsiders-bjp-hits-back/1979547 |work=www.outlookindia.com/ |date=20 November 2020}}</ref>


== History ==
==History==
Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan took shape on the 9th of December, 2019 after a split from a larger Bengali sub-nationalist organisation called [[Bangla Pokkho]]. Most of its members have formerly been part of Bangla Pokkho.<ref>{{cite news |title=বাংলা পক্ষে ভাঙন, হিন্দুত্ববাদী রাজনীতির অভিযোগ এনে তৈরি হল পৃথক সংগঠন |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/huge-blow-to-bangla-pokkho-a-new-organization-comes-out-now-dgtl-1.1080575 |work=Anandabazar Patrika |date=December 10, 2019}}</ref> The formation of Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan along with a few other outfits coincided with the emergence of Bengali subnationalism since the later part of 2019. One of the main planks on which both JBS and Bangla Pokkho came into being was to counter the "imposition of Hindi" and "north Indian culture". These were in line with agendas of various similar organisations and groups operating in the [[south india|southern states]].<ref>{{cite news |title='Bengali Pride' to be TMC's main poll plank to counter BJP's aggressive Hindutva |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bengali-pride-to-be-tmcs-main-poll-plank-to-counter-bjps-aggressive-hindutva/articleshow/79491069.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=November 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=स्थानीय बनाम बाहरी का मुद्दा, बंगाल में विधानसभा चुनाव के पहले बंगाली अस्मिता का उभार |url=https://www.jagran.com/west-bengal/kolkata-the-rise-of-bengali-identity-in-bengal-before-the-assembly-elections-20634534.html |work=Dainik Jagran |date=17 August 2020 |language=hi}}</ref> During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India|coronavirus pandemic]], the organisation along with the respective state governments provided ration and essential commodities to [[handloom sari]] sellers from Bengal who had been stuck elsewhere in the country.<ref>{{cite news |title=Migrants stuck over rent dues |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/calcutta/coronavirus-lockdown-migrants-stuck-over-rent-dues/cid/1770199 |work=www.telegraphindia.com |date=5 May 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=TMC stokes Bengali pride calls BJP ''outsiders'', BJP hits back |url=http://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/tmc-stokes-bengali-pride-calls-bjp-outsiders-bjp-hits-back/1979547 |work=www.outlookindia.com/ |date=20 November 2020}}</ref>
Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan was launched on 9 December 2019 at the Kolkata Press Club.<ref name="ABP2019"/> Former Bangla Pokkho leaders including Siddhabrata Das and Anirban Bandyopadhyay established the group after being expelled from the parent organisation. The founders cited ideological differences, especially related to sectarian influences in Bangla Pokkho's approach.


== Protests ==
According to Anirban Bandyopadhyay, the Sammelan seeks to resist the growth of "Hindutvavadi Bònggali" politics and focus on inclusive, people-centric campaigns grounded in Bengali linguistic rights.<ref name="EiSamay2020"/>
[[File:Participants at Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan's Bishesh Alochona Chokro and blanket distribution programme.jpg|Attendees at a blanket distribution program organised by Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan in [[Chapra, Nadia]]|right|thumb]]


=== Protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act ===
==Ideology==
{{See also|Citizenship Amendment Act protests}}
The group's founding charter includes 40 key points advocating:
Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan has demonstrated against the [[Citizenship Amendment Act]] in different parts of West Bengal. During a demonstration against the Act at the 2020 [[Kolkata Book Fair]], a scuffle broke out among members of different groups. Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan alleged that workers of the [[Vishva Hindu Parishad]] attacked its members when they were apparently distributing leaflets at the fair.<ref>{{cite news |author=Scroll Staff |title=CAA: Several detained after scuffle at Calcutta Book Fair, mob beats up police officer |url=https://scroll.in/latest/952595/citizenship-act-group-of-women-beat-up-police-officer-after-scuffle-over-law-at-calcutta-book-fair |work=Scroll.in |date=9 February 2020}}</ref>
* Use of Bengali as the primary language in banks, railways, courts, and postal services in West Bengal.
* Bengali-medium education and compulsory use of Bengali in signage.
* Resistance to CAA-NRC policies.
* Unity among linguistic and cultural minorities in the eastern region of India.


=== Protests against Chhath Puja in Kolkata’s lakes ===
==Leadership==
In 2020, members of Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan protested against performing [[Chhath|Chhath puja]] at the two ecologically important lakes of [[Rabindra Sarobar]] and ''Subhas Sarobar''. The organisation set up a night-long vigil at the entry points to the lake to prevent anyone from entering the premises. Performing rituals in these lakes was prohibited by [[National Green Tribunal Act|National Green Tribunal]] (NGT). Although the [[Government of West Bengal|West Bengal government]] had appealed before the NGT to allow Chhath puja in Rabindra Sarobar, the plea was rejected. The state government had subsequently moved the [[Supreme Court of India]] challenging the NGT verdict but the Supreme Court also gave the state government no relief.
The initial leadership included:
In the preceding year, thousands of devotees had entered the lake and performed puja. The personnel of [[Kolkata Police]] also, were reluctant in enforcing NGT orders and were seen standing idly outside the lake premises.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bengali Ethnic Groups Set Up Vigils, Prevent Chhath Puja In Kolkata’s Lakes |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/india-news-bengali-ethnic-groups-set-up-vigils-prevent-chhath-puja-in-kolkatas-lakes/364943 |work=www.outlookindia.com/ |date=21 November 2020}}</ref>
* '''Anirban Bandyopadhyay''' – Working President 
* '''Tanny Das''' – Working Vice President  
* '''Siddhabrata Das''' – Working General Secretary 


=== Hindi imposition protest ===
==Activities==
JBS has held and led various protests against "Hindi-imposition" in Kolkata and elsewhere in West Bengal. The aim of these protests were to counter the imposition of [[Hindi]] on Bengalis, the Central Government's [[National Policy on Education|National Education Policy]] and a perceived threat to the [[Culture of West Bengal|culture of west bengal]].<ref>{{cite news |title=बंगाल की विकट जंग, ममता- मोदी में किसका दांव पड़ेगा भारी |url=https://www.outlookhindi.com/politics/analysis/the-fierce-battle-of-west-bengal-54820 |work=www.outlookhindi.com/ |date=13 January 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Desk |first1=Bengali |title=শিক্ষানীতির বিরুদ্ধে মশাল মিছিল জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলনের |url=https://www.kolkata24x7.com/protest-rally-against-national-education-policy/ |work=Kolkata24x7 {{!}} Read Latest Bengali News, Breaking News in Bangla from West Bengal's Leading online Newspaper |date=8 September 2020}}</ref>
Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan has undertaken:
* Deputations to the Postal Department and nationalised banks for enforcing Bengali signage and service.<ref name="Shubhabori2020"/>
* District and rural conferences raising awareness about linguistic rights and environmental justice.
* Protests and social campaigns against NRC and CAA.<ref name="Outlook2020"/>
* Participation in civil society meetings, cultural events, and solidarity programs with other marginalised language communities.<ref name="EiSamay2021"/>


== Outreach activities ==
==Logo and Flag==
=== Covid Community kitchen ===
The organisation uses a blue-and-white logo featuring the Bengali letter '''"Ja" (জ)''' stylised as a cultural symbol. The flag typically displays:
After the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic had rendered many without a job, Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan decided to run six community kitchens which were named ''Joy Bangla Canteen'', across West Bengal. Since the 17th of May 2021, it ran community kitchens at [[Gariahat Road|Gariahat]] and [[Bhowanipore]] in the district of [[Kolkata district|Kolkata]], [[Howrah station]] in the district of [[Howrah district|Howrah]], [[Chanditala]] in [[Hooghly district]], [[Egra]] in [[Purba Medinipur district]] and in Mousuni Island of [[South 24 Parganas]]. In Kolkata, it ran the makeshift kitchen in a guesthouse next to the Gariahat police station. It was forced to wrap up its drive in July, 2021 due to lack of funds.<ref>{{cite news |title=Calcutta community kitchen to shut as funds dry up |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/calcutta/calcutta-community-kitchen-to-shut-as-funds-dry-up/cid/1826484 |work=www.telegraphindia.com |date=14 August 2021}}</ref>
* A white background
* The logo at the centre
* A blue border representing peace and regional unity


=== Free city bus service during Covid-19 ===
==Position in Bengali Language Movement==
Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan introduced free bus service in Kolkata when the public transport in the city was suspended by the government to tackle Covid. This was aimed mainly at providing relief to daily-passengers who were already reeling under massive economical crisis. Although initially these free buses plied on only 3 routes within Kolkata, it was subsequently increased to 8 routes for the sake of joint entrance examinees.<ref>{{cite news |title=শহরে এবার বিনামূল্যে বাস পরিষেবা, কীভাবে বুক করবেন? জানুন |url=https://eisamay.indiatimes.com/west-bengal-news/howrah-news/free-bus-service-now-in-kolkata-know-how-to-book-the-ride/articleshow/84064822.cms |work=EI Samay |date=2 July 2021 |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=জয়েন্ট পরীক্ষার্থীদের জন্য বিনামূল্যে বাস পরিষেবা, কোন রুটে-কখন বাস চলবে, দেখুন |url=https://bangla.hindustantimes.com/bengal/districts/wbjee-exam-2021-jatiyo-bangla-sammelan-to-run-free-bus-services-for-joint-candidates-know-route-details-31626450299819.html |work=Hindustantimes Bangla |date=16 July 2021 |language=bn}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=আজ জয়েন্ট পরীক্ষার্থীদের সুবিধার্থে বিনামূল্যে বাস পরিষেবা |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/bengali/west-bengal/city/kolkata/free-bus-service-for-wbjee-examines-by-bus-o-pedia/wb20210716225758150 |work=ETV Bharat News |date=17 July 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan aligns itself with:
* The legacy of the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
* The 1961 Barak Valley movement in Assam
* Contemporary Bengali rights advocacy in West Bengal and Tripura


== Criticism ==
==Relationship with Bangla Pokkho==
JBS has been criticized for being aggressive and chauvinistic in its working. There have also been allegations of the organisation's political leaning towards a particular Party even though it formally claims itself to be apolitical and maintains that it doesn't have any political affiliation. Some of the organization's members have also been accused of blackening signboards at Railway stations.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mali |first1=Amit |title=পাল্টা মার খাওয়ার সম্ভাবনা নেই, তাই হিন্দিভাষীরা বিদ্বেষের শিকার |url=https://hinduvoice.in/2020/12/23/hindi-speaking-people-are-soft-target-so-they-are-harrased/ |work=Hindu Voice |date=23 December 2020}}</ref>
The split was seen as both ideological and structural. While [[Bangla Pokkho]] was known for aggressive campaigns, the Sammelan framed itself as a civic-focused, secular alternative. Media reports highlighted this internal split as indicative of broader ideological fissures in Bengali subnationalism.<ref name="EiSamay2020"/>


== See also ==
==Reception==
* [[Amra Bangali]]
The formation of Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan was reported in multiple Bengali and English-language media outlets. Commentators have noted its efforts to create a softer, civil-society-driven form of Bengali activism.<ref name="ABP2019"/><ref name="ET2020"/><ref name="EiSamay2021"/>
* [[Matua Mahasangha]]
 
==See also==
* [[Bangla Pokkho]]
* [[Paschimbanga Bangla Akademi]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
<!-- English Media -->
<ref name="ET2020">
{{cite news
|title=Bengal sees rise of subnationalism ahead of assembly elections
|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/bengal-sees-rise-of-subnationalism-ahead-of-assembly-polls/articleshow/77572893.cms
|work=The Economic Times
|date=17 August 2020
|access-date=7 July 2025
}}
</ref>


==External links ==
<ref name="Outlook2020">
* [https://www.facebook.com/banglasommelon Facebook page]
{{cite news
{{Commons category|Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan}}
|title=TMC stokes Bengali pride, calls BJP "outsiders", BJP hits back
|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/tmc-stokes-bengali-pride-calls-bjp-outsiders-bjp-hits-back/1979547
|work=Outlook India
|date=20 November 2020
|access-date=7 July 2025
}}
</ref>


{{West Bengal topics}}
<!-- Bengali Media -->
<ref name="ABP2019">
{{cite news
|title=বাঙাল পক্ষে বড় ধাক্কা, জন্ম নিল নতুন সংগঠন
|url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/huge-blow-to-bangla-pokkho-a-new-organization-comes-out-now-dgtl-1.1080575
|work=Anandabazar Patrika
|language=bn
|date=10 December 2019
|access-date=7 July 2025
}}
</ref>


<ref name="EiSamay2020">
{{cite news
|title='বাঙালির নাম করে হিন্দুত্ববাদ' — নতুন সংগঠনের বার্তা
|url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/kolkata-news/new-organization-formed-after-bangla-pokkho-split/articleshow/72483814.cms
|work=Ei Samay
|language=bn
|date=11 December 2019
|access-date=7 July 2025
}}
</ref>
<ref name="EiSamay2021">
{{cite news
|title=জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলনের নতুন কর্মসূচিতে ভাষা-পরিচয়-পরিবেশ নিয়ে সচেতনতা
|url=https://eisamay.com/west-bengal-news/statewide-awareness-drive-by-jatiyo-bangla-sammelan/articleshow/80458299.cms
|work=Ei Samay
|language=bn
|date=24 January 2021
|access-date=7 July 2025
}}
</ref>
<ref name="Shubhabori2020">
{{cite news
|title=জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলনের তরফে ডাকবিভাগে স্মারকলিপি
|url=https://shubhabori.co.in/nation/?p=7410
|work=Shubhabori
|language=bn
|date=January 2020
|access-date=7 July 2025
}}
</ref>
{{Reflist}}
[[Category:Organisations based in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Organisations based in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Regionalism in India]]
[[Category:Political organisations based in India]]
[[Category:2019 establishments in West Bengal]]
[[Category:2019 establishments in India]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2019]]
[[Category:Bengali language movement]]
 

Latest revision as of 13:30, 5 May 2026


Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan
জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলন
Formation9 December 2019
FoundersSiddhabrata Das, Anirban Bandyopadhyay
TypeSocio-political organisation
Location
  • Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Official language
Bengali
Working President
Anirban Bandyopadhyay

Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.; lit. National Bengali Conference) is a socio-cultural and linguistic organisation based in West Bengal, India. It was founded in December 2019 by dissident members of the Bengali rights group Bangla Pokkho, with a vision to promote linguistic democracy, secular civic nationalism, and cultural inclusivity.

History[edit | edit source]

Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan was launched on 9 December 2019 at the Kolkata Press Club.[1] Former Bangla Pokkho leaders including Siddhabrata Das and Anirban Bandyopadhyay established the group after being expelled from the parent organisation. The founders cited ideological differences, especially related to sectarian influences in Bangla Pokkho's approach.

According to Anirban Bandyopadhyay, the Sammelan seeks to resist the growth of "Hindutvavadi Bònggali" politics and focus on inclusive, people-centric campaigns grounded in Bengali linguistic rights.[2]

Ideology[edit | edit source]

The group's founding charter includes 40 key points advocating:

  • Use of Bengali as the primary language in banks, railways, courts, and postal services in West Bengal.
  • Bengali-medium education and compulsory use of Bengali in signage.
  • Resistance to CAA-NRC policies.
  • Unity among linguistic and cultural minorities in the eastern region of India.

Leadership[edit | edit source]

The initial leadership included:

  • Anirban Bandyopadhyay – Working President
  • Tanny Das – Working Vice President
  • Siddhabrata Das – Working General Secretary

Activities[edit | edit source]

Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan has undertaken:

  • Deputations to the Postal Department and nationalised banks for enforcing Bengali signage and service.[3]
  • District and rural conferences raising awareness about linguistic rights and environmental justice.
  • Protests and social campaigns against NRC and CAA.[4]
  • Participation in civil society meetings, cultural events, and solidarity programs with other marginalised language communities.[5]

Logo and Flag[edit | edit source]

The organisation uses a blue-and-white logo featuring the Bengali letter "Ja" (জ) stylised as a cultural symbol. The flag typically displays:

  • A white background
  • The logo at the centre
  • A blue border representing peace and regional unity

Position in Bengali Language Movement[edit | edit source]

Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan aligns itself with:

  • The legacy of the 1952 Bengali Language Movement in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh)
  • The 1961 Barak Valley movement in Assam
  • Contemporary Bengali rights advocacy in West Bengal and Tripura

Relationship with Bangla Pokkho[edit | edit source]

The split was seen as both ideological and structural. While Bangla Pokkho was known for aggressive campaigns, the Sammelan framed itself as a civic-focused, secular alternative. Media reports highlighted this internal split as indicative of broader ideological fissures in Bengali subnationalism.[2]

Reception[edit | edit source]

The formation of Jatiyo Bangla Sammelan was reported in multiple Bengali and English-language media outlets. Commentators have noted its efforts to create a softer, civil-society-driven form of Bengali activism.[1][6][5]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

[6]

[4]

[1]

[2]

[5]

[3]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "বাঙাল পক্ষে বড় ধাক্কা, জন্ম নিল নতুন সংগঠন". Anandabazar Patrika (in Bengali). 10 December 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "'বাঙালির নাম করে হিন্দুত্ববাদ' — নতুন সংগঠনের বার্তা". Ei Samay (in Bengali). 11 December 2019. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলনের তরফে ডাকবিভাগে স্মারকলিপি". Shubhabori (in Bengali). January 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "TMC stokes Bengali pride, calls BJP "outsiders", BJP hits back". Outlook India. 20 November 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 "জাতীয় বাংলা সম্মেলনের নতুন কর্মসূচিতে ভাষা-পরিচয়-পরিবেশ নিয়ে সচেতনতা". Ei Samay (in Bengali). 24 January 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Bengal sees rise of subnationalism ahead of assembly elections". The Economic Times. 17 August 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
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