Born of Bangladesh and Mujib

“Waiting for the Next Speech” by J Rahman was an interesting article at Mukti (http://jrahman.wordpress.com/2008/03/07/waiting-for-the-next-speech) where the writer concisely articulated the aftermath of the dramatic speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 7 March, 1971 expecting a repetition for a better Bangladesh. He narrated “There is absolutely no denying the fact that the speech marks a milestone in Bangladesh’s quest for freedom”. I do recognize and also feel myself responsible focusing on some issues those increasingly confusing many of us due to dirty criminalization of politics. It will be unwise, unethical and an injustice with the nation to create any confusion on the most prominent and heroic contributor of our independence. It is the Mujib, who is undoubtedly the father of the nation. Recognizing to the fullest, I have some different ideas to share or clarify from my learned and educated blogers.

Declaration of Independence:         A political rivalry was created and generated confusion through dividing the new generations’ understanding on the issue. Mujib was responsible and forced the environment to lit the light. But, might it happen even superseding his desires or initial goal.   If it would be his final goal, then possibly he would not join number of meeting with the Pak politicians/ juntas even after mid march. 7 March could be recognized to mark the end of his diplomatic efforts with Pakistan. But we know that was not. No denying fact that Mujib ordered his led to protect the motherland. But what was his strategy in provisioning of war munitions? If noting of that sort was at hand, than he displayed severe irresponsibility by forcing the unarmed people into a war. But if he had drafted/ finalized his campaign plan and disseminated than again why Zia risked himself including family for a useless declaration? Either it was a requirement or he was a fool in spending time behind declaration thus making him more vulnerable rather to fight back and organize. But than the fool, fooled all of us after liberation for quite some period. May be he was never a fool but patriot and intelligent, and felt the requirement of declaration as Mujib’s was not enough. So credit may be shared. 

Why Mujib Accepted Arrest?           I yet don’t have the conclusive answer. But shadow can be made out on the argument while I try figuring out what alternatives he had. Being an escapee, he would have to be directly involved in dealing with the India, which his foresightedness possibly did not permit. Did he delineate any perception of Indian assistance? May be………I don’t know! If not then why his disciples rushed across the border? If he had assertive directives for Indian Assistance than why did not he visit Mujib Nagar at least once during his lifetime? Did he not recognize Mujib Nagar? I am confused…….. But if he wanted his people to fight alone then possibly he did not have alternatives except accepting an arrest. Then his patriotism, devotion and courage are to be placed at the highest.      

Mujib’s Initial Perception About Own Contribution:With very shallow knowledge on the subject, I would like to bring some argument on the table. To my understanding, Mujib could not perceive about the voluminous emotions of the Bengalis/ Bangladeshis reserved in their heart for him. He was rather in confusion on his acceptance as the top leader. He was possibly encountering with complex yielding from his absence in the liberation war. This can be argued from the fact that he altered his passage to the country after being liberated from Pakistan; he was scheduled to reach Dhaka via India only. But he first landed at London, claimed and established himself as the head of the newly born Bangladesh through the international media and then attended the reception at various tires. Some quarter of analyst claims that he was not assertive about the military leaders and perceived conflict with those led the liberation war. The perception was further validated when Mujib displayed mistrust on military by prioritizing in structuring personal force, i.e. Rakhhi Bahini (JRB). This was possibly the biggest mistake of Mujib which finally ended him. 

History must recognize and dissipate due credits to all stake holders. There are many other issues where politicians are duelling in realizing their own objectives. But as son of the soil, we want the history to be same for all of us. We cannot let it go that the origin or our entity is curved with political identity. I think time has arrived for the silent majority to make visible and significant effort to seal off the debate and move towards the desired destiny. The over do in awarding additional credits rather creates clouds in the original attributes.  Thanks.