The Liberation War means Bangladesh. From our very consciousness, we stand firmly in favor of that war. And from that very instinct, we have strongly condemned and protested the reckless oppression of the hegemonic government on students and the public during the July movement. We have wielded our pens in defense of the martyrs and the injured. In contrast, you attempted to erase '71 with '24. You spoke of pressing the reset button.
Advisor Mahfuz Alam’s thoughts on the Liberation War are utterly disorganized, filled with “ifs” and “buts.” In today’s statement, Mr. Alam mentioned the Liberation War so frequently that it seemed quite forced. The difference between imposed rhetoric and deep conviction is evident to all. Sheikh Mujib, the ruler, may have had a hundred and one flaws. And Bangladesh has yet to see a head of government without any flaws.
After burying Mujibism, you can no longer engage in an absolute discourse on the Liberation War. Your camaraderie with those who directly opposed the war, placing them in positions of power in some cases, your failure to demand an apology from defeated Pakistan while extending the full hand of alliance, and your attempt at reconciliation with the masses after burning the historically central zone of the Liberation War—32 Number House—cannot be convincingly justified. Regardless of how little importance you give to Sheikh Mujib before 1972, he remains the undisputed leader of the Liberation War.
Even if you try to bury Mujib in history, Al Mahmud’s poetry will remain true. The statements of intellectuals will remain true.
Regarding Bangabandhu, we can recall the opinions of three eminent thinkers of Bangladesh.
Political science professor and philosopher Sardar Fazlul Karim once said:
"We envied Sheikh Mujib. We envied him because he surpassed us in greatness. In every way—bravery, courage, affection, love, and even weaknesses. In every aspect. And it was from this envy that we killed him. But we failed to realize that being consumed by envy and killing the one we envy does not allow us to take his place."
Writer Ahmed Sofa stated:
"Many years from now, perhaps a father will tell his young son: 'Do you know, my child? There was once a man in our land who had resilience, who had spirit, and who had countless weaknesses. But the man had a heart; he knew how to love. That which glows in the bright sunlight of the day is his courage. And that which soothes our souls and fills us with a sense of certainty in the silvery beams of moonlit nights, like a mother’s embrace, is his love. Do you know his name, my child? Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.’'
In his poem Nishidak, poet Al Mahmud wrote:
"His call was like the sharp whistle of the night’s wind.
When he said, ‘Brothers!’
Even the scattered trees of the forest lined up in rows.
When he called, ‘My brothers!’
The scattered flocks of birds
Descended onto the land of this earth.
Poets forgot the difference between pen and gun
And began marching across the open field."
—Author: Journalist
January 28, 2025
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