Bastille Day and its significance

In 1789 the King Louis XVI of France faced extreme discontent because of the severe economic crisis and the bourgeoisie sought more political power and the landowners resented the hugely increased tax. To control the situation the King called a meeting in May at Versailles of the formal representative body ( Parliament), consisting of 300 nobility, 300 clergy and 600 commoners that had not met since 1614. He could not pacify the people and was overthrown. The rest is history.

The causes of the French Revolution are the subject of endless debate. Europe during the eighteenth century was going through stress and strain and France was both a participant and a witness to this phenomenon. Historians believe that France, facing political paralysis, proved less capable of standing up to the crisis than her European neighbours. The revolution broke out in France because monarchy was more detested and more easily destroyed than elsewhere in Europe.

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Impact of French Revolution

There is a universal quality about the French Revolution. Indeed this was the event which gave the word "Revolution" its full modern meaning; that is, it was not mere political upheaval but the complete overthrow of a system of government together with its social, economic and cultural foundations. In 1789 Paris was the capital of a dominant European power and the centre of an international culture. The changes brought about by the French Revolution had affected people far beyond France and far beyond mere politics.

The impact of French Revolution was immeasurable and significant throughout the world. The slogan -- Liberty, Equality and Fraternity -- has been subsequently claimed as benchmarks for human rights. Each concept has given rise to distinct categories of human rights. Liberty represents civil and political rights, Equality corresponds to economic, social and cultural rights and Fraternity implies an international order that guarantees the right to development and to good environment.

Each concept has been elaborated in the 1948 UN Universal Declaration of Rights and much later two Human Rights Covenants in 1966 came into existence. Article 1 of the Declaration states: " All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood". Mrs. Roosevelt, who pioneered the Declaration said after its adoption by the UN General Assembly: " We hope its proclamation by the General Assembly will be an event comparable to the proclamation of the Declaration of the Rights of Man by the French people in 1789." What is important to note is that the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration found their way into the Constitutions of many nations including that of Bangladesh in 1972.

Another significance of the French revolution is the creation of a modern republic. In 1792 France became the first large republican state in Europe. The invention of republics as nation-states has left a profound legacy in the modern world. Although republican governments had existed in the West since classical antiquity, modern nation-states with elected Presidents took shape in Europe discarding monarchies after the French Revolution. Historians and political scientists have continued to reflect even this day on the transition how the republic was reinvented following the success of the Revolution.

An aspect that merits attention is the invention of the concept of citizenship within a state. This concept did not emerge from a philosopher's study or a laboratory experiment. Instead it was shaped decisively by the French Revolution in providing the meaning of citizenship with its rights and duties. The creation of a new kind of citizenship with its rights and duties has been the bedrock of democratic governments throughout the world. It means that the ultimate power remains with the people. For instance Article 7 of the 1972 Bangladesh Constitution states that: " All powers in the Republic belong to the people and the exercise on behalf of the people shall be affected only under, and by the authority of, this Constitution".

Bangladesh-France relationship

On the observance of the French National Day, it is appropriate to briefly dwell on the depth and dimension of Bangladesh-France relationship. During the Liberation War French people and media lent their wholehearted support to the just struggle of Bangladesh people in 1971. Many Bangladeshis took refuge in France during the difficult period of their lives.

France recognised Bangladesh on 14th February, 1972 and was one of the earliest European countries to do so. French intellectual, author and former Minister of Culture and Information Andre Malraux visited Bangladesh soon after its independence and the visit had boosted the standing of Bangladesh at the time.

Despite the disparate size of the two countries in territory, population, economic and military strength, the human dimension is strongly felt in bilateral relationship between the two nations. The regular exchange of visits by the leaders of the two countries has consolidated their bilateral ties. In recent times French State Minister visited Bangladesh.

France has been a development partner of Bangladesh and provided assistance towards its progress and prosperity. Many of its funds are provided to non-governmental organisations in projects on alleviation of poverty. A few French firms have established their business through Bangladeshi agents. French annual exports to Bangladesh vary anywhere from US$ 150 to 200 million while Bangladesh's yearly exports to France are much less, amounting to anywhere between US$ 37 and 50 million.

Cooperation in cultural field has been steadily growing. The Alliance Francaise in Bangladesh has been very active to strengthen cultural ties by sponsoring variety of cultural exhibitions in the country. Many Bangladeshis join the Alliance to learn French language which is desirable for a job in many international organisations. A number of Bangladeshi young diplomats are sent to France to learn the language.

Many Bangladeshis appreciated the bold stand adopted by the French President Chirac against the Iraqi war without UN authority. France appears to have become a voice of moderation in world affairs and supports the central role of the UN in peace keeping, peace making and peace building in international troubled-spots. Both Bangladesh and France recognise that international disputes must be settled peacefully under the terms of Article 33 of the UN Charter.

Bangladesh has found a dependable friend in France. On the occasion of Bastille Day it is hoped that relations between the two nations will be further strengthened on the basis of mutual understanding, respect and benefit.

Barrister Harun ur Rashid is a former Bangladesh Ambassador to the UN, Geneva.