A cry for democracy, sovereignty, and justice

Mohammad Siddiqur Rahman :

On July 16, 2024, Abu Sayeed was martyred in the anti-discrimination movement. On that day, we observed a mourning period throughout the country and prayed for him, as well as all other martyrs of the country, to Almighty Allah for the salvation of their departed souls and placement in Jannat in the Hereafter.
It is in the cognisance of the whole nation that many students and members of the public took to the streets to protest the fascism and discrimination of the tyrannical regime. They sacrificed their lives for the restoration of independence, sovereignty, freedom, freedom of the press, and justice at all levels. Our hearts bleed for all those who were injured and maimed in the movement.
Today, it is my humble effort to remind the current generation of the awful and deadly occurrences the country has experienced in the recent past. We are a forgetful nation, if I am not mistaken, forgetting the history of even the nearest lethal and torturous operations executed over students, politicians, and the public by the misguided Chatra League, Police Officers, and other law-enforcing authorities, resulting in 1,500 deaths and about 25,000 severely injured.
Existing political parties must learn some lessons and teach their activists to avoid the dire consequences of their evil deeds. Unfortunately, most people are less interested in learning any lessons from such stigmatised history. All media outlets and other internet networks should focus on this crucial issue in detail, continuing to disseminate correct news at times, along with the history of the region, in order to create awareness and precautions among the public.
Should we forget the history of Mir Jafar, who was born in this region of India? The Battle of Plassey in 1757 remains a painful and powerful chapter in the history of the Indian Sub-continent. It was not merely a war; it was a betrayal that changed the fate of Bengal and the future of our region.
What is truly alarming is that while Siraj-ud-Daula was martyred for standing up against imperial ambitions, the legacy of his betrayers was never truly erased. Their descendants, literal or ideological, still exist among us in different forms. They may not wear military uniforms or openly wield weapons, but their mindset remains the same: prioritising personal gain over national interest, undermining sovereignty for short-term benefits, and serving foreign or elite agendas at the cost of the people’s welfare.
Nevertheless, now let me attempt to briefly narrate over the period of 54 years since independence in 1971. In the beginning, we express our sincerest and heartfelt gratitude and sympathy to the Freedom Fighters of the land and to those who extended all-out support to the fight.
Despite the widespread injustice and degradation across all sectors, the ruling party continues to enjoy the endorsement of a section of the country’s elite – intellectuals and high-ranking officials alike – who extended their support to policies that many believe served the goals of foreign administration rather than the will of the Bangladeshi people.
As ordinary citizens, we find ourselves deeply worried. The future of our democracy, our sovereignty, and our right to self-determination hangs in the balance. In fact, in July 2024, mainly students along with many other stakeholders, raised their voices hard against the brutal regime out of love for the country – hoping for a return to justice, accountability, and true independence.
Today, it is our duty, as conscious citizens, to recognize and resist the emerging modern Mir Jafars. We must learn from history – not just to mourn what was lost, but to protect what remains and rebuild what was broken. Let us stand united against betrayal, corruption, and subservience, and work toward a future that is truly free, dignified, and just for all.
The human being seems to have crossed a long path of hundreds and thousands of years, but even in this 21st century, what he has witnessed and what has been witnessing today, a great change in picture, yes, it has changed in its outward appearance but not in its essence. Despite advancement in science, education, and technology, the moral decay that plagued ancient societies continues to infect the modern world. Rape, homicide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, corruption, and deceit are rampant across the globe. Powerful nations exploit the weak, truth is buried under propaganda, and unjust wars are waged in the name of freedom and progress. The obsession with revenge, dominance, and personal gratification is once again leading humanity toward self-destruction.
In conclusion, the human tendency toward evil, arrogance, and injustice has been a persistent reality throughout the ages. The struggle between divine light and human darkness continues. It is upon each generation to heed the lessons of history, listen to the voice of conscience, and choose the path of truth before it is too late. The fate of past nations that defied the message should serve as a warning, not just a story. And the present generation must realise that progress without morality, harmony, and unity is merely a more sophisticated form of destruction.
(The writer is ex-Country Manager of Biman Bangladesh Airlines in Frankfurt, Germany).