Speech of 7 March: Affirming Human Rights

On the evening of March 7, 1971, when I heard the extraordinary speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sitting at the Racecourse Maidan (now Suhrawardy Udyan), I never imagined that I would be able to write a novel titled 'Shat e Marcher Bikel'. On that historic March 7th, our friend Namita Sannayal was with me. We all felt the dignity of that moment, knowing that there would be no turning back. We waited in anticipation for Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's speech, hoping to leave the crowded field once the excitement subsided. There was a place near the stage enclosed with bamboo for girls. Poet Sufia Kamal was there, and I was close by. After conversing with Khalamma, I left a little later. On my way out, I bought some nuts from a vendor. The nuts seller handed me the nuts and said, "East Pakistan has disappeared, East Pakistan has disappeared." Astonished, I looked at him! Even I know that Bangabandhu never mentioned East Pakistan in his speech. He said Bangla, Purbo Bangla, Bangladesh. He said, "Today, the people of Bengal want freedom, the people of Bengal want to live, the people of Bengal want their rights.

In that extraordinary speech on the historic March 7th, he elevated the masses and declared, " You will no longer be able to suppress us." To truly understand the significance of this statement, one must reflect on the words carefully. If he had chosen to express himself in formal Bengali, he would have said, "Aar daabiye raakhte parbe na. However, he didn't use formal Bengali. Instead, he employed colloquial language and regional expressions, instantly connecting with the hearts of the Bengali people. By using regional words and verbs, he opened up the enormous gateway to the soul of Bengali nationalism within moments. This was the path through which Bengali character's inherent characteristics emerged.

In his speech on March 7th, after that statement, he continued by saying, "This time's struggle is our struggle for freedom, this time's struggle is the struggle for independence." The noteworthy aspect here is that he expressed this statement in authentic Bengali. It's remarkable how he transcended from the national platform to the international level, emphasizing that the struggle for liberation and the struggle for independence are universal truths for every nation. The struggles for liberation and independence are not singular; hence, international support, assistance, and cooperation are necessary. That's why the statement was articulated in authentic Bengali. In the aspiration of forging connections with people worldwide, the Bengali spirit envisions a confluence akin to the meeting of the Ganges with the Bhagirathi, clear and unmistakable. When, in that speech of that day, his resounding voice reached the same parallel as the boundless and unstoppable torrent of the river, it was then that the Bengali's desire for a unique life experience became profoundly intense.

When envisioning the imagery evoked by the phrase "Aar dabaye rakhbar parba na" ("You will no longer be able to keep us subdued"), one can imagine a powerful scene. Picture a group of people lying on the ground, their faces pressed firmly against the earth, while the foot of an oppressor looms above them, seeking to crush their spirits and rob them of their livelihoods. Despite the weight bearing down on their backs, there is a palpable sense of defiance and resilience among them. They refuse to be subdued any longer, determined to rise up and reclaim their dignity and freedom. This imagery embodies the struggle against oppression and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be oppressed any longer. They seized the ruler's two feet with both hands and tore them off. It is conceivable that such a violent act gave rise to the lofty imagery of the head, as depicted in the rebellious poem "Bolo bir chiro unnoto momo shir" by Kazi Nazrul Islam. What a surprising juxtaposition! This perhaps indicates how poetry and politics can intertwine. Poets and politicians stand face to face. Isn't the phrase "Arr dabaye rakhbar parbana." also a timeless assertion?

When I write the novel "Hangor Nodee Grenade", I incorporate a true incident. It revolves around an event that took place in Kaliaganj village in Jessore during the Liberation War. My teacher, researcher, and folklorist Professor Abdul Hafiz, who worked as a journalist during the Liberation War, narrated that incident to me after independence. In Jashore, a mother handed over her son to the military to save two freedom fighters. This act of sacrifice by a rural woman served as inspiration in a speech during the Liberation War. In that speech, Bangabandhu said, "If I cannot give orders...". Bengali women understood from this statement what they needed to do. They had already decided what actions to take, lifting their heads high with determination and resolve. There was no room for doubt.

A girl from a poorly educated village, Taramon Bibi, fought with weapons in hand. Her strength was inspired by this speech. How an individual perceives such a speech reflects on the entire Bangladeshi women's society. It is said that Kakon Bibi from Sylhet provided food and weapons to the freedom fighters' camps. She even had to stay in Pakistani army camps. She had no formal education. Bangabandhu's speech determined their course of action. Upon hearing his impassioned call, she jumped into action. On that day, March 7th, even the women had bamboo sticks in their hands at that rally. This speech ignited the dream of freedom in the hearts of Bengalis during the nine months of the Liberation War. It transcended the borders of the country. It's the words of a visionary. He said that he had firsthand experience with a Kashmiri guerrilla fighter abroad. In various contexts, he asked him, "Can you achieve your own independence by depending on other countries?" Along with the guerrilla fighter, he said to him, "Are you from Bangladesh?" This is how the people of Bangladesh, a small but progressive nation in the world, have reached out to others. This is not just an isolated incident. Behind it lies the experience of a person from a thousand years ago, who internalized the history of a thousand years and moved forward.

In history, he is perpetual, the one who can inspire the entire nation with dreams. In history, he stands on his own side, proving himself worthy in the eyes of time. In this context, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman emerges as that great figure in history, the titan who was not created by time, but rather shaped time according to his will. He uttered in a stern voice his own words, an immortal phrase applicable for all times and all nations: "Remember, we have shed blood, will shed more, I will liberate the people of this country, In Sha Allah." The pledge to give blood is a meaningful commitment to sacrifice one's own life source. Unless this pledge is echoed in the homes of freedom-loving people, the goal of liberation remains unattainable. When the message of this speech reaches every home, the intensity of its fervor will become irresistible in the consciousness of people, UNESCO's message will resonate in every household.

Bangabandhu's political philosophy is reflected in the phrase " Bhaiyera Amar". In this address, there is a spiritual connection between men and women, transcending gender, with the common people. This connection complements the nation and society. Just as people will gain rights in the state, they will also attain the dignity of humanity in their consciousness. This speech elevated Bangladesh's attainment before the world.

On October 30, 2017, Irina Bokova, the Director-General of UNESCO, announced that the historic speech of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 7th has been recognized as a "World Documentary Heritage" and included in the 'Memory of the World International Register'. UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. This recognition has created a significant opportunity for global dissemination throughout history. We must say that the history of Bengalis and Bangladesh is synonymous with the history of March 7th. Through UNESCO, the attainment of Bengalis is recognized as a global heritage. This heritage inspires humanity to move forward. It ensures human rights amidst resistance and protest.

Author: Writer, columnist and president, Bangla Academy.