Bangabandhu's Birth and Bangladesh's Independence Are Inseparably Attached

 

Today entire Bangladesh along with Sub Continent will be celebrating 104th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Though Bangabandhu has departed for eternal peace way back in the year 1975 on August 15. The premature end to this dynamic life of Bangladesh as well as that of India, brought about a pall of gloom due to tragic circumstances. Till date the creative memories of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remains deeply embedded in our memory. Pity part for us was that centenary celebrations of Bangabandhu was badly marred due to the scourge of Pandemic Covid-19 on March 17, 2020. Later on after the middle of the year 2021, when things started settling down the euphoria of the celebrations begun on a war footing. Again it is hoped that this coming 17th, 103rd birth anniversary will be celebrated with much poignancy and euphoria. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was such a dynamic who will remain embedded in the mind and heart of Bengalis forever. Not only he will remain into the hearts of Bengalis,  rather Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will remain into the citizens of various other citizens of the globe. If we think of closer and cordial South Asian neighbour of Bangladesh, India, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is equally well known. His bust has already been setup at National Press Club, New Delhi as well as in Kolkata Press Club. Bangladesh being a sovereign and independent nation, interesting part to be noted is that sparkling image of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is still vivid in the mind of Bengalis of this part of the globe. That means I refer to people of West Bengal. This is because he spent quite good part of his life in undivided Bengal as well as that of Kolkata. 

This writer from Kolkata, India, do have the privilege to visit a well-known family of Kolkata as well as that of modern Independent Bangladesh. The family is none other than dynamic Morshed family. In their aristocratic ambience at their Central Kolkata residence, there I consider myself lucky to witness the image of Bangabandhu along with other nationalist icons of pre-independence India. As he was a person of dynamic and flamboyant temperament, till date Bengalis of both nations as well as citizens of other parts of the globe, still could not forget this dynamic icon of South Asian Sub-Continent. Thus in the subsequent paragraph it is my earnest endeavour to analyse deeply about the reason behind Bangabandhu being crowned as dynamic icon of South Asian Sub-Continent.

In order to evaluate Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it is not an easy task for this writer. It is through this column I have referred him as a dynamic icon of South Asian Sub-Continent. But what could be the logic behind this evaluation of his by me. Before I delve into details the reason for Sheikh Mujibur Rahman being crowned as Bangabandhu. To be more explicit he was a true friend of Bengalis. In this regard Bengalis are regarded as citizen of Bangladesh. But Bengalis from Indian state of West Bengal as well as that of Tripura Bangabandhu is still a household of common citizens. It became evident glaringly during the centenary celebrations of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which was organised by Bangladesh Deputy High Commission office based in Kolkata.

Now coming to the speciality in Bangabandhu’s character, there might be many behind it. Among all the speciality in Bangabandhu, some of the major ones are as such, Bangabandhu was a true friend of the masses, Bangabandhu zeal and determination for country’s betterment was such, which was well adored by people from all quarters, Bangabandhu was open to all sections of societies, Bangabandhu had full confidence upon his citizens, Bangabandhu was eager for economic emancipation of his nation etc.

In the international segment Bangabandhu was cordial and amiable with his nation’s closer neighbours which was no doubt India. This trend is still being continued by his capable daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed. Whatever best he found from other parts of the globe, he tried to implement in his native land. The objective behind is nothing but to develop his nation to international standard.

Scar behind the brutal murder of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur on August 15, 1975, is still impacted largely in the mind of the citizens of Bangladesh. Even there are many Indians of those times like me thunders whenever we think of that gruesome act instigated by some miscreants of that nation. Entire family members were murdered including his close confidante. Exceptional part to be noticed was that his two daughters Sheikh Hasina Wazed and Sheikh Rehana escaped as they were away at an overseas destination of the globe.

As we are on the verge of celebrating 103rd birth anniversary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the seventeenth day of the said month. Citizens of India and Bangladesh still couldn’t forget the dynamism and flamboyance of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Those who are his ardent disciple till date, still couldn’t forget his courage and determination. This his daughter Sheikh Hasina Wazed has inherited from her father in running the administration. The way Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed is administering her government remains an eye opener to other nations of the globe, which is no doubt inclusive of India.

To throw light about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, it would be unethical on my part, in not throwing any light on his economic thoughts. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman right after his country’s independence emphasised upon introduction of new technology. According to him, whatever best was available in the Western nations that should introduced instantly in his own nation. Agriculture should be the keystone towards economic development of his nation.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was also instrumental in uplifting the cultural growth of his nation. He fought vehemently to celebrate the birth anniversary of poet, philosopher, thinker, novelist, short story writer, essayist and Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore in the then East Pakistan and later on Bangladesh. In this regard he was ably assisted by first chief justice of the Supreme Court of erstwhile East Pakistan and later Bangladesh. Till date birth anniversary Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore is celebrated with fervour and spirit.

The way Bangladesh government is maintaining his mausoleum at Tungipara has opened the tourists boldly an clearly. The books written by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are as such, Prison Diaries, Unfinished Memoirs, Bangladesh my Bangladesh, The Voice of freedom and finally China as I witnessed.

Analysis about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will be a never ending process. It will continue with the passing away of each and every phase of our life. There are many writers and scholars of India and Bangladesh are carrying on this undaunting task about this dynamic icon of South Asian Sub Continent. But despite all the odds, dynamism and flamboyance of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will continue to remain enshrined in the storehouse of our memory. Also modern public figures of both nations should be inspired by his noble thoughts.


Md. Arafat Rahman is a columnist and an
official of Southeast University, Dhaka.