Attempt to distort history of Liberation War, the inevitable reality of truth

On the night of March 25, 1971, a Pakistani army major transmitted a message via wireless from House No. 32 in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, to his superiors: "Big bird in cage, small birds have flown." The meaning was clear—the big bird (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) had been captured, while the small birds (other leaders and Awami League activists) had escaped. The Pakistani authorities believed that arresting Bangabandhu would put an end to Bangladesh's independence movement. However, history has proven that merely imprisoning a leader does not stop a movement. The Liberation War of 1971 and other historical struggles worldwide demonstrate that, in the absence of leadership, people's struggles often intensify.

On that fateful night of March 25, the Pakistani army launched Operation Searchlight, a meticulously planned military operation aimed at crushing the Bengali nationalist movement forever. Defenseless Bengalis were subjected to mass killings, torture, and arrests. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was arrested and sent to a prison in Karachi. The Pakistani authorities assumed that by removing the key symbol of independence, they would extinguish the fire of the Liberation War. But they were utterly mistaken. In Bangabandhu’s absence, the people of Bangladesh continued their struggle. For nine long months, students, farmers, workers, intellectuals, and freedom fighters fought together. Through their relentless struggle and sacrifices, Bangladesh was born as an independent nation.

History has repeatedly shown that even when a leader is removed, people's movements do not cease—rather, they often gain momentum. In 1942, during the Quit India Movement, Mahatma Gandhi and the top Congress leaders were arrested. Although the people were initially shocked, they quickly reorganized and continued the movement, shaking the foundations of British rule. Similarly, during the Civil Rights Movement in the United States in the 1960s, Martin Luther King Jr. was imprisoned in Birmingham. Yet, from prison, he wrote his famous Letter from Birmingham Jail, which further inspired the people.

In South Africa, Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 27 years during the anti-apartheid movement. However, during his long absence, the people continued their fight, ultimately bringing an end to apartheid. These examples prove that a true leader is not just an individual but a symbol of an ideology. When people truly believe in that ideology, the physical absence of a leader cannot suppress the movement.

Does this mean that movements succeed without leadership? History suggests that the reality is more complex. While mass participation is crucial, strong leadership is often necessary for a movement to succeed. A leader does not merely give directions; they serve as a beacon of inspiration, guiding and uniting the people. Many movements have failed due to a lack of proper leadership, as disorganization and internal divisions led to their downfall. However, when the inspiration of leadership and the determination of the people work together, history is made.

Leadership, however, can also take a dangerous turn. Under Hitler's rule, Germany witnessed an unprecedented surge of nationalist fervor, but its consequences were catastrophic. World War II resulted in the deaths of millions and left a dark chapter in history. Thus, the presence or absence of a leader is not the sole determining factor—what truly matters is the nature of the leadership and its impact on the people.

"Big bird in cage, small birds have flown." The Pakistanis thought that by imprisoning the big bird, they had won, but they failed to realize that the small birds had spread the message of freedom across the country. After nine months of bloody war, it was those small birds who brought independence. This is the lesson of history—a leader may be imprisoned, but ideals and the people's struggle never cease.

Even more than 50 years after Bangladesh’s independence, attempts to distort the history of the Liberation War persist. Efforts are being made to manipulate historical narratives, undermine the contributions of the leaders who guided the liberation movement, and redefine the identity of the freedom fighters. But can history truly be changed at will?

History is not merely a collection of facts or events—it is the testament of a nation's existence, a reflection of struggles and sacrifices. Attempts to alter historical truths for political or administrative convenience may work temporarily, but in the long run, they cannot survive. Truth can never be permanently concealed because history moves forward with its own momentum, deeply embedded in the memories of millions.

Questioning the role of freedom fighters or attempting to redefine their identity is an attack on national identity itself. The freedom fighters earned this country with their blood, lives, and sacrifices. No administrative decision or political motive can diminish their significance. History has shown that a nation’s identity and survival rest upon the strong foundation of its past. If that foundation is weakened, future generations will be left confused, and the very essence of independence will be questioned.

It is crucial to remember that the Liberation War of 1971 was not just a military conflict—it was a grand epic of dreams, struggles, and sacrifices. This war was not an isolated event; it was the culmination of a century-long struggle against oppression and exploitation. The leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the strategic brilliance of Tajuddin Ahmad, and the selfless sacrifices of thousands of freedom fighters paved the way for victory. Denying these truths means erasing the very spirit of the Liberation War and distorting national history.

No one can erase the truth of history, for it is not just written on paper—it lives in the hearts of the people. From generation to generation, historical truths continue to flow. Therefore, any attempt to distort history is bound to fail. Truth is eternal, and no fabricated narrative built on falsehood can endure for long. Our responsibility is to preserve the true essence of history so that future generations remain free from confusion and the foundation of our independence remains strong.

The effort to distort the history of the Liberation War is not an ordinary occurrence; it is a well-planned strategy that weakens the spirit of independence and divides the nation. Preserving the honor of the freedom fighters is essential, just as recognizing the role of the national leaders who led the movement is crucial. To protect the true essence of independence, we must stand for the truth and safeguard history from any biased interpretations. Manipulating history for temporary political gain may bring short-term advantages, but in the long run, it weakens the foundation of a nation. Therefore, protecting history from distortion is not just a tribute to the Liberation War—it is a struggle to preserve the very existence of an independent nation.

Chiranjib Sarkar: Columnist