Before and after The Victory

The river of time flows incessantly, losing itself in the vast ocean of eternity. Yet, like a river that leaves its mark on both banks after receding, the ruthless sorrow of shattered dreams remains on the two shores. Just as it leaves behind poignant memories of desolation, it also sows the seeds of hope in the fertile fields. Time also leaves behind unforgettable memories, the flowing currents of victorious events, which we call history. Much has been lost in the course of time, but the radiant glow of 1971 persists in our lives, bathed in the brilliance of the sun, with blood and tears as its sacred ablution, illuminated by sacrifice and pride.

From March to December, the unforgettable Victory Day of 1971 has arrived today, marking the golden jubilee in 2023—spanning a remarkable 53 years. The grand triumph of the Liberation War and 53 years of independence will be commemorated this December. Those of us fortunate enough to be alive during this historic moment are truly blessed. The exuberance of the victorious freedom fighters who celebrated independence on December 16, 1971, is etched in the land of their birth. However, as Bangladesh radiates prosperity on the 53rd Victory Day, those who witnessed the dawn of freedom may not be able to partake in the jubilation or join in the glorious celebration.

Bangladesh has undergone a remarkable transformation, not only in terms of astonishment but also in its essence. Today's Bangladesh is also a unique example of how an underdeveloped, poverty-stricken, starving land can be transformed into a prosperous, prosperous, enlightened, technology-based communication modern society.

What we may not forget today is the immense sacrifice of millions of people in 1971, who, in the crucible of independence, laid the foundation for our future. The days of extreme sacrifice and the glory of victory in 1971 will open the window of memories for the present generation. Looking back, if we pause, we will see the images of sorrow and adversity that touched the lives of millions. Our beloved motherland, seen as the abyss of death, will surely evoke countless tears and the poignant touch of blood in the hearts of countless people. If there is even a modest sense of gratitude, it will undoubtedly amplify the flow of tears and blood, becoming an immortal part of that historical flow.

This December will undoubtedly bring to mind the scene of the surrender of the Pakistani invading forces in the late afternoon of December 16 at the historic Race Course Maidan (present-day Suhrawardy Udyan), a unique memory of Bengali glory.

Starting from the general election held in December 1970, the unparalleled sequence of events led by the undisputed leader of the Bengali nation, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, unfolds before our eyes—spanning from the victory in the election to the triumph in the War of Liberation. Today, it feels as if those events of yesteryear are still vivid in our minds, but 53 years have passed!

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the eye of the people of Bengal, who fought hard for 23 years and bravely fought for freedom from the shackles of the state called Pakistan, crushed by the bigoted, sectarian military regime, the story of that struggle will shine brightly in our memory in the December of Victory.

The arduous sacrifice that Bangladesh made to achieve independence in 1971 is yielding a golden harvest for its people today. Once, the imperialists had disdainfully undermined Bangladesh's existence, engaging in relentless efforts to disparage it. However, today they themselves are advising less developed and impoverished nations to look at Bangladesh as a role model for development.

Bangladesh stands adorned with self-reliant expertise and is honored as a developing nation with dignity. Over the past decade and a half, Bangladesh has undergone a transformative journey under the exceptional leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, emerging as a rapidly developing and economically progressive state. However, just as a flower comes with thorns, development carries the risk of malpractice. Amidst this risk, Bangladesh faces the daunting challenges of corruption, especially during the global economic crisis triggered by the devastating COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent war-torn scenarios worldwide. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh is actively engaged in the struggle to advance, combating not only economic obstacles but also various forms of adversity and discrimination.

Returning from imprisonment in Pakistan to the newly independent country, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman faced formidable challenges. On one side were anti-liberation forces, remnants of the oppressive regime, and on the other were internal elements opposing freedom, as well as conspiracies from various platforms. Despite numerous plots against him, Bangabandhu did not experience peace even for a day. Ultimately, the pervasive discontent culminated in the heinous assassination of Bangabandhu, creating a gruesome chapter in the history of the nation.

As a result, the united Bangladesh of 1971 became divided by uncertainties. Anti-liberation forces found an opportunity to re-enter politics. The return of Pakistani-style dogmatic sectarian politics was witnessed. The consciousness of freedom fighters and the spirit of the Liberation War were imprinted in the blood-soaked soil of this Bangladesh. For two decades, the country endured military rule, even after the departure of the military rulers, their proxies continued to wield influence in the state's affairs for many years. Political violence, coups, and terrorism took root, establishing a culture of instability. Despite the aspirations of the Liberation War and its spirit, they sought to reshape Bangladesh in their own image.

The history of the past half-century has unfolded before us like a brutal truth, leaving behind scars resembling wounds. Although the opposition to independence, the proponents of pro-Pakistani ideologies, saw a decrease in their influence during the two decades of their rule, at least three generations have failed to fully comprehend the glory of the Liberation War and the unforgettable sacrifice of Bangabandhu. These forces, now carrying the flag of Pakistani politics, have come to prominence through generations. Benefiting from prolonged periods in power, they have managed to spread anti-liberation ideologies throughout Bangladesh, reaching even the grassroots level.

In the run-up to the twelfth national parliamentary elections, the ongoing conflict between the two fundamentally opposed political forces is underscored by the profound differences that exist between them. The challenge lies in how those who acknowledge the historic triumph of the Liberation War as a glorious reality can reconcile with those who vehemently deny it, forming a unity. It's a complex question. In any country worldwide, whether there is such a prolonged contradiction on fundamental national issues, unresolved philosophical matters, is not known.

There will be different opinions in politics and opposition is common in many fields. However, refusing to acknowledge the great architect of independence is unimaginable. But in Bangladesh, this is possible. That's why, within just three years, the nation had to witness the brutal assassination of its founding father, all within the family! Even the daughter, along with the top leadership of the party, has been subjected to state-sponsored terrorism!

In such an intense reality, there is no room for any kind of compromise. Nevertheless, even though the political power opposing the entire foundation in Bangladesh has expanded to encompass the entire Awami League, no matter how acceptable the awareness of the Liberation War may be from an ideological perspective, there must be a consensus on issues related to democratic governance and societal structure.

To make the upcoming election more inclusive and acceptable to the majority, efforts must be made to involve and accommodate power-sharing stakeholders as much as possible, even if it means leaving out those with power aspirations. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies have turned their attention towards the election, and they are well aware of the intricacies of political matters. The political landscape today is leadership-deficient from various perspectives. When it comes to assessing the political situation, the leadership appears vacant. Regarding the question of who will be the Prime Minister, who will be the President, they themselves may not be able to answer. They will attempt to orchestrate this election. But it cannot be anything in the way of violence. Keeping this fact in mind, a solution must be arrived at.

Politics imbued with minimum ethical values sustains visionary politics. However, unprincipled politics compels even tradition-bound glorious politics to tread the path of contamination. In the face of this reality, it is evident that the Awami League of today in Bangladesh is not the same as Bangabandhu's Awami League. The possibility of unity is non-existent. Even for progressive leftist politicians in Bangladesh, if they were to unite against this weakness, then perhaps Bangladesh could have moved on their path. The obstacles were not insurmountable. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, these leftists have repeatedly stumbled in the darkness of confusion. They have not been able to align their power with the state, nor have they been able to expand their influence vigorously, not even within the Awami League.

In this reality, even if the Awami League is against the will, to advance democratic governance, there needs to be some compromise that is the conscious decision of aware individuals. Every conscientious person knows that the political violence and instability in Bangladesh, which is currently working at the root of Bangladesh's political crisis, is the result of the confusion and division that followed the post-'75 period. However, after a long time, since 1996, Bangladesh has found an opportunity to start its journey on the political path shown by Bangabandhu. The freedom fighters have regained their lost honor. The dream that Bangabandhu envisioned for the development of the common people began to be realized through the efforts of Bangabandhu's daughter, Sheikh Hasina. The journey was not easy for Bangabandhu's daughter.

Hence, today, we must focus our hopes and achievements on the long journey we have traversed. If Bangladesh, bathed in the blood of 30 million martyrs, cannot emerge as the Golden Bengal envisioned by Bangabandhu in every aspect, then all joy will turn into sorrow. While the joy of attainment makes us proud, if we cannot maintain the momentum of development in the coming days, it will be a silent, prolonged sigh of millions of martyrs and a harbinger of disappointment for our future generations, which no one who loves the country desires.

In the reality of Bangladesh, we have to remember that social security for the poor people of the country is an inevitable programme for a civilized state. But Bangladesh had to wait until the formation of the government under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina in 1996 to accept and implement that programme.

Despite the delays, Sheikh Hasina has taken Bangladesh far ahead in the realization of the Sonar Bangla (golden Bengal) dream of Bangabandhu. Today, Bangladesh holds a prestigious position globally. However, to truly establish Bangladesh as a prosperous and content state, the government must work to reduce corruption. Addressing the mismanagement created by those who have disrupted the market is essential for Bangladesh to rise as the golden Bengal envisioned in Bangabandhu's lifelong dream.

The economic progress achieved so far must translate into greater benefits for the general public. Our per capita income has increased, but the majority of the wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few multimillionaires. The country's assets have been siphoned off abroad, with the wealthy elite building fortresses of wealth. Instances like the emergence of unanticipated affluent areas like Begumpara are disgraceful for a victorious nation. Overcoming the stain of corruption, let our triumphant Bangladesh emerge from the darkness of dishonesty to illuminate the chapters of Victory Day.

Author: Poet and Senior Journalist