Columnist
Columnist
A hue and cry has been raised recently from Bangkok to Dhaka centring the issue of Rohingya repatriation. Discussions are going on from international diplomatic circles to the country's media - Myanmar has agreed to take back 180,000 Rohingyas.
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.
Independence Day is a day of glory in the history of Bangladesh. On March 26, 1971, Bangladesh declared its independence, and after a long 9-month bloody war, freedom was attained. This day is not only a national holiday but also a symbol of the Bengali nation's identity and the spirit of independence. However, recently, there has been controversy and questions regarding the decision to cancel the Independence Day celebrations, especially the parade.
This International Women's Day brings a profound message of concern and anxiety for women. Throughout history, women in this country have never been completely safe, but the current situation has surpassed all past limits. Violence and abuse against women have reached new heights, and due to the indifference of authorities and changes in societal attitudes, women now feel more unsafe than ever before.
After the fall of the Hasina government, there was a strong fear of retaliatory violence. Many believed that political vengeance was inevitable after the change in power. History also suggests this. In the past, when power transitions occurred, instances of violence, destruction of property, and attacks on political opponents were common. However, on August 5, the fall of the Hasina government created an unprecedented situation. The government was ousted through a bloody movement, leading government-affiliated individuals at the grassroots level to flee, while those who couldn’t escape were subjected to horrific conditions. Their homes, businesses, and properties were attacked, and even the police force faced intense resistance, leaving the military responsible for maintaining law and order.
In the recent political landscape of Bangladesh, the anti-discrimination student movement is adding a new dimension. The organization, which led the July uprising, is set to soon emerge as a new political party. The move to form this party has already heated up the political arena of the country. Although it may appear to be a student movement at first glance, its political intentions have become increasingly clear.