A fundamental truth instilled in many since childhood is a great saying; “love for one’s country is the very essence of faith”. The morale of huge literature taught in primary and mid-level educational institutions is the significance of love among the sons of her soil for the nation and country surpassing all other considerations. The nation expects nourishing deep esteem for the country above everything. Heroes, who have placed the interest of the country before self-interest and selflessly sacrificed themselves throughout history for the betterment of the nation are immortal and a source of everlasting inspiration.
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As advanced in age, people came across two timeless phrases; “Feel proud to purchase domestic products” and “boycott foreign goods and preserve own money within own borders.” Such golden words are always aimed at the sweet elixir of patriotism. However, if these sentiments remain mere words on paper and fail to manifest in our actions, they become nothing more than hollow and meaningless education.
Nation’s turbulent journey: From Plassey to present-day trials
Such sentiments bring to mind the Battle of Plassey, which occurred 266 years ago on June 23rd. It was during this fateful event that Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah valiantly fought against the British in the vicinity of Plassey. Sadly, it was the treacherous acts of those who betrayed with the nation on that day that led to our subjugation under British rule for a staggering 190 years (1757-1947. It was followed by subjugation under Pakistani juntas for another 24 years (1947-1971).
Even after gaining independence and establishing Bangladesh as a sovereign nation, we have encountered numerous trials and tribulations. Our love for the country has been overshadowed by the black part of our last 52 years of history which contains murder and humiliation of heads of governments in a row. On November 3rd, 1975, Interim President Tajuddin Ahmed and three other national leaders were mercilessly assassinated while confined in prison. Prior to this tragedy, on August 15th, the Father of the Nation and President, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, along with his family, fell victim to another assassination.
Six years later, on May 30th, 1981, former Chief of Army Staff and President Ziaur Rahman was assassinated by members of the military in the port city of Chittagong. Another former Chief of Army Staff and President, Hussain Muhammad Ershad faced imprisonment ten years later, having lost power and being tainted by corruption. He was followed by Khaleda Zia as Prime Minister, who is behind the bar now being convicted of corruption charges. In the midst of these events, during the extraordinary “1/11” military-backed government from 2007 to 2008, a peculiar administration was led by the former governor of Bangladesh Bank Fakhruddin Ahmed. He along with other key personalities of his government are in exile since his removal from power.
The incumbent Prime Minister of our country, Sheikh Hasina, has been at the helm of the government from 1996 to 2001 and has continued her leadership since then. During the ‘1/11’ government, she also experienced a period of confinement in a makeshift prison at the Parliament building, where attempts were made to poison her. Throughout her tenure as the leader of the opposition party (2001-2006), she miraculously survived multiple assassination attempts, including deadly grenade attacks. Following her victory in the 2008 elections, she once again formed the government at the end of her tenure for this term.
Foreign forces at play
The history of the past 52 years shows, since gaining independence of Bangladesh, every head of government or leader who hands over power had to accept a brutal fate, such as assassination, imprisonment, exile, or attempts to murder, etc. The annals of history also reveal clearly that foreign actors and their local collaborators had been deeply involved in all such tragic and untoward incidents. Consequently, we become agitated when we witness an excessive involvement of foreigners and their agents in the domestic affairs of our country, particularly in political matters and more precisely in the election process.
Regrettably, it is true that we ourselves repeatedly extend invitations to these foreigners. We write letters, present video footage, and place helpless mothers and children before them with placards. Sometimes it is the government that invites foreigners, and at other times, it is the opposition. As if there is none in our country who can solve our domestic crisis! But the fact remains that we possess well-acclaimed and noteworthy individuals within the country who possess the experience and expertise to solve not only national problems but international problems too.
However, they do not possess the visible power and raw influence that foreigners hold. Considering foreigners’ influence as a whip, someone might ask then, are we gradually behaving like donkeys, unable to move forward without the whip? Or do the shackles of the British, which lasted for 190 years, and the chains of Pakistan, which we endured for 24 years, still bind our thought process tightly?
The quest for independence continues
Even after 52 years of independence, a political party in power oppose foreign interference, and the same political party seeks foreign political assistance while in opposition. Is there none in the country capable of addressing this issue? It is high time for us to focus on our own scholars in this respect and the sacred responsibility of the scholars to come forward overlooking bitterness in the past.
We have a plethora of former army chiefs, judges, bureaucrats, and educators who are still physically and mentally fit and possess the experience and knowledge to contribute significantly to our nation. The honourable President of the country may invite former army chiefs and ask for a suitable name. By bringing together the divided judges, lawyers, and educators, the names of a former judge, veteran lawyer, and emeritus teacher could be obtained.
The Association of Bangladesh Civil Service Officers can help to identify a former bureaucrat who remained above partisan. Similarly, organization of Non-Residential Bangladeshi CIPs, local doctors and engineers can nominate a representative respectively. If Salman F Rahman and Abdul Awal Mintoo talk across a table, they can undoubtedly find a business tycoon who will be acceptable to everyone. Likewise, iconic individuals from other professions, prominent figures, and enlightened women can also be found out.
Media moguls can identify a media personality who truly represents the spirit of patriotism in media. A body of such jewels of the country can suggest a way to bring the belligerent political stakeholders under a single umbrella and guide them in holding an election to be acceptable both locally and internationally. The clock is running very fast and it is the most appropriate time for us to ponder upon this issue and chart a path forward that relies on the leadership of our own people.
Considering the overall situation, certain portions of the poem and song “Kandari Hushiar” by the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam might seem quite relevant. In this poem written exactly 96 years back in a month of June, the poet reminded the captain of the ship and passengers to remain alert as the sea is turbulent. When politics in the country is turbulent due to foreign influence, should we not give a thought to solutions to be obtained from native non-political eminent personalities?
Author: Former army officer, researcher, analyst, and columnist.
Note: This article was previously published in Bangla daily “The Kalbela” on 10 Jun 2023 and is now being translated and a little modified with the permission of the author.
