The Language Movement initiated the Bangalees' struggle to free the nation from Pakistan’s rule. This struggle intensified in the 1960's. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the one to lead the movement strongly. He was called Bangabandhu (friend of Bengal) since 23 February 1969. The Pakistanis considered him their principal opponent and enemy. They sent him to jail 18 times over a period of over 13 years. He had to face 24 cases, but didn’t compromise. His self-respect was as robust as his self-confidence. Such a valiant and strong personality is rare in our political history. This was paired by his extraordinary capacity to inspire and organise people. His oratory was magical which was embodied in his speech on 7 March 1971.
Today is Bangbandhu’s birth centenary and the Mujib Year starts from today. Throughout the year, we will remember him through various arrangements and programmes. We will discuss his politics and his thoughts on the people, country, agriculture, cooperatives, health, education, and so on. If the celebrations, discussions and homages are only limited to mere ceremony and there is no connection between our words and practice, then we will miss the opportunity to develop our politics, education, administration and society. At the end of the day, our achievements would amount to nothing.
Take politics, as it is the principal driving force of a modern state. Very few nations felt the necessity of pure and democratic politics the way the people of Bangladesh felt it. The war we fought in 1971 was not only against the Pakistani misrule, it was for a democratic, socialist, discrimination-free, liberal, humane and secular state. Military and pseudo military rule went on in this state for long. The democratic structure that was built after democracy had been restored is still unfulfilled in various aspects, but Bangabandhu dreamt of a democratic state. His politics had a preparatory phase as well as organisational and resistance phases. He carried out institutional regulated politics. Throughout his life he fought for the rights of the people. His ‘Unfinished Memoirs’ and ‘Karagarer Rojnamcha’ reflect a thorough philosophy of democracy. He talked about the independence of newspapers and legal system as well as human rights. Many of his speeches are still heard. In a speech delivered to the army, he called upon them to resist the bootleggers, corrupts and those who accepted bribes.
During this Mujib Year, it is regrettable that his dreams have no value inside his own party. Corruption is all encompassing. Plundering is prevalent in the banking sector and mega projects including the casino and pillow scams. The newspapers are replete with reports of businesses and misdeeds of the student leaders. The leaders of Bangabandhu’s party though preach that everyone is equal to law and that no criminal would be spared irrespective of party. But this is hardly reflected in reality. A judge was transferred in just three hours after he denied bail to a former lawmaker. This too took place at the beginning of Mujib Year. Such examples are common.
Bangabandhu’s party and its government must clean its own house if they want to turn the Mujib Year meaningful and show real respect to him. Strict measures must be adopted to eradicate corruption. The judiciary must be allowed to work independently. People in the judiciary and the administration who have integrity and ethics, do not need to be awarded but must not be reprimanded either. The election system must be freed of faults and people’s trust must be built regarding the system. Transparency and accountability must be practiced nationally as well as locally on a regular basis. The people as well as the government are benefited if the media is allowed to operate independently. The government is benefited only if it can bear the criticism and is willing to correct as well as reform. Such enthusiasm must be stirred up fast. On top of all, the words must be put into practice.
Wonderful improvements took place in our economy over the last 10 years. The society has become dynamic. The youth is active. People want Bangladesh to move forward. The country will advance at an extraordinary pace if the democracy is transparent; there is accountability in the administration, and if the legal system earns public trust. It will progress more if the police are more people-friendly, education more standard.
We can hope that the people may gladly see such a picture of progress at the end of Mujib Year. We offer our love and tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth centenary.
*Syed Manzoorul Islam is an educationist and author. This piece originally appearing in Prothom Alo print edition has been translated here in English by Nusrat Nowrin.