Opinion
Looking Back at History
How to present a glimpse of reflective history of Bangladesh in a nutshell? An unknown leader emerged - when the time had come - from amongst the toiling millions; and his moral force united the people to suddenly create Bangladesh 26 years ago.
The post-revolutionary period was turbulent, as the labour pain had lasted for only nine months, instead of decades of fighting (as in Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Palestine). A new foundation had to be laid, staring practically from zero, after 200 years of domination of the Muslim majority in this region. This majority developed over layers of cultural settlements over the centuries in this rich delta known as Bengal.
Between British, India and Bangladesh, there was another era, lasting one generation: the creation of Pakistan in 1947, through the partition of India Raj. There was too little time for the current and the succeeding generations to absorb and adjust to the changing historical forces and patterns. The majority were poor and illiterate, and self-governing was a new experiment, depending on book lore.
Therefore the first few years since liberation were tough on the nation and its leadership. It was testing time of new problems, and a probing time for new solutions. Imagine a baby toddler, crawling to stand up, staggering to walk, and struggling to keep balance. The road was rough, and unchartered, and the pilgrims were armed only with zeal and faith, but the destination was clear. One is reminded of the great motion picture Maha Prosthaner Pathey.
The new initial governance had to face and deal with critical administrative and adjustment exercises, of channelling the pent-up passions into a disciplined work-force. The first phase ended quickly, and violently.
There were two other phases of setting up home. The search for internal identity started afresh, armed with lean tolerance and brutal over-confidence. The price of freedom was still being paid, in installments. The iron was being heated in the fire to produce steel. Freedom exacts its price - there are no short cuts.
In the beginning of the 1990s, democracy was dragged back on the stage; and belaboured and tested in various ways. The holier-than-thou attitude continues, as the cleansing process is not yet complete. Patience is at stake, and intolerance is offered to the nation as an uncharitable gift.
The muddy waters will take time to settle down. These are trying times for the nation. The free-swinging pendulum will take time to dampen its oscillations to reach its point of stable equilibrium; provided external forces do not impart more unnatural swings.
It is not easy to acquire the natural rhythm of life.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments