The war launched by the heroes of this soil against the ruthless and repressive Pakistani rulers was never confined to this tiny territory. Many compassionate personalities and organisations across the globe joined the historic war far beyond the seven seas. The humanitarian appeal even reached thousands of miles away. It reached the French capital Paris.
Andre Malraux was a man of many names – a freedom fighter, a statesman and an author. He was one of the compassionate overseas friends of Bangladesh. His contribution to our liberation was enormous. He helped move the then bemused world community against the atrocities committed by Pakistani military on the peace loving people of Bangladesh. He even announced that he would join the Liberation War physically with the Mukti Bahini (the Bangalee freedom fighters) at one time during the war.
Andre Malraux made a brief visit after the liberation of Bangladesh and during the tour he met Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman a couple of times and they shared their thoughts with each other.
Interestingly, his name is also quite popular among the students of Dhaka University. Malraux also paid visits to two more universities.
Who is Andre Malraux?
Back in July, 1971, India’s non-violent movement hero Jayaprakash Narayan contacted Andre Malraux for an international convention to address the global community about the wartime brutalities in Bangladesh. It has been said that Bangladeshi novelist, writer and filmmaker Zahir Raihan also invited Malraux to join the convention on behalf of the ‘Bangladesh Intellectuals Liberation War Council’. But, who is Andre Malraux? What is the relationship between our Liberation War, Father of the Nation, Bangladeshis youths and Andre Malraux?
Malraux, born as Georges Andre Malraux to French parents on 3 November 1901, was a multitalented and diversified character. He was also a philosopher, cinematographer, an art theorist as well as a novelist. Malraux was the very first Minister of Cultural Affairs in France. He himself was a freedom fighter. During the Spanish Civil War in 1936, he fought for the Republican faction in Spain and later joined the French Resistance during the WWII. He fought many battles with the French Army during the WW II. He was even captured couple of times during the WW II. Malraux died on 23 November 1976.
Andre Malraux and Bangabandhu
Once Bangladesh was liberated, Malraux did not miss the opportunity to visit the newly liberated country. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman personally invited Malraux in recognition of his contribution to Bangladesh’s liberation. Two years into the country's independence, Malraux came to Bangladesh on 21 April 1973.
During his five-day visit, Malraux travelled from Rajshahi to Chittagong (now Chattogram) and met freedom fighters, young university students and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman twice. They had a dinner together.
Bangabandhu did not understand French and Andre Malraux did not understand Bangla. They used an interpreter to communicate. Despite the language barrier, a very friendly ambience was created between them during the meetings.
As seen in ‘Bangladesh Year One: From Despair to Hope” filmed by Philippe Halphen, during the first meeting between Bangabandhu and Malraux, a journalist questioned Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “Mr Prime Minister, how did your people respond to Andre Malraux’s proposal to fight for Bangladesh?”
Bangabandhu replied, “That matter was very important for Bangladesh at the time. It gave us courage. After all, it is hard to accept death. We were being brutally killed. This great man came forward under such difficult circumstances and declared that he wanted fight for the people of Bangladesh. I was incarcerated at the time and this was significant. We are very grateful. We are extremely happy that he has come to Bangladesh despite being so busy. But this is not enough for us. We want him for a longer time. People all over are telling me, we want to see him, we want to see him. But we know he doesn’t have the time. That is why I invited him personally.”
We want him for a longer time. People all over are telling me, we want to see him, we want to see him. But we know he doesn’t have the time. That is why I invited him personallyBangabandhu
Another journalist sought to know Bangabandhu’s expectations from Andre Malraux?
In reply, Bangabandhu said, “We want his love. We have many problems. They killed three million of our people. They killed the intellectuals, damaged our roads, and destroyed our food stock. We have so many problems but I do not want anything from any one. All I want is love and respect which my people deserve. Have you not seen my beautiful land, the excellent people of the country and beautiful green scenery?”
During second meeting between Malraux and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the latter said, through the interpreter, “You must have seen how our people have drawn you close to their hearts.”
Malraux replied to the interpreter, “Will you ask Mr Prime Minister if he is interested in knowing what I have noticed during my visit? I have noted it all down. Firstly, I have understood that the people have suffered much more than the people of Europe imagine. I will give my answers in writing about the questions on economy, nation building, various instigations and birth control. Have my writing translated.”
I think that perhaps even Sheikh Mujibur Rahman does not realise he is as fearless as the soldiers of Saladin’s army. He is courageous, generous and he has a certain ideology that has made him into an inspiration for others. You know that he was incarcerated in prison.Andre Malraux
A journalist asked Malraux, “Mr Minister, this was your first meeting with Mr Mujibur Rahman. Tell us about the warm relations between the two of you.”
Malraux said, “I’m sharing my thoughts with you, but you must remember that I can’t speak Bangla. We drew close during long conversations in our two meetings and a dinner, but all this was through an interpreter. I believe that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is an excellent orator and an astonishing historical personality. I think that perhaps even Sheikh Mujibur Rahman does not realise he is as fearless as the soldiers of Saladin’s army. He is courageous, generous and he has a certain ideology that has made him into an inspiration for others. You know that he was incarcerated in prison. The moment I met him I felt we had a bond. It would not have been so if I was just a writer. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was perhaps thinking that he and General De Gaulle went through the same situation and asked what would have General De Gaulle done in such a situation.”
“This question is quite intriguing to me and perhaps to you as well. There are certain fairy tales and when you enter these tales, something happens. Take Gautama Buddha for example, he could become an enlightened man. He wanted to help everyone in the world and was enlightened. His followers saw a flock of cranes flying north and then they suddenly veered south and flew in the opposite direction. In the Tripitaka it is written, “The followers turned towards Buddha and saw he was literally glowing.” A time comes when fairy tales fade and certain people spread light. A common factor between Mujib and De Gaulle could be ‘prison’ that made them legends. Mujib wasn’t expected to return alive. He managed to return because they did not have the courage to execute him.”
A journalist asked, “You got a touch of magic from De Gaulle, is that not so?”
“There is a bit of a god-like role, you must have understood! General De Gaulle became ‘De Gaulle’ when he called for resistance. That, of course, was not enough to become De Gaulle. But if the call for resistance wasn’t made, nothing would have happened,” said Malraux.
Malraux and Liberation War
The name Andre Malraux and the struggle for freedom of the people of this land are inseparable. Back in 1971, an international convention titled “World Meet on Bangladesh” was organised on 18 and 20 September to make world community aware of the brutalities perpetrated by the Pakistani military. Malraux neither attended the convention nor the Liberation War physically, though he always wanted to fiercely. But his strong voice in favour of the Bangladesh’s liberation helped bring huge international support for Bangladesh. At a press conference in Paris on 18 September 1971, Malraux declared to fight along with Bangladesh freedom fighters leading an ‘International Brigade’.
“At the age of 70 in September 1971, he was one mighty voice to air on the radio a vehement call for the constitution of a new International Brigade for Bangladesh…,” reads a document of Alliance Française of Dhaka.
I don’t agree with meetings. Those who are intellectuals may find self-satisfaction. But, Pakistani tanks will advance much in that time. Bangladesh cannot be a place of non-violence. It just can be a country of armed resistance. That should be.Andre Malraux
A letter from Malraux over the ‘World Meet on Bangladesh’ published on 20 September read, “I don’t agree with meetings. Those who are intellectuals may find self-satisfaction. But, Pakistani tanks will advance much in that time. Bangladesh cannot be a place of non-violence. It just can be a country of armed resistance. That should be. This kind of meeting was important thirty years ago. This is not relevant now. I have some military experiences which are rare among the writers. I want the right to lead a unit. I want to talk at the United Nations in favour of Bangladesh along with India. It’s not easy, but not impossible.” (Mohammad Lutful Haque, Prothom Alo, 16 December 2016)
During the war, Malraux sent an open letter to US president Nixon criticising his stance. The letter was published in the French daily ‘Le Figaro’ on 18 December, 1971. It read, “Your aircraft carrier can destroy Calcutta, but it cannot wage war against the dying refugees. If the world’s strongest army couldn’t defeat the bare-feet Vietnamese, do you believe that Islamabad’s army can reoccupy a country that is inspired by spirit of liberation from 1,800 kilometres away?”
Malraux and Bangladeshi youth
Malraux came here with inspiring words, kindheartedness and some guidance for the young generation of the new Bangladesh. The sacrifice of the students moved him deeply. Before his departure on 25 April, Malraux visited three key universities and delivered emotional speeches in front of the graduates applauding devotion of their fellows for the country and explained the work ahead to build the war-torn nation.
At Dhaka University
It has been 46 years since the year the French philosopher Andre Malraux paid his historic visit to Dhaka University. He has been immortalised through the advent. To honour his visit, the DU authorities dubbed the garden in front of its business faculty after his name. Following the day, the green patches turned into “Jarden Malraux [Malraux Garden]”. It is also popularly believed among the students of the university that "Mol Chattar" around the open space is actually “Malraux Chattor.” Be it true or false, the legend is there.
Documents indicate that during his very short and first visit to Bangladesh on 21 April, Malraux delivered an emotional speech addressing the students of the university.
For the first time I [am] speaking at the only university in the world where there are more dead than the living. Students of France know that your teachers and your friends embraced death for the liberty, and they know that now here else ever before students and teachers paid such a heavy price for libertyAndre Malraux
“For the first time I [am] speaking at the only university in the world where there are more dead than the living. Students of France know that your teachers and your friends embraced death for the liberty, and they know that now here else ever before students and teachers paid such a heavy price for liberty.
“Those of yours who died have rendezvoused with the fate of Bangladesh, but now it is for you to build a Nation.”
As many as 43 years after Malraux’s visit to the university, a mural was inaugurated inside the garden on 26 April 2014. The mural terms Malraux as “Friend of Bangladesh.” He is more than a friend to Bangladesh though.
At Rajshahi University
On his second of day on 22 April 1973, Malraux went to University of Rajshahi where addressing the students he said, “Mr President and Chancellor and guests, when the huge Persian army attacked Greece, just 300 people blocked their way at a place called Thermopylae. They were all killed in that war. Perhaps the most famous inscription of Greece and possibly of Ancient Greece and Rome, remains at this site: ‘Go tell the Spartans, thou who passes by/That here, obedient to their laws, we lie.’ You must also write the epitaph on the grave of any fighter, on the burial grounds of the intellectuals, ‘Those of you passing by, go tell everyone that those who lie here, fought with the bare hands and unhesitatingly for nine cruel months.’"
You must also write the epitaph on the grave of any fighter, on the burial grounds of the intellectuals, ‘Those of you passing by, go tell everyone that those who lie here, fought with the bare hands and unhesitatingly for nine cruel months.Andre Malraux
I salute all the martyrs around us. You have shown the world that the soul of the nation which does not accept defeat, can never be killed. There are two types of nations, one that fights for itself, - for example, Britain fighting against Germany in the World War, and one that fights for all, like the French Republic in the Crusade. There are graves of French soldiers all over the West and the East. Perhaps it was the same spirit that lies in the graves of the heroic freedom fighters of Bangladesh that ignited the French Revolution in Europe. Mr President, yesterday I met the wounded freedom fighters and you have received me and the civilization of my country on their behalf and on behalf of the old civilization of Bengal. Accepting this honour from you, I would like to tell Bangladesh, I am honoured to be here.”
Rajshahi University Authorities conferred a D Litt degree to him.
At Chittagong University
Addressing a gathering of Chittagong University students, Andre Malraux said, “There is a long and glorious history of the French revolution soldiers rising up against the king in Europe, of the Red Army, Mao’s army during the long march. If China really helped Pakistan, then they did this against these soldiers. These were called partisan since the times of Lenin. We took your side because you all were cruelly oppressed and threatened and you have a 3000-year-old civilization in your souls. In our times, Gandhi was the old leader of freedom who fought for people’s souls. There is need for people to support each other in this world. They must use their souls. Your revolution has joined Bengal with ours.
The world does not seem to want to understand that your revolution is the only one that is not a generalised revolution. It is not Stalin, not Hitler, not Mao, but Gandhi and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But they haven’t understood this yet. But now is the time to rise up.
"The world does not seem to want to understand that your revolution is the only one that is not a generalised revolution. It is not Stalin, not Hitler, not Mao, but Gandhi and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But they haven’t understood this yet. But now is the time to rise up. We certainly needed victory. Bangladesh today wants peace and that is for everyone. You have to strive for your second victory by building the nation. The war for peace must follow the armed struggle. I will meet the city authorities today. A decision will be taken about your needs and once I return work will begin on the primary requirements. We could not fight together during the war, but we will fight together now. Long live Chittagong, Long Live Bangladesh.”
Sources: Alliance Française de Dhaka and Prothom Alo