Return of Bangabandhu and Pledge of New Days

"On December 16, 1971, despite the surrender of the Pakistani military in Bangladesh, our victory was not complete that day. The person who is another name for Bangladesh was still imprisoned in Pakistan at that time."

The massacre carried out by the defeated Pakistani forces and their collaborators, along with the captivity of Bangabandhu, had cast a shadow on our victory joy, uniting the two. The ecstasy of our victory was somewhat dampened by the human tragedy and Bangabandhu's imprisonment.

Due to the tireless efforts of the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, and the diplomatic warfare waged by the Mujibnagar government, global pressure consistently mounted in favor of Bangabandhu's liberation. World leaders were also actively involved in the negotiations. Ultimately, the defeated Pakistani regime was compelled to unconditionally release Bangabandhu.

After his release, Bangabandhu entered independent Bangladesh on the afternoon of 10 January in a special British Royal Air Force plane via London. Earlier on the same day, in the morning, he briefly pauses to express gratitude to the government of Indira Gandhi and the people of India.

At Palam Airport in New Delhi, President V. V. Giri, Prime Minister Mrs. Gandhi, members of the Cabinet, diplomats, and dignitaries extend a warm welcome to him.

On that day, he expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government and the people, saying, "This journey from darkness to light, from captivity to freedom, from despair to hope, is a journey of triumph."

“In the end, after nine months, I am returning to my dreamland, the Golden Bengal. When they took me away from my people, they wept; when they imprisoned me, my people fought, and today, as I return to them, they are victorious.”

"I am returning to them amidst their resounding victorious laughter. To contribute to the colossal task of directing our victory towards peace, progress, and prosperity, which lies ahead of us, I am returning to my people."

On that day, he further mentioned that through the combined efforts of the two friendly countries, his Golden Bengal will undoubtedly become a prosperous nation. He has emerged victorious from all the hardships. In London, he heard on the phone from fellow leaders how his beloved Bangladesh has been turned into ruins by the enemy.

Even during those challenging times, he dreamt of a Golden Bengal. He envisioned building a Bangladesh of peace, progress, and prosperity to fulfill the ultimate aspiration of human liberation.

Tajuddin had him in a tight embrace, tears streaming down their faces. In their eyes, there were tears of joy. These were tears of both happiness and sorrow. Note that he did not rush to be with his family members first. Instead, he went to the Racecourse to his fellow countrymen.

From the very beginning, he expressed his respect for the fighters of Bangladesh. Showing respect to the martyrs, he said, "My brothers, after the sacrifice of millions of lives, today my country is free. Today, the purpose of my life has been fulfilled. Bangladesh is free today. I salute the farmers, workers, students, freedom fighters, and the people of Bengal. Accept my salute.”

He was kept in captivity, but he knew that Bangladesh would definitely achieve independence. His hope was that 'the people of Bengal would live freely in the open air, eat, and live in happiness.' On that day, with unwavering confidence, he stated, 'Bangladesh is free and independent today. Even if a Bengali remains alive, this independence will not be lost. Bangladesh will continue to exist as an independent country in history. There is no power that can suppress Bengal.'

The passion of that day reflects how deeply he cared for the people of Golden Bengal. He stated, "I am saying this not as a president but as your brother: if the citizens cannot find food, if the youth cannot find jobs or work, then independence will be in vain—it will not be complete."

Hence, his call was, "Rebuild the devastated Bengal anew. Let everyone start building their own paths. Let each person engage in their respective work." His heart was scattered. There were the smell of corpses and gunpowder in all directions, and the mournful cries of loved ones. In such a grief-stricken time, he dreamt that Bangladesh will be an ideal state, and its foundation will not be based on any particular Religious basis.

The foundation of the state will be nationalism, democracy, socialism, and secularism. The Second World War has ended. However, in Japan and Germany, American military bases are still stationed. The Korean War ended a long time ago. Yet, in South Korea, American military bases are still present.

However, Bangabandhu had said, 'I have had discussions with Mrs. Indira Gandhi. Whenever I announce, Indian army will go back home. Many are being sent back gradually.'" Afterwards, he went to his family. From the next day onwards, he actively engaged in rebuilding the war-ravaged country.

Before the surrender, the Pakistani forces looted all the money from the vault of the Central Bank and fled. Roads, ports, railways, and bridges were destroyed. Rebuilding the devastated country faces challenges, with millions of displaced people requiring resettlement. Apart from accommodating a crore of refugees, homes must be rebuilt on a large scale. People need to be fed, and efforts must commence to restart agricultural production.

To restart the factories and industries, fulfill the aspirations of the youth, and overcome all these challenges, Bangabandhu did not show any signs of fatigue. Standing on the ruins of devastation, he continues to dream of building Sonar Bangla. Embracing the soil and the people of this land, he immersed himself in the struggle for economic freedom.

To create a powerful, egalitarian, and prosperous Bangladesh for the next generation, he gifted the citizens an outstanding constitution that ensures fundamental economic, social, and political rights in just nine months.

Despite the lack of resources, he confidently holds the first five-year plan in his hands. Primarily, uniting people with indigenous skills, he engages in an extraordinary struggle to build the nation.

In his development journey, he dedicates himself to achieving extraordinary goals in education, health, agriculture, industry, social security, women's empowerment, and environmental conservation. On one side, facing natural disasters. On the other, navigating the global oil market. Soaring inflation looms large. Pakistan's destructive diplomacy was centered around food.

US food aid was being disrupted. All these created famine, in the country. Apart from this, there was no shortage of critics within the country. He did not have any respite. He did not get that kind of support from everyone at the beginning of the nation building.

Even Maulana Bhasani did not let him catch his breath. And the so-called 'revolutionaries' remained in constant disappointment. They did not hesitate to mislead the youth. Despite facing such challenges, Bangabandhu was moving forward with his dream of Bangladesh."

He had planned initiatives for per capita income, food production, industrial production, education, health, social security and social infrastructure development. So the war-torn Bangladesh was moving forward with its head held high.

In just three years, per capita income had increased from $93 to $273. There was a decrease in food scarcity, and inflation was low. The limit for personal investment in the account was increased. The national economy was stabilizing. Most countries had recognized Bangladesh.

He was taking the country forward on the path of his dreams. But the dream of the dreamer of Bengali history was stopped by the traitors. The country stumbled, deviating from the path of development initiatives.

After years of struggle, the country has once again returned to the path of fulfilling Bangabandhu's dream. Today, Bangladesh is a wonder of the world on the development map. The final clearance to join the list of developing countries from the least developed countries of the United Nations is in its hands. Its per capita income is more than two and a half thousand dollars.

For more than a decade, Bangladesh has had the highest rate of growth in per capita income in Asia, even surpassing China and India. In the past 52 years, the economic structure of Bangladesh has undergone remarkable transformations. In 1973, the contribution of agriculture to the GDP was 53%.

Bangladesh is naturally turning towards industrialization. Despite this, Bangladesh ranks highest in Asia in terms of productivity per acre due to the success of agricultural mechanization and expansion. Per capita arable land is decreasing. But production is increasing. Agriculture is multidimensional. Bangladesh's progress in fish, meat, chicken, vegetables, flowers, fruits and agricultural processing is remarkable.

Bangladesh's success in export-oriented industries is equally remarkable. The pace of economic recovery in Bangladesh is astonishing. Even during crises, our adept leadership, hardworking entrepreneurs, and dedicated workforce have demonstrated how to keep the wheels of the economy turning smoothly.

However, many challenges still persist. We aspire for skilled manpower, social harmony, sustainable utilization of national resources, and a corruption-free Bangladesh. Certainly, by confronting all challenges, Bangladesh, envisioned by Bangabandhu as a land of 'Peace, Progress, and Prosperity,' will continue to move forward. Future days will be ours!

Author: Economist, Bangabandhu Chair Professor, University of Dhaka and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank.