Liberation War
Unofficial manifesto of the July mass uprising
If a manifesto expresses a person’s ideological stance, provides a theoretical analysis of how to solve a problem, or outlines a roadmap for progress based on the will or aspirations of the people or the time, then do the words of Abu Saeed (2001–16 July 2024) not embody the very spirit of a manifesto? Let us see what Abu Saeed, a student of the English department at Begum Rokeya University, wrote. Addressing Shaheed Shamsuzzoha (1934–1969), martyr of the 1969 mass uprising, Begum Rokeya University student Abu Sayeed wrote in a status: “Sir! We need you desperately right now, Sir! Everyone from your time is dead, but you remain immortal even in death. Your grave is our inspiration. We are illuminated by your spirit.”
Has interim govt actually become a ‘government’ in a year
Just two days before the anniversary of the July uprising, on the afternoon of August 3, at a rally organised at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital to declare the manifesto of the 'Second Republic' or New Bangladesh, several leaders of the National Citizens' Party (NCP) expressed discontent and criticism over unfulfilled expectations in various sectors over the past year. Yet the NCP is considered the main stakeholder or participant in the interim government. The government itself has, at various times, indicated its special preference or support for this party. One reason may be that the NCP was formed through the initiative of some youths who were at the forefront of the July uprising.
Ahmed Sofa unmasked the intellectuals
“The Bengali Muslim society fears independent thought the most”—this comment was made by writer Ahmed Sofa. He made the remark in his essay “Bangali Musalmaner Mon” (The Mind of the Bengali Muslim). Explaining the context of the essay, his disciple, writer and professor Salimullah Khan, said, “The Bengali Muslim is not actually an ethnic group. It is the name of a particular class, who are Muslims and speak Bangla, and who suffer from an inferiority complex because of it. A specific section of the exploited class among Bengali and Muslim people, who have not overcome this inferiority complex, they are the Bengali Muslims. Even though times have changed, the crisis of this inferiority complex has not been resolved. This is why the poor state of the Bangla language at all levels still persists.”
Failure of pro-Liberation War forces and then...
The failure of the pro-Liberation War forces is certainly one of the reasons behind the rise of anti-Liberation fundamentalist forces. They couldn’t deliver anything. They couldn’t show the youth a dream of the future. Firstly, that dream was never realised. The second is that unemployment has increased, poverty has increased. When people are unemployed, when they are poor, they seek shelter, they seek assurance; but here, society and the state are not providing shelter and assurance. People are struggling on their own, remaining unemployed, suffering from despair, not receiving justice, not finding refuge. For justice, for shelter, they then turn to religion. In the hope that even if not in this world, they will find justice in the afterlife.
Rohingya crisis: The maze of repatriation
The Rohingya crisis currently stands as the greatest threat to Bangladesh’s national security and sovereignty. Recently, it has been further complicated by debates over transit corridors and incidents of push-in operations where India has forcibly sent some registered Rohingyas into Bangladesh. In March, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Bangladesh’s interim government’s Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus visited Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar and gave hopeful messages about repatriating the Rohingyas to their homeland in Rakhine. There were reports that as many as 180,000 Rohingyas might be repatriated to Myanmar. However, those hopes quickly proved unrealistic. Moreover, since the interim government took charge nine months ago, at least 100,000 new Rohingyas have entered Bangladesh. As a result, Bangladesh's burden is increasing, and the issue of Rohingya repatriation is becoming entangled in a complex web of regional and international politics, with no immediate resolution in sight.
Literature’s opposition to the state
Even though he did not write poetry, Plato was undoubtedly a poet—this is evident throughout his prose writings. Through his use of metaphors, allegories, and word choices, the philosopher employed both the imagination and aesthetic sense of the poet within him. There is no reason to doubt that he understood the appeal and power of poetry in his personal life. Yet, in his ideal state, he made no room for poets. He even gave instructions for their expulsion. Poets may be honoured, adorned with garlands and perfumes, but they must be politely told: Gentlemen, there is no place for you in our state.
No government is truly interested in collecting Liberation War documents
Mir Shamsul Alam Babu is well-known for his work in archiving and documenting the history of Bangladeshi cinema. His two books published by the Bangladesh Film Archive—Kushali Chitragrohok Baby Islam and Chitroshampadok Bashir Hossain—have received considerable attention.
Attacks on foreign brands have ruined the country's image
Of course, Hamas has driven this violent man crazy. Due to its excessive confidence and belief in its own power, Hamas has suddenly attacked inside Israel and killed, tortured, and taken hostage Israeli civilians. In retaliation, Israeli soldiers are shooting wherever there is movement inside Gaza, silencing it. There is no hesitation in the words of the Israeli soldiers, Hamas fighters killed them in October 2023, now they are killing Palestinians. One soldier said, ‘We came to kill them. We are killing their wives, children, dogs, cats - everything.'
Speak the truth and demand elections, they label you an Indian agent
Renowned as the "Political Bard," Advocate Fazlur Rahman is a valiant freedom fighter and a former Member of Parliament for Kishoreganj-3. He was the chief of the Mujib Bahini in Kishoreganj district during the Liberation War. Whenever the country, the motherland, or the state faces a crisis, disaster, or turmoil, he emerges as a strong voice of protest. He remains highly vocal against any distortion of history. A steadfast defender of Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and the spirit of the Liberation War, this remarkable figure was born in Koronsi village of Joysiddhi Union under Itna Thana in Kishoreganj district. Currently, he serves as an advisor to the BNP Chairperson.
Goal setting and positive mindset
The increasing tendency to stir emotions regarding sports, athletes, and organizers is alarming. This is detrimental to the sports arena. Division, conflicts, and controversies at various levels weaken unity in sports. A diverse yet unified sporting community is not only aesthetically pleasing but also essential. Rushing into sports-related initiatives and decisions without understanding them fosters a negative mindset. Anticipating incidents that may hinder progress towards goals and becoming overly concerned about them is the definition of anxiety.