CONTENTS

1 Message from Honʼble President

2 Message from Honʼble Prime Minister

3 Message from Honʼble Foreign Minister

4 Message from Honʼble State Minister for Foreign Affairs

5 A Few Words from the High Commissioner

8 Bangabandhu in Timeline

12 Bangabandhu: The Making of a Great Leader

15 Bangabandhu: A Poet of Politics

18 The Greatest Speech of the Greatest Bangali

21 The Political Philosophy of Bangabandhu

25 Bangabandhu's Thoughts on Economic Development

28 Foreign Policy in Bangabandhu's Time

31 People-centric Education Policy of Bangabandhu Chief Editor Photos His Excellency External Publicity Wing, 34 Bangabandhu, Who Set the Tone of Md. Mustafizur Rahman Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agricultural Revolution Dhaka Official website of Mujib Executive Editor Borsho Celebration Bangabandhu and his Policy of Health for All Committee 37 Md. Toufiq-ur-Rahman (https://mujib100.gov.bd/) Collections from Public 41 Bangabandhu: What the World Needs to Know Editorial Team Domain A.K.M. Azam Chowdhury Learnings from Bangabandhu's Writings Mohammad Ataur Rahman Portraits 45 Sabbir Ahmed Shahabuddin Ahmed Md. Rafiqul Islam Ahmed Shamsuddoha 47 What Lessons We Can Learn from Morioum Begum Shorna Moniruzzaman Monir Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash Cover Photo Kamaluddin Painting of Ahmed Samiran Chowdhury 50 Bangabandhu and Nelson Mandela: Samsuddoha Drawing a Parallel Courtesy of Hamid Group Design and Printing Kaleido Pte Ltd 53 Lee Kuan Yew and Sheikh Mujib: Article Sources 63 Ubi Avenue 1, #06-08B 63@Ubi, Singapore 408937 Titans of Tumultuous Times Collections from Public Domain M: 9025 7929 T: 6741 2966 www.kaleidomarketing.com Write ups by the High 55 Bangabandhu in the Eyes of World Leaders Commission 57 Tributes to Bangabandhu in Pictures Property of the High Commission of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh #04-00/ #10-00, Jit Poh Building, 19 Keppel Road, 58 Bangabandhu Corner in Pictures Singapore 089058, Tel. 65 6255 0075 Web. www.bdhc.sg

This publication has been prepared by the High Commission of the People's Republic of Bangladesh in Singapore commemorating birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The information contained herein have been made available by the Bangladesh High Commission in Singapore. The opinions, pronouncements or views expressed or implied in this publication are those of contributors or authors. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher cannot be liable for loss incurred in any way whatsoever by any company or person relying on the information contained herein.

Mujib Year's Diplomacy || Friendship & Prosperity

Message from Hon’ble President

Today is 26th March, the Independence Day of Bangladesh. On the occasion of our great Independence and National Day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to my fellow countrymen living at home and abroad.

On this historic day, I remember with profound respect the architect of our independent Bangladesh, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I pay my deep homage to the millions of martyrs who made supreme sacrifice in the war of liberation. I also recall with deep reverence our four National Leaders, valiant freedom-fighters, organizers, supporters, our foreign friends and people from all walks of life who made immense contributions to attain our right to self-determination and the war of liberation. Their contributions to our national economy by sending their contributions to the history of our independence would be hard-earned remittances. Nevertheless, we have to go a long written in golden letters forever. way towards achieving the desired goal of independence. We must be ensured good governance, social justice, We have achieved our hard-earned independence transparency and accountability to make the development through huge sacrifices. Bangabandhu always cherished a people-oriented and sustainable. Forbearance, human rights dream of building a happy and prosperous country along with and rule of law have to be consolidated for institutionalizing attaining political emancipation. Keeping that in mind, the democracy. National Parliament will have to make as the present Government has been rendering untiring efforts in centre of hopes and aspirations of the people. For this, the materializing the dream of Bangabandhu. Today, Bangladesh ruling party as well as the opposition would have to play a is moving towards the highway of development at a constructive role in the parliament. tremendous pace. We have achieved enormous success in various areas of socio-economic development including Bangabandhu is the source of eternal inspiration for poverty alleviation, education, health, human resources the Bangali nation. This year, the government has declared development, women empowerment, reduction of child and 'Mujib Year' to celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu maternal mortality rates, elimination of gender discrimination in a befitting manner. Being imbued with the spirit of the and increase in average life expectancy. Rate of poverty has liberation war let it be the pledge in ‘Mujib Year’ to turn our been dropped. High growth of GDP is continuing. Per capita country into ‘Sonar Bangla’ by completing the unfinished income has tripled over the past decade. The construction of tasks of Bangabandhu. The golden jubilee of our the Padma Bridge is also going on in full swing by our own independence will be observed in 2021 with great resources. The Ruppur Nuclear Power Plant is underway. enthusiasm. Bangladesh will enter into a new chapter-a new Bangladesh has been able to surpass herself not only the horizon. With the concerted efforts of all, let our beloved neighbouring countries of South Asia but also many motherland be a poverty-free developed one; it is my developed countries in terms of various indicators of expectation on Independence Day. socio-economic development. We are dreaming of a developed Bangladesh by the year 2041. Initiative has been Khoda Hafez, May Bangladesh Live Forever. taken up to frame the ‘Second Perspective Plan’ spanning from 2021 to 2041 in this regard. The Delta Plan 2100 has been formulated in order to achieve the status of a prosperous and developed country combating the long-term challenges for sustainable water, climate, environment and land system. With the continuation of development process, Bangladesh will raise its position high in the world as a prosperous country by 2041, insha Allah.

In pursuing our diplomatic objectives, the government has been consistent in upholding the principle of “Friendship MD ABDUL HAMID to all, malice towards none” as enunciated by Father of the Nation. Our achievement in the international arena, including President the establishment of world peace, is also commendable. Our The People’s Republic expatriate Bangladeshis have also been making significant Of Bangladesh

BANGLADESH BECKONS 1 Message from Hon’ble Prime Minister

I extend my heartiest greetings to the countrymen and expatriate Bangladeshis on the occasion of the great Independence and National Day of Bangladesh.

The 26 March is the day of establishing self-identity of our nation. It's the day of breaking the shackles of subjugation. On this Independence Day, I recall with deep gratitude the Greatest Bangalee of all times, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, under whose undisputed leadership we have earned our coveted independence. I pay my tributes to four national leaders who steered the War of Liberation in the absence of Bangabandhu. I also pay my deep homage to the three million martyrs and two lakhs dishonoured women of the War of Liberation. My homage goes to all the valiant freedom fighters including the wounded ones. I extend my sympathies to those who had lost their near has to be passed on from generation to generations. and dear ones, and were subjected to brutal torture during the Being imbued with the spirit of the freedom struggle, the Awami Liberation War. I recall with gratitude our foreign friends who had League government has relentlessly been working to develop extended their whole-hearted support and cooperation for the the country since 2009. We have been accomplishing the cause of our liberation. unfinished tasks of the Father of the Nation. Bangladesh has achieved outstanding socio-economic progress in the last 11 Marking the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation years. It has fulfilled the requirements for graduating from least 'Mujib Year' is being celebrated from March 2020 to March developed country to developing one. Our government is 2021. Bangabandhu's birth centenary celebration has been maintaining 'zero tolerance policy to tackle militancy, terrorism started on 17 March. Along with Bangladesh, Mujib Year is and drug-menaces. For the first time in the world, we have being celebrated globally with the initiative of the UNESCO. formulated a 100-year plan named 'Delta Plan 2100'. Bangladesh is one of the five top countries in the world in The Bangalee nation had fought against oppression and economic development. Ninety percent of development works deprivation of Pakistani rulers' for long 23 years under the are financed from our own resources. By establishing the rule of leadership of Bangabandhu. They were compelled to hold law, we have executed the verdicts of the trial of the killers of General Elections in 1970. Bangladesh Awami League led by Bangabandhu. As per our pledges to the people the trials of war Bangabandhu won absolute majority in the elections. But the criminals are going on and verdicts of are being executed. Pakistani rulers adopted repressive measures instead of People are now getting benefits of development as Awami handing over power to the majority party in a democratic way. League has continuously been in power for third consecutive Calling for independence at the then Racecourse Ground on 7 time. Bangladesh is moving forward and it will go on. Today we March 1971 Bangabandhu declared, "The struggle this time is have become a self-respecting country in the world holding our the struggle for our emancipation; the struggle this time is the heads high. struggle for independence, Joi Bangla." He instructed the Bangalee Nation to resist the enemies. By implementing our Vision-2021', 'Vision-2041' and 'Delta Plan-2100', we have been working relentlessly to build a The Pakistani occupation forces unleashed a sudden hunger-poverty-free developed-prosperous Bangladesh as attack and started killing innocent and unarmed Bangalees on envisioned by the Father of the Nation. Let us unite in the spirit the fateful night of 25 March 1971. They killed thousands of of the Great War of Liberation and maintain the continuation of people in cities and towns including Dhaka. Father of the Nation development and democracy by facing any sort of conspiracy. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman formally proclaimed the Let us transform Bangladesh into a safe and peaceful home for Independence of Bangladesh at the first hour of 26 March our next generation-this should be our firm commitment on the 1971. Bangabandhu's proclamation was spread all over the Independence Day. country through telegrams, tele-printers and EPR wireless. The international media also had circulated Bangabandhu's Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu. proclamation of Independence. Under the brave and dauntless May Bangladesh Live Forever. leadership of Bangabandhu, the ultimate victory was attained on 16 December 1971 after a 9-month of bloody war.

The independence earned through supreme sacrifices of SHEIKH HASINA millions of people is the greatest achievement of Bangalee Nation. To ensure that this achievement remains meaningful, all Prime Minister have to know the true history of our great Liberation War and Government of the People’s Republic retain the spirit of independence. The spirit of the Liberation War Of Bangladesh

2 BANGLADESH BECKONS Message from Hon’ble Foreign Minister

On the occasion of 26 March- the Great Independence and National day of Bangladesh, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm felicitations to all Bangladeshis living both home and abroad. The golden jubilee of our Glorious Independence will be celebrated next year and ‘Mujib Barsho’ is being celebrated this year in commemoration of the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation, which are rare occasions in our history.

On this auspicious day, I recall with profound reverence the greatest Bengali of all time, the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Under his dynamic, courageous and charismatic leadership, the people of this territory brought the red sun of independence breaking the shackles of subjugation of thousands of years. With deep respect, I recall the supreme sacrifices made by our war heroes, the 3 million martyrs and all the freedom fighters. I also pay my profound gratitude to the diplomatic front who, during and after our Liberation War, played a vital role in gaining increase living standard of the general people. Poverty international recognition. I also acknowledge with deep alleviation, sustainable growth, protection of the environment, gratitude the enormous contributions of our foreign friends in women empowerment and human-resources development are the emergence of independent Bangladesh. some of the key features of Bangladesh’s development strategy. Today the country is often cited by the international The charismatic leadership of the Father of the Nation community as a ‘Role Model for Development’. I hope that the united the whole nation like a solid rock under one umbrella. Bangladeshi expatriate will participate and support the ongoing Bangabandhu was not only the leader of the Bangalee but advancement of the government. I thank all the members of the also a forerunner in realizing the rights of the oppressed and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and our Missions abroad who have deprived people of the world. The seeds of development of the been working with deep commitment to uphold our national country were sown under the leadership of the Father of the interest across the world. Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He took over the leadership of a war-ravaged and economically backward On this historic day of Independence, let us all vow to country and accomplished the formidable tasks of transform Bangladesh into a prosperous, technology based, rehabilitation and rebuilding the nation just in three and a half developed Sonar Bangla (Golden Bengal). years. Conspirators and enemies committed the heinous crime on 15 August 1975 to thwart our advancement. Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu. May Bangladesh Live Forever. The progress was stalled, albeit, for a while. Nevertheless, Bangabandhu’s daughter and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is determined to build a prosperous, knowledge based and happy country. As a result of pragmatic initiatives taken by the Awami League government, now Bangladesh has DR. A.K. ABDUL MOMEN, MP been transformed into a vibrant economy. The present Foreign Minister government continues to make significant progress in rapid Government of the People’s Republic economic and social development which has helped to Of Bangladesh

BANGLADESH BECKONS 3 Message from Hon’ble State Minister for Foreign Affairs

Today is 26 March, Our Great Independence and National Day. On this very day in 1971, the Bengali nation started the War of Liberation against the misrule, exploitation and repression of the Pakistani brutal ruler with the clarion call of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangladesh is now well poised to celebrate the golden jubilee of our Glorious Independence and is celebrating the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which are rare occasions in our history.

Pakistani Occupation Forces committed one of the worst genocide indiscriminately on 25 March, 1971 to silence the Bengali Nation forever. Diabolical mass killing during

Liberation War is a black chapter not only in the history of achievements have been made possible with the policy Bangladesh, but also in the history of world humanity. In 2017, guidelines promulgated by the Father of the Nation the National Parliament of Bangladesh declared March 25 as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman within the fastest period National Genocide Day to commemorate the genocide carried of time and through successful implementation of those laws out by the atrocious Pakistani Forces on the black night of and policy framework under the dynamic leadership of the March, 1971. Bangabandhu, the Architect of Bangladesh, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the last decade. declared the independence of Bangladesh at the wee hour of

26 March in 1971. Bangladesh made its place in the world On this Day, I congratulate Bangladeshi Diaspora in map as an independent and sovereign state with self-esteem every corner of the world which has been immensely through the nine-month long Liberation War. contributing to our economic development and in brightening the image of Bangladesh. I also thank all the members of our On this very day, I pay profound reverence to the great Missions abroad who have been working with sustained leader of the War of Independence, the architect of Great dedication and commitment in achieving our foreign policy Independence, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who led objectives and promote national interest of Bangladesh on the his people from the front in various movements and struggles world stage. from 1952 Language Movement to the 1971 Liberation War which resulted in the greatest achievement of Bengali On this auspicious day, let us make a renewed pledge Nationalism-independent Bangladesh. With profound love and to devote ourselves to work from our respective positions respect, I recall the supreme sacrifices made by our war imbued with the spirit of Liberation War to build a ‘Sonar heroes, the 3 million martyrs and all the freedom fighters. Bangla’ and also a better world for our future generations.

Bangabandhu is the name of a legend who dreamt of a Joi Bangla, Joi Bangabandhu. hunger and poverty-free, secular and prosperous country. May Bangladesh Live Forever. Under the visionary leadership of his capable daughter Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the government has been working relentlessly to transform Bangladesh into a middle income country by 2021 and a developed country by 2041. MD. SHAHRIAR ALAM, MP Along with economic growth, Bangladesh has become a role State Minister for Foreign Affairs model in poverty alleviation, women empowerment, combating Government of the People’s Republic climate change and curbing child mortality rate. All these Of Bangladesh

4 BANGLADESH BECKONS A Few Words from the High Commissioner

It is with great honour and humility that we present this publication to the local readers on the colourful political career of our Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We are launching this publication on the eve of our independence day, as we celebrate the birth centenary of Bangabandhu, who is widely regarded as the greatest Bengali of all time. We intend to reintroduce this leadership prodigy to the contemporary readers, who might have missed, forgotten, or overlooked the turbulent time of our national history and the genesis of our country through a long struggle and supreme sacrifice of millions under the great leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangabandhu fought for justice, human rights, freedom and dignity of people throughout his life. We believe that his philosophy, principles and policies are very relevant even today.

Bangabandhu won the heart of millions by his courage, charisma, powerful oratory and uncanny ability to communicate with the people. He also made inordinate personal sacrifices as he spent some eleven years in prison, where twice he came very close to the gallows. Bangabandhu believed in constitutional politics, though during his time, many nationalist leaders resorted to violent means seeking to realize their goal of self-determination. By any standard, he had a remarkable political career, which deserves wider appreciation.

BANGLADESH BECKONS 5 Bangabandhu not only led our independence movement but also ran the administration of the newborn country in an exemplary fashion. As the Head of Government, he guided the build-up of national institutions as well as directed the formulation of national policies on important areas. Much of today’s success story of Bangladesh owes to the founding principles and policies designed by Bangabandhu during his short stint in office. He steered the country steadfastly during that eventful and challenging journey. Sheikh Mujib wanted to achieve 'Sonar Bangla'- the ‘Golden Bengal’ so that his people could live in peace and prosperity with dignity and equality. This was not mere political rhetoric for him. Bangabandhu was aware of the glorious past of this land and strongly believed that the past glory could be revived through an appropriate policy strategy and determination.

Like Bangabandhu, Singapore was also blessed with an iconic leader in Lee Kuan Yew, who made remarkable contributions towards building his nation and leading his country to an enviable level of development. Lee Kuan Yew got a full life to shape his country. Unfortunately, we did not have Bangabandhu for long enough to lead our nation to prosperity. Bangladesh would probably have been in a far better position than it is today if he had survived for a long period.

This book attempts to familiarise our Father of the Nation, reflecting on his life, his struggles, his policies and his perspectives in building our nation. It is a compilation of articles written by eminent scholars, researchers and journalists. We have selected these articles based on availability and relevance.

Bangabandhu was acclaimed as “a poet of politics” by the News Week magazine even before the country achieved its liberation. After independence, he pursued a non-aligned foreign policy and vowed to support the self-determination of nations across the world. Domestically, his government worked seriously to achieve economic development, education and healthcare for all, industrialization, as well as modernization of agricultural sector. These are covered briefly in several articles in the booklet.

We have also included two analytical writings; one on Bangabandhu and Nelson Mendala, the other on Bangabandhu and Lee Kuan Yew. All of them were the great leaders of their times, who shared many commonalities as they fought for liberty, dignity and justice and later on dedicated themselves for their nationbuilding. The writers have drawn interesting parallels between them, which may attract the readers of Singapore and beyond.

The views expressed in this book are of the writers. Due to space constraints, we have taken the liberty of shortening and editing the articles without deviating from the core concepts and views. The distinguished writers have kindly consented to make these adjustments, for which we are really grateful to them. If this book generates some curiosity among the readers about Bangabandhu, we would consider our efforts to have borne fruit.

Md Mustafizur Rahman

6 BANGLADESH BECKONS

Bangabandhu in Timeline

1920 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born in a village named Tungipara under Gopalganj District of greater Faridpur area on 17 March 1920. He was the third among 6 children of his parents. Sheikh Mujib began his schooling at the age of seven. Before becoming active in student movements and politics, he had an affinity toward sports like any other teenager. 1938 Bangabandhu married Sheikh Fazilatunnesa. Together, they had two daughters, Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, and three sons, Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and Sheikh Russel. 1942 Sheikh Mujib passed Matriculation examination from Gopalganj Mission School. The same year, he got himself admitted into the Islamia College (currently Maulana Azad College), Kolkata. From there he completed his graduation in the year 1947. He was elected uncontested as the General Secretary of Islamia 1952 College Students Union. During the infamous communal Bangabandhu stayed in constant touch with those riots on August 16, 1946, Bangabandhu engaged waging the movement to realize Bangla as one of the himself in maintaining peace and harmony, and saved state languages. He started a hunger strike unto death many lives of Hindus and Muslims risking his own life. that lasted for 11 days for this cause. 1948 1953 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib took admission in the Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was elected General Department of Law at the University of Dhaka. He Secretary of the Awami Muslim League and continued to founded the East Pakistan Muslim Students’ League, the gain prominence as a Bengali leader. The first general first opposition student organization in Pakistan. He built elections in East Bengal were held in March 1954. The a strong movement against the initiative to make Urdu United Front won 223 seats out of 237. The Awami the only state language of Pakistan. He was Muslim League was victorious in 143 seats. subsequently arrested along with some colleagues while Bangabandhu won the election for the Gopalganj they had gathered in observance of the `State Language constituency and took oath as the Minister for Bangla Day.’ Agriculture and Forest in the new provincial government.

8 BANGLADESH BECKONS 1955 1969 The Awami Muslim League was renamed as the The Agartala Conspiracy Case resulted in a Awami League by dropping the word ‘Muslim’ to open nationwide student movement and mass upsurge the doors of the party to all, regardless of religion. This demanding the withdrawal of the case and the release of was done under the leadership of Sheikh Mujib. He was Sheikh Mujib. The Ayub Khan government was forced to once again elected as the General Secretary of the party. withdraw the Case and release him and others. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was awarded with the title 'Bangabandhu' at a reception of a million in a rally 1956 organized by Central Student Action Committee. At a Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman joined the later meeting to observe the death anniversary of provincial Awami League government headed by Khan Shaheed Suhrawardy, Bangabandhu declared that Ataur Rahman as a minister. He remained in this position henceforth East Pakistan would be called Bangladesh. for 9 months only. Sheikh Mujib Voluntarily resigned in May 1957 in order to continue as the General Secretary of the party to build the organization. 1970 A general election was called. Bangabandhu urged the countrymen to elect Awami League in light of the 1964 6-point demand. A catastrophic cyclone ensued, and a At its council meeting in March, the Awami League million people died in that in the coastal areas. The decided to strengthen their movement for upholding the people were angry due to negligence of the then right of the general people to vote and elect their own goverment to provide timely relief and rehabilitation. parliamentary government. As a communal riot broke out Sheikh Mujib suspended the election campaign and in East Pakistan, a strong Riot Resistance Committee rushed to the affected areas. In the elections, Awami was formed under the initiative of Bangabandhu. After League achieved absolute majority, winning 167 out of the riots, he took the initiative to prepare for a united the 169 seats of the National Assembly in East Pakistan movement against the then Pakistan’s military dictator. and 298 seats of the 310 seats of the Provincial Assembly of East Pakistan. 1965 The Pakistani government charged Bangabandhu with sedition and for making ‘so called’ objectionable statements. He was sentenced to one-year imprisonment and was released by an order of the high court. 1966 In February 1966, Sheikh Mujib presented his historic six-point demand known as the ‘charter of freedom of the Bengali nation’. It drew the roadmap for the independence of Bangladesh under the garb of greater autonomy. In March, he was elected as the President of Awami League. Bangabandhu travelled far and wide in order to gain support for the demand. He was imprisoned for nearly 3 years during this time. 1968 The Pakistani government filed a case, known as the ‘Agartala Conspiracy Case’ against a number of Bengalis on the charge of treason. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was made number 1 accused. Along with him, 34 others were implicated in the case, bringing the charge of forced secession of East Bengal with the assistance of India.

BANGLADESH BECKONS 9 Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took charge as 1971 the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and embarked on the General Yahya Khan postponed the National reconstruction of a war-ravaged country. Within a period Assembly session, only two days before the session was of three and a half years, Bangabandhu laid the due. The Bengalis instantaneously came out onto the foundations of the new Republic by putting into effect streets in massive demonstrations. From March 1 several measures, including rehabilitation of 10 million onward Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was Bengali refugees, withdrawal of all allied forces within 3 virtually running East Pakistan as its de-facto head of months of victory, formation of the constituent assembly government. On March 7, in his historic speech before & a constitution for the new state within 10 months, the millions at the Racecourse Maidan, Bangabandhu recognition of Bangladesh by more than a hundred called on the countrymen to take all out preparations for states, Bangladesh’s membership of important the liberation of Bangladesh. President General Yahya international bodies including Commonwealth of Nations, Khan came to Dhaka and held a series of meetings with the United Nations, NAM, OIC, enactment of Sheikh Mujib, none of which brought about any International (Crimes) Tribunal Laws, etc. resolution. On the midnight of March 25, the Pakistan army launched military attack against the unarmed Bengalis. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman 1973 proclaimed the Independence of Bangladesh in the early Awami League secured 293 seats out of the 300 hours of March 26. Right after the proclamation, he was Parliament seats in the first general election held in arrested and taken to a Pakistani prison. On April 10, March in an independent Bangladesh and subsequently 1971, the first government of Bangladesh was formed, formed a new Government based on the newly framed and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was elected President. The constitution. The World Peace Council awarded “Julio government took oath of office on April 17 at a famous Curie” Peace Prize to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur mango garden of Baidyanathtala in Meherpur, which is Rahman for his contribution to world peace. Sheikh now known as Mujibnagar. After nine months of bloody Mujib went to Algeria to participate in the Non-Aligned war Bangladesh was liberated with the surrender of the Movement (NAM) Summit Conference. On the side-line, Pakistan army on December 16, 1971. During August & he had bilateral talks with the world leaders. September of 1971, the Pakistan Junta held a secret trial and sentenced Bangabandhu to death. On December 27, the Bangladesh government sought Sheikh Mujib's 1974 immediate and unconditional release. Bangladesh received official world recognition by becoming the 136th member of the United Nations on September 17. On September 25, at the 29th General 1972 Assembly of the United Nations, Bangabandhu Sheikh The Government of Pakistan was forced to release Mujibur Rahman addressed the world in Bangla, the first Sheikh Mujibur Rahman under immense international ever Bangla speech delivered at the UN. pressure on January 8. On that very day, he travelled to London on his way to Dhaka. Prior to returning to Dhaka, Sheikh Mujib stopped over at Delhi, where the Indian 1975 President V. V. Giri and Prime Minister Indira Gandhi Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur welcomed him with grace. When the Father of the Nation Rahman, the architect of Bangladesh, was assassinated reached Dhaka on January 10, millions of citizens of the by a handful of army renegades as part of a larger new country welcomed him. On January 12, national and international political conspiracy hatched by anti-liberation forces in the pre-dawn hours of August 15. They murdered in cold blood every member of his family except his daughters Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana, who by fortune alone were abroad at that time. Bangladesh observes August 15 as the National Mourning Day and remembers the noblest and the greatest Bengali who ever lived, through his spirit, ideology, courage and love for the people of his nation.

Collected from the official website of the Mujib Borsho Celebration Committee www.mujib100.gov.bd

Bangabandhu with his family.

10 BANGLADESH BECKONS

Bangabandhu: The Making of a Great Leader

Bangladesh's independence struggle was in the making for roughly 25 years, starting with the partition of the Indian subcontinent into India and Pakistan in 1947. For all these years, the people of the east wing of Pakistan had been suffering, without much hope, until they stood up and fought for their independence in 1971 under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The history of the sufferings of authority contributed to the rise of appearance suggested raw power, a the Bengalis goes back even before the movement for regional power drawn from the masses and creation of the state of Pakistan. autonomy.” from his own strong personality. He They endured suppression and was tall and sturdy, with rugged Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the subjugation since the British colonial features and intense eyes.” architect of Bangladesh, showed era. According to one estimate, up the first sign of being a people's to three million Bengalis died of malnutrition and related diseases by leader in 1943 when he distributed the end of the Second World War, rice to the famine-stricken people which was considered a result of from his father's stockpile, without unscrupulous extraction of any knowledge of the latter. In the resources from the Bengal. Pakistan coming years, he grew up to be the also did not do any different. The leader he was meant to be and rulers of the West wing treated the steered his nation to their most East wing, now Bangladesh, as a glorious moment in history, making de facto ‘colony’. Pakistani historian of an independent state for the Ayaz Gull argued, “Pakistan did not Bengalisees. He was -from that first sign of leadership till the day he make serious efforts for the Bangabandhu spearheading the died - a people's leader. Gary J. economic uplift of East Pakistan six point movement for greater and thus disparities existed.” Hamid Bass, while referring to a cable from autonomy of East Pakistan (1966). Yusaf said, “Exclusion of East the US Consulate in Dhaka, Pakistan from a share in political mentioned, “Mujib's very

12 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 9 In 1948, a revolution against this had cast him into jail, making him a With the “six-point” demand and disparity and discrimination began, hero to the people.” mass uprising in 1969, Mujib turned through the language movement, in In 1956, Sheikh Mujib was into an invincible leader. The 1970 which Sheikh Mujib was thoroughly appointed as a minister when the election, in which Awami League involved. Bangabandhu was Awami League formed the won a landslide victory, was a clear arrested as a result and he was Provincial Cabinet. But he left the indication that the people of West sent to jail for the fourth time. Cabinet to devote himself to the and East Pakistan mandated Mujib Sheikh Mujib was no stranger to task of reorganising the party. He to implement the “six-point” prison. His thirteen prison decided to be with the people with programme. Gary Bass termed the experiences came in different a view to strengthening the party for election as “Pakistan's first truly free periods starting in 1938, followed an effective movement. This and fair democratic.” However, the by 1940, 1948, 1949, 1951, 1954, strategy paid dividends. It may be political establishment in West 1958, 1961, 1962, 1964, 1966, mentioned here that the first Pakistan did not accept the results. 1968, and lastly in 1971. An government of Bangladesh, which This caused great discontent in East analysis of his prison history was a government in exile, was Pakistan resulting in the beginning indicates that during the 25 years of formed in his absence in April 1971. of a “non-cooperation” movement Pakistani rule, Mujib had to spend Such an impromptu formation of the against the Pakistani authority under 12 years in prison and faced death government by his followers might the leadership of Sheikh Mujib. sentences twice. Gary J Bass was a rare occurrence in world argued, “Mujib's lifelong activism history.

Bangabandhu's historic March 7 speech deserves a special mention here. It was extempore, took only 19 minutes to deliver, but each word conveyed the strategic guidance for the final phase of the liberation movement. In fact, that epoch making speech instilled patriotic feelings in the mind of common people of East Pakistan. David Ludden argued, “This speech inspired a popular revolution.” The speech was rated as one of the world's best speeches. In his 2013 book, ‘We Shall Fight on the Beaches: The Speeches That Inspired History’, Jacob F Field underlined the rationale for the rating through a collection of extracts from the most inspirational speeches of the last 2,500 years. The list includes speeches of leaders like Churchill, Lincoln, Mao, and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

13 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 13 On the infamous night of 25 March 1971, Pakistan launched brutal crackdown on unarmed civilians in the east wing. On that very night, Sheikh Mujib had dispatched his aides to East Pakistan Radio with a handwritten message declaring independence. Bangabandhu wrote the message in English to draw international attention quickly. Earlier, he had already conveyed his instructions to the people in Bangla during his public address on March 7. A prudent leader, Bangabandhu had made preparations in advance realizing that he might be arrested and might not get the time to convey his last message to the people. As mentioned earlier, the first government of Bangladesh was formed in exile on April 10, 1971, declaring Sheikh Mujib as the President in his absence. This speaks of the trust bestowed on a leader by his followers who believed in him and in his ability to steer way forward. His strategic guidance not only triggered the formation of the provincial government of Bangladesh but also helped run the businesses of a defiant nation fighting for the liberation in his absence.

After the war, Bangabandhu returned to Bangladesh from a Pakistan prison on January 10, 1972. It was painful for him to witness what had unfolded in his absence, which he described as the "biggest humanitarian disaster in the world." Unfortunately, this atrocity has not yet been recognized by the international community as genocide although it fits very well in this category. According to Gary J Bass, “In the dark annals of modern cruelty, it [the genocide] ranks as bloodier than Bosnia. But the Pakistan's slaughter of its Bengalis in 1971 is starkly different. Pakistan's crackdown was a colossal and systematic onslaught.”

Four years later, in 15 August 1975, a black chapter in the nation's history was opened. The great leader was brutally killed along with most of his family members by a group of misguided miscreant army officers. After thirty-four years, a verdict on the murders was given, pursuing a detailed procedure of the law of the land. It is unfortunate that justice could not be ensured even after so many years, as some of the convicted killers, living in different parts of the world, continue to remain outside the reach of law.

Written by Brigadier General Saleem Ahmad Khan. Published in the Daily Star on 15 August 2018. This is an abridged version.

14 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 14 Bangabandhu: A Poet of Politics

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is popularly known as ‘Bangabandhu’, the Friend of Bengal. He was the founding leader of Bangladesh and widely revered in the country as the Father of the Nation. Without his charisma, vision and willpower, Bangladesh would probably not have been liberated. Many around the world loved him for his ability to thumb his nose at the mighty rulers of Pakistan. Indeed, Bangabandhu was one of the most remarkable politicians of the last century.

Bangabandhu was a large, tall Since 1947, the Pakistani rulers Rahman made a historic speech on man and he looked very impressive had kept an iron grip on power in 7 March 1971 at a gigantic public with his long back-brushed hair and this part of the country, which is gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan. It spectacles. He was intelligent and now Bangladesh. However, is considered as a turning point of stubborn but had very high political Bangabandhu stuck to his idealism the history of this land. He made a charisma. Bangabandhu’s political throughout the struggle of clarion call to his people in a stature was legendary. His great independence of Bangladesh, thunderous voice: "Build forts in charisma combined with political breaking ties with other puppet each homestead. You must resist acumen made him the greatest politicians. He fought against the the Pakistani enemy with whatever among the leaders of the Pakistani rulers and their local you have in hand. Remember, we Bangladesh independence accomplices without compromise. have given a lot of blood, a lot more movement. The fiery revolutionary Bangabandhu truly believed that he blood we shall give if need be, but turned statesman Sheikh Mujib had knew what was best for his people we shall liberate the people of this a profound effect on politics and his and the country. He was a country, Inshaallah. The struggle people during his time. Considered high-ranking planner and organizer, this time is the struggle for our a thorn among the Bengali leaders who succeeded through bold emancipation; the struggle this time by the Pakistani regime, politicking. He was considered to is the struggle for independence." Bangabandhu had been a beacon be a symbol of rebellion, patriotism of resistance for their anti-Bengali and idealism. standpoint. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur

155 BANBANGLADESEESH BECECCKONKO S BANGLADESH BECKONS 15 The eyes of the world focused on Dhaka's the then-Racecourse Maidan that day as international media descended upon the East Pakistan amidst speculation that Sheikh Mujib would declare independence from Pakistan. The speculation gained credibility as there were open calls by the people to make this call. The speech was immensely successful in giving the Bengalees a clear goal of their struggle, the independence. It inspired millions across Bangladesh to get involved in the freedom struggle. This historic address was a de facto declaration of Bangladesh's independence. The speech on 7th March that Bangabandhu delivered was so powerful that it had united the whole Bengali nation to come into a united platform against the military junta of Pakistan. The glorious Liberation War then started to gain momentum. With that clarion call of Bangabandhu, the Bengalees accomplished an armed rebellion, which was rare in the annals of history. The international Newsweek magazine termed Bangabandhu as a 'Poet of Politics' in the cover story of its 5 April 1971 issue, after that epoch-making speech. Lieutenant General A. A. K. Niazi, Commander of Pakistani troops said: "Mujib virtually became the ruler... His residence at 32 Dhanmondi became the presidency [from March 7]...the command of the central government began to be defied." "Bangladesh had virtually come into being on 7 March 1971" as said by Pakistani Lieutenant General Kamal Matinuddin. Bangabandhu's 7 March 1971 speech has been recognized as one of the world famous speeches in the book entitled: "We Shall Fight on the Beaches: The Speeches That Inspired History", by Jacob F Field, a noted historian. It was truly one of few very powerful speeches in world history. Sheikh Mujib was the most charismatic political personality the Bengali nation has ever produced. Poet and journalist Muhammad Nurul Huda wrote "Bangabandhu is incomparable because he was courageous, and it was his moral and physical courage combined that was unprecedented in the history of political struggle. Embracing Bangabandhu at the Algiers Non-Aligned Summit in 1973, Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary leader commented, "I have not seen the Himalayas. But I have seen Sheikh Mujib. In personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas." A gifted fiery speaker and tireless political worker, Bangabandhu dedicated his life to making Bangladesh a better place and people responded by creating a cult of personality to him that exists to this day. The words of Herodotus "It is better by noble boldness to run the risk of being subject to half the evils we anticipate than to remain in cowardly listlessness for fear of what might happen" is very relevant in reference to Bangabandhu. He is remembered as a visionary who fought for his countrymen throughout his life. Bangabandhu has remained a great leader and will remain so in the years to come. Today, Bangabandhu is resting in peace at Tungipara where he was born. From the rising to the setting sun, may his presence come to our life every day, to inspire us to build a golden Bangladesh in line with his beliefs. "Better to die fighting for freedom than to live your whole life a prisoner" was the principal motto of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman throughout his life. Malcolm X said: "Sometimes you have to pick the gun up to put the gun down". May be, Sheikh Mujib had correctly assessed the situation as such and gave the clarion call to his people, whom he loved so much, to fight for their freedom.

Written by Mr. Anwar A. Khan. Collected from the official website of Bangladesh Awami League. This is an edited version.

16 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANANNGLAG DESD H BECKONKO S 161

The Greatest Speech of the Greatest Bangali

The speech that our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered 49 years ago was amazing in the context of communication science. Bangabandhu completed this timeless speech in 19 minutes by uttering between 58 and 60 words per minute. In broadcasting theory, 60 words per minute is considered to be an ideal. There were no annoying repetitions in the speech of 1,107 words. There were no unnecessary articulations – only the gist or core points.

Bangabandhu had started his address like this: “My dear brothers, I have come before you today with a heavy heart. All of you know and understand how hard we have tried. But it is a matter of sorrow that the streets of Dhaka, Chittagong, Khulna, Rangpur and Rajshahi have today become coloured with the blood of my brothers. Today, the people of Bangla want freedom, they want to live, the people of Bangla want their rights.” It was a highly effective introduction to the speech, which laid the foundation for the main address and provided indications to the audience regarding what was to follow. If the contents of the speech are analyzed, it is seen that it was basically a message about the emergence of a new state on the global map as a natural progression. The 7th March speech was the main mantra and theory for an independent Bangladesh. Whether children or juvenile, young or old, everybody became excited after listening to this speech during the nine months of the liberation war. This address was a de-facto declaration of Bangladesh’s independence. This fluent and extempore speech delivered in a lucid language and style was the principal document of our liberty. Bangabandhu quite adeptly adopted a conversational style while delivering this speech in order to attract the audience. He raised questions at different stages. ‘What wrong have we done? What did we get? With whom shall we sit? Shall we sit with those who had taken the blood of my people?” Proper application of the ‘ask question, then answer’ prescription had taken place for connecting with the audience.

18 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANBAANA GLAGLAADESDESSH BECBE KONKOK S 1818 An essential characteristic of a statesmanlike speech is not only to familiarize the audience with future initiatives and work-plan, but also to motivate and inspire them to participate actively. Bangabandhu’s words were inspirational: “I call upon you to turn every home into fortresses, confront the enemy with whatever you have and close all roads for life even if I am not around to give orders.” The seven and a half crores people of Bangladesh had accepted these orders as more important than mere directives. Sentences naturally became shorter in those parts of the address where Bangabandhu gave orders, directives or warnings. For example, “the employees will fetch their The audience were tremendously inspired because salaries on the 28th. Turn all your of the sharpness of its logic. In Bangabandhu’s homes into fortresses. I say to the words: government employees: what I say has to be obeyed. As long as this country does not become free, no “The arms which were purchased with revenues-taxes will be paid. Nobody my money for protecting the country will pay.” The 7 March speech had from attacks by external enemies are demonstrated that his liberal now being used against the poor, sad humanism did not diminish even while issuing stern warnings. While and suffering people of my country. standing on the crossroads of life Bullets are being fired on their chests. and death of a nation, he cautioned, “We will starve them of food, we will We are the majority in Pakistan, deprive them of water.” But this was whenever we Bangalis tried to go to immediately followed by words of reassurance: “You are my brothers – power, they pounced upon us.” you stay in the barracks; nobody will tell you anything. But do not This kind of powerful argument in such simple attempt to shoot at my heart.” This words was a natural attribute of Bangabandhu’s coexistence of hard and soft address. attributes could always be observed in the big heart of Bangabandhu.

10 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 19 Towards the middle of the address, he said, “I told him, Mr. Yahya Khan, you are the President of Pakistan, come to Dhaka and see how our poor, our Bangali people have been mowed down by your bullets, how the laps of our mothers have been emptied, how my people have been slaughtered! You come, see for yourself and then judge.” Bangabandhu followed properly the rules of ‘put the attributes first’ while making references to quotations. For example, “Mr. Bhutto said, he would not go;” or, “Yahya Khan took over the government. He said, he would give constitution, democracy to the country, we accepted.” The following part of Prime Minister Winston Churchill own voice, has remained a his address shows that there was had said: “We shall fight on the gold-mine for researchers. The no change in his humanitarian beaches, we shall fight on the manner in which this address had approach even while announcing landing grounds, we shall fight in invigorated and indoctrinated the tough programmes: “I want to the fields and in the streets, we Bangalis with the mantra of liberty pronounce clearly that the courts, shall fight in the hills, we shall never added a new chapter in the annals offices, criminal courts and surrender.” Here, ‘we shall fight’ of speeches. This historic address is educational institutions will remain was the definition of that speech. considered to be a compulsory text closed from today indefinitely. Other Similarly, when Martin Luther King at home and abroad by the experts items will remain outside the delivered his historic address in of public speeches, researchers and purview of the strike, so that the 1963, the definition part of his communication theorists. speech was “I have a dream.” A poor don’t suffer, and my people do Although the historic 7 March portion of that address was as not endure hardship. Rickshaws, speech was an extempore one, follows: “I have a dream that one horse-drawn carriages, trains and what was noticeable about it was day this nation will rise up and live launches will run.” that annoying repetitions and out the true meaning of its creed ; I hesitations in framing words as The last sentence of have a dream that my four children observed in such speeches were Bangabandhu’s 7 March speech, will one day live in a nation where totally absent. It was possible for “The struggle this time is for they will not be judged by the Bangabandhu alone to deliver such emancipation! The struggle this colour of their skin, but by the an unostentatious, direction giving, time is for independence!” was content of their character.” effectively a declaration of poetic speech without any break independence expressed with a A speech that could inspire an and without taking any help from firm resolve, which had in fact entire nation to join the liberation notes while standing in the middle defined the speech. Bangabandhu war was a rare event in history. of a sea of people. A lucid and directly entered the ‘speech Analysis of the importance, detailed explanation about the definition’ in his historic address – significance and timeliness of this events unfolding at the time made through an appropriate application speech, which contained the this speech withstand the test of of communication theory. In his directives and declaration of the logic for all times to come. address delivered in 1940, British liberation war in Bangabandhu’s

This 7 March address of 1971 was not only the greatest speech in Bengali language, it is one of the best in the entire world. This speech was simultaneously the declaration of our independence and the inspiration of our liberation war. This speech will continue to rekindle the Bangali nation with a spark of fire, show the path of realizing the mundane truths and provide political direction to emancipation of the Bangali people.

Written by Professor AAMS Arefin Siddique, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University. Translated by Mr. Helal Uddin Ahmed. The article was received from the External Publicity Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. A slightly edited version.

20 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 11 The Political Philosophy of Bangabandhu

A leader who was always one with the people For the generation who witnessed the birth of Bangladesh, it is a daunting task to express in words the unique role played by the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the creation of the new state. It is even more challenging to analyze the political ideas underpinning his life’s work. There have been leaders in other countries who led their nations. But few could create history. Bangabandhu was one such rare grand actor of history. To understand his political philosophy, we should always keep in mind that Bangabandhu spent most of his life as a political player outside state power. He struggled against colonial and undemocratic state power, first against the British and later against the Pakistan state to establish the economic, political, and cultural rights of the Bengalees. He exercised state power only for a limited period of time — barely three and a half years after independence. His political discourse is that of a leader fighting authoritarian state power, not that of a leader who was using state power to govern a country. One of the remarkable features of his political life was his transformation from an ordinary rank and file worker of a political party to an unparalleled leader of millions of people. Bangabandhu possessed outstanding organizational capacity; at the same time, he was a great orator. Generally, it is very difficult to find such a combination of qualities in one leader. Bangabandhu was not a political theoretician, but he had a few specific political ideals and goals and he worked consistently to achieve them. Bangabandhu identified himself both as a human being and as a Bengalee. This self-identification helps us explore the main features of his political philosophy, such as nationalism, secularism, socialism, and people-orientation.

independence but also as a strugglele Nationalism for the economic and political emancipation of the down-trodden Independence, liberation, and democracy masses. He had always viewed thee From the beginning of his political life, Bangabandhu Bengali nationalist movement as was proud of his Bengali national identity. He was a movement for the involved in the Pakistan movement, but he believed that achievement of Pakistan should be established on the basis of the democracy as well Lahore Resolution which envisaged two Muslim majority as liberation of the independent sovereign states. He perceived the oppressed people. nationalist movement not simply as a struggle to gain

BANGLADESH BECKONS 10 BANGLADESH BECKONS 21 After the creation of Pakistan, Bangabandhu returned Bengalis. Following the launch of the six points, to Dhaka and became involved in various progressive Bangabandhu was again imprisoned and he was movements and organizations which championed the charged with treason by the Pakistan government in the linguistic, cultural, and economic rights of the Bengalis. In Agartala conspiracy case. 1948 he was imprisoned for participating in the In 1969, Ayub fell from power in the face of massive movement demanding recognition of Bengali as one of students’ movement. Bangabandhu was released from the state languages of Pakistan. He was also involved in prison and the students conferred on him the title of other social and political protest movements. He Bangabandhu (friend of Bengal). During the 1970 supported the movement of the fourth-class employees election campaign Bangabandhu started using of Dhaka university. nationalist slogans such as “Bangladesh” and “Joy Within a relatively short period after the establishment Bangla.” of Pakistan he became convinced about the need for Thus, within a relatively short span of four years, establishing an opposition political party not only for between 1966 to 1970, Bangabandhu was able to unite championing the rights of the Bengalis but also to the whole Bengali nation behind his demand for liberation challenge the authoritarian rule of the Muslim League. In and independence. No other nationalist leader had been his speeches we find a strong articulation of various so successful in mobilizing such a huge number of demands of the Bengali nationalists and his strong sense people within such a short period of time. of Bengali identity. In the council session of the party in 1955 the Awami League (AL) dropped the word “Muslim” It is noteworthy that throughout his life Bangabandhu from its name. In February 1966, Bangabandhu was involved in movement politics and talked about presented his historic six points demand which put people’s emancipation from exploitation and oppression, forward a very radical notion of provincial autonomy he believed in peaceful non-violent political movements. leaving only limited powers in the hands of the central From 1947 till 1970 the Bengali nationalist movement government. became stronger day-by-day under his leadership, but he stayed within the bounds of democratic politics. In March of that year he became the president of the AL and began a country-wide campaign to popularize Whenever Pakistani rulers gave opportunities for the six points which soon became the sole agenda of the election, he participated in them, though the elections party. Six points captured the aspirations of the nation were often not free and fair, and attempts were made to and it was billed as the charter for the liberation of the foil the election results.

Bangabandhu amid his followers after Bangabandhu delivering his historic being released from prison. speech (07 March 1971).

should enjoy equal rights as citizens and live together in Secularism peace and harmony. He talked about equal rights of all Non-communalism and equal rights groups to practice their respective religions. He witnessed the communal riots in Kolkata on August 16, for all citizens 1947. Bangabandhu saved both Muslims and Hindus from acts of communal violence in Kolkata. Later when Though he was a Bengali nationalist, Bangabandhu Suhrawardy joined Mahatma Gandhi in efforts to bring never tried to create division and hatred between back communal harmony, Bangabandhu joined them. different identity groups. These days we are witnessing After returning to Dhaka he joined Gonotantrik Jubo the rise of such nationalist leaders even in Western League and took up the cause of building communal democratic countries who are trying to instigate harmony as his main mission. He was against all forms of intolerance and violence towards minority groups. But communal violence, not simply between Hindus and Bangabandhu’s nationalist politics was different. He Muslims but also between different Muslim sects and believed in co-existence and mutual tolerance of different between Bengalis and non-Bengalis. In 1964 when identity groups and talked about equal rights of all Hindu-Muslim riots spread in India he started a civic citizens. campaign to prevent communal riots in East Bengal. Though he was involved in the Pakistan movement he believed that in India, Muslims and in Pakistan, Hindus

22 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 1 In his personal life he followed the preaching of Islam. socialism was formally adopted as one of the But Bangabandhu was against the political use of ideals of the party. religion. He condemned the Muslim League’s practice of using the slogan of Islam and not paying attention to the economic well-being of the people which he argued was People Orientation the goal for which “the working class, the peasants, and the labourers had made sacrifice during the movement People’s issues, people’s politics for independence.” Often, we find leaders who lead people towards great goals, but they do not become emotionally involved with the people. Bangabandhu was an exception. He often Socialism talked about his love for people and people’s love for Equality, freedom from exploitation, him in return. His politics was people’s politics. During the campaign for Pakistan when famine struck, he and oppression worked in feeding centres for the famine victims. He worked to rescue the victims of communal riots in Bangabandhu believed in socialism, which would free Kolkata. He participated in street rallies demanding food people from exploitation and oppression and remove security for the poor in East Bengal. He developed his inequality. He visited China in 1952 which left a deep political ideas by being involved with the concerns of the imprint in his mind. He found great differences in the living ordinary masses. His political philosophy was not conditions of people in Pakistan and China which he centred only on the goal of getting state power. attributed to the differences in the two political systems. He admired the priorities set by the Chinese government At one level, Bangabandhu was a man of the masses. in improving the socio-economic conditions of the He learned about people’s aspirations from them. At people. Bangabandhu believed that the government has another level he was the leader of the people. He carried a role to play in removing inequality and freeing people forward ordinary people’s aspirations. He had faith in from exploitation. In the council session of the AL held people. That is why he could call upon people on March during April 7-8, 1972, he reiterated his commitment to 7, 1971 to join the liberation struggle with “whatever little promote an exploitation-free socio-economic system and they have.”

Bangabandhu in a meeting with his close compatriots. Four guiding principles of state We see the reflections of Banganabdhu’s political philosophy in the four guiding principles of state adopted by our constitution: Nationalism, democracy, secularism, and socialism. He defended these four principles in various speeches delivered in the parliament, in the party forums, and in addresses to the nation. Bangabandhu used to articulate the goals of his life’s work in two simple words. He would either say he wants to build again “Shonar Bangla” or he would say he wants to bring “a smile on the faces of the poor and unhappy people.” He knew very well how precious a smile was and his goal was to achieve that priceless objective.

Written by Dr. Rounaq Jahan, former Professor of the Columbia University, USA and currently a distinguished fellow at the Center for Policy Dialogue (CPD), Dhaka. This article was published in the Dhaka Tribune on Monday, 10 June 2019. This is a shortened version.

1 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 23

Bangabandhu’s Thoughts on Economic Development

“To build a Golden Bengal, we need Golden People. Bangladesh is plagued by exploitation, oppression, and looting. To solve these problems and to build a happy and prosperous Bangladesh, the people needs to work hard to increase production." - Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (December 15,1974).

These were words from the heart of our Father of the Nation. He knew the economic dimensions as well. He country was in a dire situation after the liberation war, but he also realized the strongly condemned the ‘Federal potential of the people to overcome all the hurdles and turn the tide. He Control of Industries Act’ which rightly believed in uniting the people and leading them towards the desired virtually gave full control of the direction of inclusive development as the only way to true prosperity. He industrial sector to the central intended to lead the country in this direction and was well on his way. Within government, bypassing provincial only a few years after independence, he succeeded in materializing the authorities. While East Pakistan had growth potential of Bangladesh to a significant extent. better agricultural growth potential, He inherited an economy of only eight billion US dollars. There was not the then central government was even a dollar in our foreign exchange reserve. But thanks to his committed spending more on agricultural leadership the economy started moving forward despite many seemingly development in West Pakistan. insurmountable challenges including war-ravaged physical and social Bangabandhu was determined to infrastructures and virtually no regulatory institutions. There was acute bring about positive change in shortage of food grains following national and international natural shocks. favour of the people of East But Bangabandhu led from the front in rebuilding this devastated economy Pakistan (i.e. today’s Bangladesh). with meagre domestic resources and international humanitarian support. The Hence, when he oversaw the people of the country started believing in their own power as well. Provincial Ministry of Industry he The phrase ‘Sonar Bangla’ (meaning Golden Bengal) was very common in focused on industrial growth of East speeches and writings of Bangabandhu well before the independence of Pakistan. He bargained with the Bangladesh. He was always thinking about re-establishing ‘Sonar Bangla’. central government for a fair share But this was not a mere political rhetoric for him. This aspiration was based of the economic benefits to the on his consciousness about the past glory of this land. He knew that only a entrepreneurs and people of the few centuries back Bangladesh was really a land of prosperity, a golden then East Pakistan. country. This country was famous for its agricultural production (fueled by favourable climate conditions, fertile land, riverine geography etc.). It was famous for its exports like muslin, silk, cotton, spices and even ship building. Bengal was a real trade hub during that era. Bangabandhu was aware of this glorious past, and strongly believed that the past glory could be revived through a proper overhaul to develop economic emancipation of the people. Since the beginning of Pakistan, the government never treated Bangladesh (then East Bengal/Pakistan) equally. Bangabandhu was aware of this. He realized that along with social and political dimensions this inequality had

BANGLADESH BECKONS 10 BANGLADESH BECKONS 25 According to Bangabandhu’s proposals, East Pakistan was to gain full control of its industry and trade from January 1957. He even asked for constituting an Economic Commission to identify the sources of disparity. The central government responded positively to his proposal and an Economic Commission was constituted where economists from East Pakistan echoed his views. The Commission Report was soon sent years to come. A vibrant agriculture steps as he believed that agricultural to cold storage and never saw the can also ensure supply of raw development was then the most light of the day. materials for a burgeoning industrial important prerequisite for After the liberation, as already sector. sustainable and inclusive indicated, Bangabandhu got a Immediately after the development of the country. war-ravaged country with its independence of the country, Bangabandhu was also infrastructural backbone broken, Bangabandhu took some prudent conscious about the economy in a shambles, millions of initiatives to ensure agricultural complementarity between hungry people, and challenges growth. Some of these initiatives agricultural and industrial sectors. arising from very difficult are: rebuilding the war-ravaged For example, fertilizers are critically geo-politics, as the US opposed agricultural infrastructure, ensuring important agricultural inputs and so directly our struggle for freedom. Yet supply of agricultural equipment on he prioritized establishment and he did not lose hope. On the first emergency basis free of cost or at operationalizing fertilizer factories anniversary of independence he concessional rates, ensuring across the country. Bangabandhu uttered: “We will turn this adequate supply of seed, knew there was no alternative to war-ravaged country into a golden cancelling 1 million certificate cases industrialization. Industrial expansion one. In the Bengal of future, for loan default against farmers filed was needed, for producing goods to mothers will smile, and children will during the Pakistan period, fixing consume internally and to export, play. It will be a society free of minimum fair prices for and would ensure employment for a exploitation. Start the movement of agro-products, ration facilities for growing population. However, just development in the fields and farms poor and marginal farmers, etc. after the independence, with no and in the factories. We can surely The Bangabandhu government foreign reserve, no foreign rebuild the country through hard took these steps during the early investment, very little backward and work. Let us work together so that days of his rule. He took these forward linkages, and above all, very the Golden Bengal shines few people with entrepreneurial again.” experience, industrialization Bangabandhu rightly perhaps was the biggest realized the importance of challenge that Bangabandhu agriculture on economic had to face. development. He understood that agriculture will not only provide food to feed the people, but also will remain as the main source of income for majority of the people for many

26 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 1 FATHER OF THE NATION BANGABNDHU SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN BROUGHT INDEPENDENCE FOR US. WE’RE WORKING TOWARDS THE DIRECTION HE WANTED TO DEVELO P THE COUNTRY. - Sheikh Hasina

Entrepreneur-friendly for state-led industrial growth. He medium to long-term plan was to Bangabandhu was always for nationalized major banks and create an enabling environment for facilitating business growth. Even insurance companies, all jute mills, the private sector. These are visible when he was the Provincial Minister sugar mills and textile mills. The in the first five-year plan and budget for Industry, he proposed initiatives early results were rewarding. In the proposals of the government of the that would reduce the cost of doing first year since independence, the newly independent country. For business (by saving time and jute mills were producing at 56 per example, in the budget for FY overcoming red tape). During that cent of their capacities. The same 1974-75, the upper limit for private time, he encouraged entrepreneurs ratio for textile mills, paper mills and investment was shifted from 250 from home and abroad to invest in fertilizer factories were 60 per cent, thousand (25 lakh) taka to 30 million East Pakistan and committed full 69 per cent, and 62 per cent (3.0 crore) taka, and there were support to them from the provincial respectively. All these factories provisions for developing new government. But in the were doing better than they were industries by the private sector. post-liberation era, the situation was during the Pakistan period. Apart from these, 133 abandoned entirely different. Due to reasons industrial units were handed over to mentioned above, there was little to While Bangabandhu chose to private sector during this no scope for private sector to grow. expand industrial sector through government. So, it is evident that In the newly liberated country, nationalization at the beginning the process of deregulation began Bangabandhu rightly chose to go (due to obvious conditions), his during Bangabandhu’s time.

Bangabandhu was leading the country along the path of inclusive development based on prudent agricultural and industrial policies. But evil forces took him away and left us off track. After a long time and after a lot of sacrifice, we are again back on that prudent growth path under the leadership of his daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. We must do our very best to ensure this journey continues. If we can do so, we will indeed have a country with golden future – the true ‘Sonar Bangla’.

Written by Dr. Atiur Rahman, Economist and former Governor of Bangladesh Bank, published in the Daily Sun on 26 March 2019. This is an edited version.

1 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 27 Foreign Policy in Bangabandhu's Time

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was unequivocal about the foreign policy Bangladesh would pursue under his leadership. He defined it in simple terms. The new country would base its ties with the world outside its frontiers on the principle of friendship for all and malice towards none.

In the years in which of economic as well as educational ties. Bangabandhu was in office, till his A constructive result of such close Dhaka-Moscow links was the assassination in August 1975, a facilitating of higher academic programmes for Bengali students at Soviet sense of dynamism coupled with a universities, a reality that was to add enormously to the promotion of huge dose of idealism was what excellence in education. And, of course, Soviet assistance in clearing constituted Bengali diplomacy soon Chittagong port of the remnants of the 1971 war and helping to rebuild it after liberation in December 1971. were hugely to the advantage of a country which had its economy battered The foreign policy adopted by and its infrastructure absolutely destroyed by the conflict. Bangabandhu's administration necessarily took into account the Equally important in the Bangladesh foreign policy scheme of things were support, in moral as well as material relations with India. The generosity of spirit with which Prime Minister Indira terms, provided by those nations Gandhi and her government came to the support of Bangladesh's people in which clearly looked upon the 1971, especially in accommodating ten million Bengali refugees, providing genocide committed by the space for the Mujibnagar government to operate in and waging a diplomatic Pakistan occupation army in the campaign in Bangladesh's support, were naturally acknowledged with country with dismay and derision. gratitude by the people and government of Bangladesh. The new government in Dhaka, More importantly, the entry of Indian forces in the war in December 1971, conscious of the decisive Soviet following the attack on Indian territory by Pakistan, and the eventual role at the United Nations Security surrender of the Pakistani forces before the joint command of the Indian army Council, where Moscow vetoed all and the Mukti Bahini were resolutions that looked about to a strong reassertion of the prevent the fall of Pakistan in growing links between the Bangladesh, certainly understood two countries. Obviously, the need for close ties with the therefore, a strong, Soviet Union. It was against such a constructive bonding with background of Soviet support to India was in order. the Bangladesh cause in 1971 that Bangabandhu paid an official visit to Moscow in March 1972. This was one occasion where the Bengali political leadership, for the very first time, came in touch with the leaders of the communist state, a move which led to a strengthening Signing of historic Indira-Mujib Treaty.

28 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 9 Bangabandhu believed that in order for the two countries to reinforce the links forged during the war, it was important that Indian troops go back home and let the new country get on with its work. A singular contribution of Bangabandhu's government was thus the return home of India's soldiers from Bangladesh. Indian soldiers trooped back to their country a few days before Mrs. Gandhi paid an official visit to Dhaka in March 1972. And then came a defining moment in relations between the two neighbours when Bangladesh and India initialled a 25-year treaty of friendship that would have the two countries coming to mutual support and friendship in the event of hostilities imposed by other nations on either of them. The times between 1972 and 1974 can justifiably be regarded as a bright era in Bangladesh's diplomacy. Bangabandhu's government earned, in these critical two years, the rare honour of seeing most nations in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas accord it diplomatic recognition. That Bangladesh was committed to pursuing a secular democratic structure was a powerful factor in persuading other nations of the need to give the new nation its rightful place in the councils of the world. It was a policy which led to the Bangladesh cause in the times after liberation being looked upon with a huge degree of support and empathy. It can be argued, therefore, that Bengali secular democracy, having been acknowledged by the world as Bangladesh's defining diplomatic principle, led to a swift opening of doors everywhere. The country made its entry into various global organisations, particularly those linked to the United Nations. Again, though Bangladesh had little political reason to be part of the Commonwealth, it Bangabandhu delivering his maiden speech nevertheless made it known that it was ready and at the United Nations (1974). willing to play its full part in the organization.

Bangladesh's efforts to obtain a card and so keep Pakistan in good gap in its diplomacy and was place in the United Nations were humour. Such an assessment therefore now equipped to forge decisively blocked through an entailed, of course, a powerful ahead with exploring trade and exercise of the veto by China in requirement for a change of other possibilities with the Islamic 1972. Indeed, through 1972 and perceptions where links with world. 1973, the Chinese leadership Pakistan were concerned. Bangladesh's foreign policy refused to have Dhaka take its place The change came in February regarding the United States, in the in the world body, clearly out of an 1974, when Bangladesh's entry initial stages, was informed by a unwillingness to let Pakistan down. into the Organisation of Islamic couple of positions. First, The Chinese action surely dismayed Countries (OIC) threw up a new Bangabandhu and his government Bangabandhu. Yet he was unwilling dimension to its diplomacy. Indeed, were grateful to the American to go critical or condemnatory, of the OIC summit, held in the people for their unqualified support Beijing's position on Bangladesh. Pakistani city of Lahore, was to the Bangladesh cause in 1971. It was political pragmatism which instrumental in burnishing Second, it was critical of the came into play, for Bangabandhu Bangladesh's image on the global Nixon-Kissinger tilt toward Pakistan was in little doubt that until scene. The second was during the war, a position which Bangladesh and Pakistan reached a Bangladesh's diplomatic opening clearly militated against the Bengali deal on the issues that put up out, at virtually one go, to the war of liberation. roadblocks to a normalization of ties Islamic world. The perception at the between Dhaka and Islamabad, time was that through joining the Beijing would go on playing the veto OIC, Bangladesh had filled a major

10 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 29 With Yogoslavian President Josip Broz Tito (1973). Bangabandhu at NAM Summit.

It was not easily forgotten that recognition of Bangladesh in April American policy. where American politicians like 1972. Though ties between the two Senator Edward Kennedy were countries were somewhat soured by loudly rooting for Bangladesh in the American position regarding 1971, the Nixon administration Bangladesh's trade deals with Cuba, consistently explored the chances the government in Dhaka was of a negotiated settlement between careful not to let slip the opportunity the Yahya Khan regime and the of building on its new-found links Bengali political leadership even with Washington. when the opportunity for such a Bangladesh made a significant settlement did not exist after 25 move through making contact with With British Prime Minister March 1971. the World Bank, a step that Edward Heath (1972). The Bangabandhu government's demonstrated the government's diplomatic successes were surely determination to pursue an Bangabandhu was keenly aware capped by Washington's independent foreign policy through of the damage done to Pakistan an exercise of pragmatism in its through its membership of such dealings with foreign nations in an anti-communist blocs as SEATO era yet constricted by the Cold War. and CENTO; and because he was, it was his observation that the path In much the same manner, traversed by Jawaharlal Nehru, Bangabandhu and his government Gamal Abdel Nasser, Ahmed were convinced that nothing short of Sukarno and Josip Broz Tito in the non-alignment would enable the 1950s was one his country needed global community to steer away from to take if its goal was to carve a the hard choices it would have to distinctive niche for itself in the With Leonid Breznev of former make between leaning toward the world. USSR (1972). Soviet bloc and aligning itself with

Forty-nine years after 1971, the principles on which Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shaped Bangladesh's foreign policy are in absolute need of reassertion. The Father of the Nation believed, out of conviction and moral belief, that Bangladesh could be the Switzerland of the East. Given the trauma the Bengali nation has faced in the years since his assassination, the relevance of that belief rises out of the mists of time. The message is patent and unmistakable: Bangladesh is in sore need of reclaiming the goodwill and respect of the international community, sentiments which once came its way through the nobility of its cause and the sagacity of its leadership. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman personified that cause and that sagacity.

Written by Syed Badrul Ahsan, Editor-in-Charge of the Asian Age. The article was published in the same newspaper on 16 November 2019. This is a slightly edited version.

30 BANGLADESH BECKONS BECKONS 11 People-centric Education Policy of Bangabandhu

Bangabandhu inherited a very fragile education system in the war-ravaged Bangladesh. Historically, this part of Bengal was lagging behind in education during the British as well as the Pakistan eras. Low enrollment rate at primary level and dropout rate were concerning, so was the status of female literacy. As a visionary leader, Bangabandhu realized the value of education for a developing society like ours. He, therefore, decided to improve the existing outmoded education system and made it one of his top priorities. Bangabandhu considered education as an essential social investment. He emphasized on an education policy that would help meet the demand of a young nation so that it can achieve rapid development by providing skilled manpower.

After the liberation, when a new constitution of the initiatives to realize its education objectives taking country was adopted, Bangabandhu’s philosophy on strength from the above provisions of the Constitution, education was well articulated in its section-17, which which also guarantees education as a right for all. dictates that the State should adopt effective measures for: Bangabandhu’s vision for a pro-people, inclusive and need-based education policy was well captured in the (a) establishing a uniform, mass oriented and universal first five-year development plan of the government. It system of education and extending free and may well be considered as the blueprint to transform the compulsory education to all children to such stage as out modeled, elite centric, discriminatory education may be determined by law; system. The plan started from a high moral ground (b) relating education to the needs of society and saying “ …education must be responsive to country’s producing properly trained and motivated citizens to social and economic needs. Bangladesh cannot allow serve those needs; creation of an elite class as in past. Simultaneous (c) removing illiteracy within such time as may be attempts must, therefore, be made to change the values determined by law. which a boy or a girl imbibes along with his or her training and education. In this context, the content of Despite severe resource constraints of a devastated education assumes greater importance than the economy, Bangabandhu’s Government took some major methods of education.”

31 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 31 The plan was designed in such a way so that the Following are a few steps taken by the Mujib education system responds to the specific requirements Government immediately after assuming the power of of the nation and it produces skilled manpower as per the country: the development aspiration of the country. It (a) All the primary schools of the country were emphasized that all citizens should have an inherent nationalized, right to a minimal level of education and be able to receive it at any age convenient to them. It promised to (b) 11 thousand new primary schools were established make education facilities of a basic minimal standard (c) Highest allocation of national budget was made to available to all seats of learning regardless their location. revitalize education sector, The plan however, reminded that the education system must be viewed as a totality and the goals of all different (d) Qudrat-i-Khuda Education Commission was formed layers must be one. It did not also ignore the point that on July 26, of 1972 to bring significant reform to education should equally enrich cultural attainments of education section. the people apart from pedagogic attainments. (e) Clear guidelines were laid down in the first five years Bangabandhu realized that bringing quick structural plan to strengthen all strata of education system changes to the existing system would take time. So, his The government took initiatives to make the government adopted a few first track strategies and curriculum for the primary level more relevant to real life. programs. Those included: larger enrollment of students Textbooks, writings and instructional materials were through introduction of double shifts; provision for supplied to all children free of cost or at a subsidized well-equipped laboratories and practical sessions for rate. Introduction of innovative systems and incentives science education; vocational and technical training to were given thoughts to reduce drop out at primary and support the dropped-out students unable to pursue secondary levels. For Secondary level, there was a plan higher studies; steps towards attaining effective adult to integrate vocational education with mainstream literacy; and special attention to female education with academic education and to maintain a healthy supply the objective of turning them into teachers for the chain for efficient work force as well as to enroll 40% primary and secondary schools. students of Class IX & X to vocational education.

Bangabandhu’s first five-year plan also emphasized towards adequate utilization of home-grown talent on the education of the teachers. In post-liberation by taking advantage of the expertise of retired civil period, schools were facing great difficulties in recruiting servants, guardians and senior students who have teachers for science and technical subjects because of expertise in certain vocational or technical fields. their high demand in other job sectors. The plan Bangabandhu realized that teaching was a low-paid introduced the idea of non-conventional teaching within profession and it needed proper incentives to retain the formal system to bridge the shortfall by allowing teachers into their job. So, his government took some technicians and skilled workers to offer practical initiatives for the teachers including the opportunities instructions in schools, central to improve their qualification and laboratories and community promotion to higher positions. workshops. It also aimed

32 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 32 The much awaited Qudrat-i-Khuda Education social personality. Commission’s Report came out in May 1974. The report • To bring up the child as a patriotic, responsible, took into account the socio-economic and political inquiring and law-abiding citizen, and develop in him a condition as well as the cultural heritage of the country. love for justice, dignity, labor, proper conduct and The perspectives of the education system of the uprightness; and contemporary world were also taken into consideration. As expected, The report prescribed major reforms to the • To learn to read and write in the mother tongue, and existing education system. Special emphasis had been to be able to count and calculate. To be able to given on working experiences and practical application acquire the fundamental knowledge and techniques of knowledge. As for the primary education, the report needed for a citizen. outlined the following key objectives: • To develop and nurture the child’s moral, mental and

The Commission made recommendations for making primary education compulsory and available for the disadvantaged children. It suggested non-formal education as complementary to formal education. Bangabandhu’s contribution was duly acknowledged in this historic report in the following manner:

‘This gigantic work was not possible to complete without the desire, interest and assistance of the Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We are grateful to him’. (Introduction: Qudrat-i-Khuda Education Commission Report 1974).

Dr. Qudrat-i-Khuda discussing his report with Bangabandhu.

It was a great tragedy for the nation that the Father of the Nation was brutally assassinated by the reactionary forces on August 15, 1975. The Qudrat-i-Khuda Commission Education Report was shelved for a long time. It is encouraging for us that the present government lead by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of the Father of the Nation, has taken up the task for removing illiteracy from the country. A national committee on education policy was formed to pencil a people-oriented education policy based on the Report of the Qudrat-i-Khuda Education Commission. We have already lost considerable period of our national life. It is an imperative for us to make resolute effort so that we can make speedy progress in realizing the objective set by the present government in the area of education and in line with the vision of our Father of the Nation.

Written by the Bangladesh High Commission, Singapore based on the first Five-year Development Plan of Bangladesh.

33 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 33

After liberation, all sectors of the mantra, Bangabandhu made a agro-inputs such as machineries, economy, including agriculture, decisive move for the rejuvenation seeds, fertilizers and pesticides, as suffered huge setbacks in a of the agricultural sector. Many well as tools like lift pumps, deep war-ravaged country. Bangladesh initiatives were taken, programmes tube-wells and shallow tube-wells experienced a post war famine-like and schemes were adopted. He at a nominal price or sometimes situation, government storage - visualized such efforts as the most totally free of cost. The government empty, agricultural production important prerequisite for rebuilding also distributed bullocks, cows and - totally disrupted, and distribution the country’s economy. agricultural loans among the systems - broken. Farmers did not farmers. His government adopted a have enough seeds and other Bangabandhu urged the farmers two-tier cooperative system under essential means of production like to dedicate themselves to an the Coordinated Rural fertilizers, pesticides, pumps, tillers, agricultural revolution by not Development Project in 1972. The and livestock to start a new sparing a single piece of arable land first-ever microcredit program for season. Amid such a grim without agricultural production. the rural poor was introduced in scenario, Bangabandhu dreamt of From his side, the first move was to the country under that scheme. a ‘Green Revolution’ for attaining rehabilitate more than 22 lakh One fifth of the development his bigger dream of a ‘Golden peasant families. On top of that, budget of the government went to Bengal’. Guided by his own farmers were provided with agricultural sector.

Bangabandhu introduced some forward-looking agriculture and farmer friendly policies, including in the area of land reform; for example, waivers of land tax up to 25 bighas of land, deferment of tax payments on lands, fixation of land ownership ceiling up to 100 bighas per family, and debt relief for indebted farmers. One million certificate cases filed against the farmers before liberation were waived. The famous Ganges-Kapotakhkha Irrigation Project was initiated during his time. Alongside enhancing irrigation facilities, high-yielding varieties of paddy, jute and wheat seeds were also distributed among the farmers. To ensure fair price, his government fixed the minimum selling rate of important agriculture products and constructed a number of silos to enhance country’s capacity in food storage. Bangabandhu’s government incentivized agriculture-based industries and SMEs, introduced cooperative farming, created alternative employments for the farmers.

363 BANBAANA GLAGLLADESESH BEEECCKOKONONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 35 Bangabandhu established a few the cooperative-based “Milk Vita” to ensure sustainable agricultural institutions for supporting farmers corporation was established in production, Bangabandhu took a and farming during his time, which 1974. Among others, his special initiative for reorganizing the eventually proved crucial for the government reconstructed the higher educational and research agriculture sector. The most Horticulture Board, Seed institutions related to agriculture. important of them was the Certification Agency and the Rubber The Agriculture Research Council establishment of the Bangladesh Development Project to diversify was established in 1973. The Agriculture Bank to provide the agricultural production. His Bangladesh Rice Research Institute farmers and agro based industries government also reorganized the (BRRI) was further strengthened and with soft loans. Cotton imports Bangladesh Agricultural its scopes expanded in 1972. In the understandably dried up because Development Corporation (BADC) to pursuit of achieving excellence in of the soured relationship with ensure uninterrupted country-wide agricultural production, Pakistan. He formed Cotton supply of seeds and fertilizers. The Bangabandhu founded the Development Board in 1972 to former Jute Agriculture Research Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear revive local cotton production which Laboratory was transformed into the Agriculture (BINA), Bangladesh is the lifeline of the garments sector. Jute Research Institute through the Agricultural Research Institute There was a crisis of milk and milk ‘Jute Act”. (BARI) and Bangladesh Rice products especially for the children. Research Institute (BRRI). To meet the demand of liquid milk, From a futuristic perspective and

In recent times, Bangladesh is considered as a role model of agricultural development for many. Bangladesh has been able to attain food security as a result of such miraculous advancement. The bedrock of these success was laid by the visionary thinking of our Father of the Nation. The pledge that Bangabandhu made with the farmers for their welfare and reviving the agricultural sector, his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina continues that in the same spirit. Her flagship initiative “One House One Firm” resembles the philosophy of her father on agriculture. Under the current leadership of Sheikh Hasina, we are hopeful that Bangladesh will be one of the front-runners in attaining the SDG-2 (zero hunger goal).

Written by the Bangladesh High Commission, Singapore based on the first Five-year Development Plan of Bangladesh.

36 BANGLADESH BECKONS BBANNGLAGL DESSH BECBEECE KONNS 3737 Bangabandhu and his Policy of Health for All

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur through an integrated and comprehensive health services. Since the vast Rahman had taken some landmark majority of the population of our country lives in rural areas, his government steps for the improvement of the emphasised on building and expanding health facilities in these areas, so that health sector of the country during a reasonable level of health care was available for all. the post-independence era. The health facilities of the newly born It was not supposed to be easy. As the country was just recovering from country were precarious both in the wounds of war, the government felt the pinch of shortage of resources terms of quality and quantity. The and manpower to bring in necessary change in the health sector. lack of manpower was a formidable Bangabandhu adopted a pragmatic strategy, which was to focus on challenge. Moreover, a great preventive health care. His point was, since most of the morbidity and majority of those doctors were mortality in our country was caused due to preventable diseases the health working in urban areas causing system of the country should be prevention oriented. Moreover, he realized almost a complete vacuum in the that the prevention of morbidity had a definite economic gain, because it rural areas, which was the policy enhances quality of lives and quality of the work of the labour force. thrust of Bangabandhu. The situation of the specialist doctors was the worst. There were only about 259 specialists available in all Maternal and child mortality and morbidity were discipline in the whole country. On acute health issues in newly born Bangladesh. top of that, there was insufficiency of drugs, medicine and other Bangabandhu decided to strengthen healthcare essential supplies. The industry was programmes targeting infants, children, and not able to meet even the minimum internal demand for drugs and mothers in order to reducing infant mortality and medicines. maternal mortality rates by integrating family

This situation was unacceptable planning in health policy. to Bangabandhu who fought throughout his life for fairness and social justice. He decided that the health facilities and services in In the first Five Year development plan, the government designed its health Bangladesh should be provided in policies along the above philosophy of Bangabandhu. The basic strategy was such a way that the benefits of such to shift the emphasis from curative to preventive health care and to develop a reach the common man. So, at the delivery system that would provide integrated and comprehensive health care very outset, Bangabandhu set the to the rural population. The plan envisaged a comprehensive health care objectives of creating a health system for the country, by integrating the full range of preventive and curative infrastructure in the country with services, so that the specialists, doctors, nurses, medical auxiliaries, and special attention to rural areas para-medical personnel can work in a co-ordinated manner.

BANGLADESH BECKONS 37 In drawing up the five-year plan, priority was given to build rural thana health complexes. At the same time, provision was made for raising the number of hospital beds and improvement of hospital facilities in urban areas. Greater attention was given to the improvement of manpower by proving training and teaching facilities for doctors, nurses, medical assistants and The need for greater emphasis on para-medical personnel. Many programs were undertaken for the maternity and child health (MCH) strengthening of maternal and child health both in rural and urban areas. programme in Bangladesh was Ongoing projects for the eradication/control of infectious diseases including obvious from the fact that the tuberculosis and improvement of production of immunizing agents were maternal mortality rate was very high revamped. Quality of drugs was a major issue, so the measures were taken in the country. It was vital, therefore, to improve drug control. that the status of MCH services should be revamped in the health Rural Health Complex has been visualised as the unit organisation for plan. In addition to reducing providing integrated and comprehensive health and family planning services maternal and infant mortality rates, to the rural population. The government underscored the need to improve the MCH centres could provide very quality of the existing hospital facilities and to create new hospital beds, effective support to the Family which it did through the Five-Year plan. The government mindful of the Planning Programme. The plan, shortage of manpower, so it planned to create adequate under-graduate and therefore, provided for MCH services post graduate teaching and training facilities for the medical, para medical in rural areas to be expanded and nursing personnel. Special attention was given to ensure availability of through MCH unit of the rural health the life savings drugs for treatment of the sick and immunizing agents for complexes and the sub-centres. By prevention or control of communicable diseases. There was not a single the end of the second Five Year Plan orthopedic physician in the then Bangladesh. Bangabandhu took a prompt period, it was expected that all the decision about sending our doctors abroad for advanced medical course on rural thanas and unions would be fields and sent five doctors to the then East Germany for doing the advanced covered with health complexes and course on orthopaedic line. sub-centres respectively and thus a During the plan period, the pioneer medical institute of the country, network of MCH units will be ‘Post-Graduate Institute of Medicine’ and one new medical college was available throughout the rural areas established, and existing medical colleges were strengthened. Existing of the country. teaching institutions were not adequate to produce enough medical Diarrhoeal disease including graduates and medical specialists to cope even with present requirements. cholera were the most common The new medical colleges and post-graduate institutions were created to communicable diseases, which cope with the demand. Bangabandhu made ground-breaking change within killed thousands every year in a short period of time in the country’s medical education by opening Bangladesh. The supply of infusion Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgery (BCPS) for post-graduation fluid of proper type was a chronic degree through 1972 ordinance. challenge. The purchase of infusion Majority of the district and sub-divisional hospitals were lacking in sufficient fluids from abroad was costly. A number of beds to cope with the pressing requirement of the treatment. full-fledged programme was Moreover, lack of adequate staff and equipment and irregular supply of drugs introduced in the first Five-Year Plan and medicines had increasingly become a problem. The Government took to establish a unit for production of initiatives to improve the situation with the upgrading of these hospitals to the infusion fluids of different types in status of referral hospitals and the increase in the number of technical staff to adequate quantity to meet the uplift the standard of treatment. The number of beds was raised in these demand of the entire country. hospitals to help improve the situation. Bangabandhu nationalized all chartable One of the major impediments of dispensaries across the country, including all hospitals in 17 districts, to effective implementation of Health increase access of common people for receiving the medical treatments. Programmes at that time was inadequate medical and STEADY PROGRESS IN HEALTH SECTOR para-medical personnel. It takes time to produce doctors with 5.1 YEARS Average life expectancy in 2018 41.9% minimum training and still many increase in fall in child mortality more years to produce teachers and average life women men rate between expectancy 73.8 specialists. Nonetheless,

YEARS 70.8 YEARS 2008 and 2017 from Bangabandhu took some 2009-2018 remarkable steps, beginning with improvement of curricula of medical 171 WHO has declared education focusing more on Bangladesh free from 42.89% fewer maternal polio and tetanus decrease in common communicable, nutritional mortality cases tuberculosis and other diseases as well as (PER 100,000) cases from 2008-2017 2009 - 2019 preventive and community from medicines giving due emphasis on the special health problems of 94.45% 15 percentage 8 percentage fewer deaths from point reduction point increase in Bangladesh. malaria in 2018 in non-communicable individual medical disease fatalities compared to 2008 expenditure from 2011-2018 from 2012-2019

38 BANGLADESH BECKONS import medicines from abroad to meet the domestic demand. He E-SERVICES FOR HEALTHCARE IN BANGLADESH handed over the imported medicines to the then Medical UNDER SHEIKH HASINA GOVT Association to distribute medicines properly as per the real demand of healthcare centres. Health Tele- Pregnancy Bangabandhu made some Service Via medicine Care Advice ground-breaking changes in the Mobile Service Through production of medicines in the Phone Texts country. The maximum medicines were being produced then by some multinational companies, which were expensive and were not affordable for the people to Online consume on physicians’ advice. The Hospital Population Digital Father of the Nation directed the Automation Health Training local pharmaceutical companies to Registry Facility produce all kinds of medicines of multinational companies so that the people can get medicines at the lowest price and the government can give patients free medicines from hospitals during their treatments. The nursing services of the country was extremely weak. At that time, there were acute shortage of trained nurses in the country. The existing nurses’ The pharmaceutical industry had training centres suffered from inadequate residential facilities, training grown in unplanned way without equipment, and even teaching staff. Upon his instruction, Permanent Nurses’ proper attention to make the country Training Centres (NTC) were established with sufficient residential self-sufficient in essential drugs. The accommodation, adequate staff and teaching facilities in all the medical government of Sheikh Mujib colleges. The shortage of all categories of para-medical personnel was also adopted some measures to change acute. During the planned period a priority program was, therefore, adopted to the situation for the better. The first produce a large pool of para-medical personnel. A crash program was thing the Government did was to introduced to tackle the shortage problem of different categories of provide licenses and financial para-medical personnel. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman took a incentives to only qualified landmark step in constituting directorate of Family Planning in 1973 to control manufacturer who could produce the population. basic and essential pharmaceuticals. The aim was to The government made it compulsory for all doctors, medical assistants, achieve self-sufficiency in the basic nurses and para-medical personnel to serve for, at least, two years in the and essential pharmaceuticals on national health programs, of which at least one year must be in rural areas priority basis. The government after qualifying from the respective national institutes. Posting of personnel in looked into the quality control issue rural areas was made, as far as practicable, early in the career. of pharmaceuticals through regular There was a huge shortage of medicine in war-torn Bangladesh and it was collection of random samples for a major obstacle in treating common people and giving them free medicines. testing at the drug control laboratory Then, Bangabandhu directed the Trading Corporation of Bangladesh (TCB) to of the government.

These are a few highlights that Bangabandhu accomplished in the health sector within his short three and a half years stay in office. The results of all these endeavours were not immediately observable. However, it is not difficult to trace back our phenomenal successes in the health sector today to his forward-looking plans and programs, as well as measures taken to strengthen the health infrastructure in the country. Bangabandhu envisioned health for all, and his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made it a reality by bringing the healthcare services at the doorsteps of our common people.

Written by the Bangladesh High Commission, Singapore based on the first Five-year Development Plan of Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH BECKONS 39

Bangabandhu: What the World Needs to Know

We now know Sheikh Mujib was the man who led Bangladesh to independence. But long before that, he was a leader worth talking about. Outside of Bangladesh, enough people have not yet heard of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. He was the Father of his nation, and he stood out among fathers of several other nations.

A determined campaigner from a young age

Sheikh Mujib selflessly devoted himself in politics from a very early age and raised his voice for common good of his countrymen. While he was a student, he founded the Muslim Students League which sought the creation of Pakistan. Unlike some other fathers of new nations, he consistently stressed social justice. He truly believed in people’s empowerment. After leaving prison in 1949, he led a strike by menial employees of Dhaka University. That triggered another arrest and jail term for him. While he was in jail, a new political party was formed to seek justice for the Bangali majority, the East Pakistan Awami Muslim League. Sheikh Mujib was made a party secretary while he was still behind bars. After his release from jail, he led a movement protesting the food crisis in East Pakistan. The authorities arrested him again. In fact, they jailed him five times in 1949 alone. Throughout his political career, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was willing to make great personal sacrifices. He was arrested at least 22 times in his life. He was also prepared to risk death. That became clear when Bangabandhu leading a mourning he was released in 1952, after a hunger strike endangered his health. rally in memory of the Language Martyrs. In 1953, he was elected general secretary of his party which, with its allies, won almost every seat in a provincial election. It then sought autonomy for east Bengal. He became a provincial minister – aged only 34.

BANGLADESH BECKONS 41 Three more of his commitments soon became apparent

First, in 1955, to stress its commitment to secularism, his party dropped the word “Muslim” from its name – becoming the Awami League. Then he resigned as minister to build the party’s organisation. Unlike the fathers of some other new nations, he knew the importance of a strong organisation which went beyond one-man rule. Thus, the Awami League – then and after his death – has had a solid organisation. Third, while he was a defiant firebrand, he was also a flexible, subtle leader. When opportunities emerged to make progress by negotiation, he responded. As early as 1957, he moderated his tone, to see if progress was possible. He had a fine, flexible sense of timing – which is important in politics. March 7 It soon became obvious that the West Pakistani elite would not compromise with the Bangali majority by reducing their dominance of the - a political armed forces, the higher civil service and the main business houses in East masterstroke Pakistan. So, Sheikh Mujib turned to defiance. In 1958, a new martial law regime jailed him on phoney charges. In 1961, At Pakistan’s first national he was released, began building an underground party organisation, and in election In December 1970, his January 1962, he was imprisoned again. Awami League party won all but two of the 169 seats in East In 1968, in the Agartala Conspiracy case, Sheikh Mujib and others were Pakistan - a majority in the new falsely accused of plotting with India to split Pakistan. The charges carried National Assembly. He should have the death penalty and he was the main accused. The Pakistanis caused him become prime minister, but the great suffering, but they also, unintentionally, did him a favour. By making him West Pakistanis put off meetings of their leading target, they confirmed him as East Bengal’s top leader. the Assembly. He launched a non-violent and non-cooperation movement and became de facto head of government in East After that inept military regime collapsed Pakistan. Civil servants, the police, amid protests from East and West Pakistan, businesses, banks and the labour force followed his lead. he was released in 1969. He immediately The army remained in their made a defiant speech at a mass rally, barracks – preparing to seize power where he was named “Bangabadhu” by force. In response, Sheikh Mujib made a historic speech on March 7, – “friend of the Bangalis”. 1971 before a vast crowd. He carefully spoke ambiguously. He said “…the struggle this time is for our independence” and ended the speech by repeating that line twice. However, flexible as ever, he did not declare independence, for two reasons. First, he knew that if he did that, the Pakistani air force had orders to bomb the meeting – where hundreds of thousands had gathered – and the Pakistani army would intervene militarily. Second, he wanted to pursue talks about a compromise, to avoid violence. The speech was a master stroke precisely because it was ambiguous – to prevent massive bloodshed. Over the next 17 days, he negotiated with West Pakistani leaders, but they acted in bad faith. On March 24, they even announced an agreement. They were lying. The next day, they launched a military Bangabandhu with his daughter Sheikh Hasina. crackdown.

42 BANGLADESH BECKONS Bangabandhu holding a press briefing.

was risking his life. He was arrested The bloody at his home and flown to West Sad end of a Pakistan where he was jailed, tried birth of a for treason and sentenced to death. remarkable nation The army massacred Bangali leader police and soldiers, students, There were huge problems Sheikh Mujib knew it was intellectuals and others. Many see reviving the economy and restoring coming. He urged senior colleagues this as an act of genocide. But in law and order. On 15 August 1975, to go underground. But when the that bloody conflict, Bangali discontented soldiers staged a army attacked, he offered himself insurgents held their own. On coup and murdered Sheikh Mujib for arrest. He calculated that the December 3, 1971, the Indian army with 16 members of his family. Only military would not subdue the joined in. Thirteen days later, the two of his children were absent – Bangalis. If that happened, West Pakistani army surrendered to one of whom, Sheikh Hasina, is Pakistani leaders would need Bangladeshi and Indian forces. But prime minister today. It was a sad someone to negotiate with. But he Bangladesh had been end to a remarkable struggle, led by devastated. Many who a remarkable man. might have helped rebuild the nation had been slaughtered. Sheikh Mujib’s life Written by James Manor, was spared and he was Professor in the School of released. He soon arrived Advanced Study, University of in Dhaka to take up the leadership of a new nation. London. This article was first He introduced a new published in the Daily Dhaka democratic constitution, Tribune on 15 August 2018. and in 1973 his party won This is a slightly edited version. a landslide election victory.

Bangabandhu amid his party colleagues.

BANGLADESH BECKONS 43

Learning from Bangabandhu’s Writings

Bangabandhu's life, as written by himself in The Unfinished Memoirs and the Prison Diaries, is one of unending sacrifice, unwavering courage and unyielding commitment. In these two writings, he demonstrates consistently his ability to bear immense suffering for a cause. His capacity for sheer hard work is astonishing. In addition to the sacrifice he had made, including those of his family, education and finances, he had to struggle endlessly, travel constantly, endure sleepless nights, physical pain and mental torture, as well as suffer in other ways for his people.

Bangabandhu's unflagging courage and selflessness was amply demonstrated in all phases of his life. Again and again, in The Unfinished Memoirs and the Prison Diaries we see how he showed immense courage and resolve by standing up against seemingly insurmountable forces. Again and again, we witness him speaking truth to those in power and, in the process, becomes the kind of leader who would inspire others to drive out the brutal and powerful occupation forces that had come to oppress his people. From Bangabandhu's two published books we learn also of his reflections on history. He always kept in view the sacrifices made by other leaders before him. He told us of the Wahabi movement, Titu Mir's rebellion, Haji Shariatullah's Faraizi movement. A little later, in the same stroke, he underscored the necessity of breaking free from the clutches of “Hindu moneylenders and zamindars.” Bangabandhu was ready to stand up against men with feudal mindsets, whether they were Hindus or Muslims. In the formation of his convictions, anti-communal as well as anti-feudal emotions always played a major part, as did his awareness of the negative roles played by such forces in Bengal's history. The Unfinished Memoirs is thus the story of a spirited young politician learning about how he should lead people forward on the road to independence as he dived deeper into East Bengal's politics. It is a narrative that is very much about his instinctive identification with ordinary people and the sense that he belonged to them and not in the pockets of the ruling elite. In the Prison Dairies too, we see him reaching out to ordinary people and demonstrating his empathy for prisoners whose status, or lack thereof, made them much more vulnerable to abuse by the guards than those who had the political capital to get preferential treatment. His compassion extended even to the mentally ill in prison who would often keep him from sleeping at night. There are many reasons why every Bangladeshi should read The Unfinished Memoirs and the Prison Diaries, but surely, the most cogent one is that we can deduct from them the evolution of Bangabandhu's political philosophy. Looking at the government at work in East Pakistan, Bangabandhu came to understand clearly why governments must be by the people, for the people and of the people; why democracy worked best as our form of governance. Reflecting on colluding politicians who served the state purely out of self-interest and uniformed people who worked by incarcerating and oppressing people, he seemed to have learnt the fragility of freedom and the need to protect it from those who would take it away from the people.

BANGLADESH BECKONS 45 There are many lessons we can learn from The Unfinished Memoirs and The Prison Dairies. For instance, we see in the first book the young Mujib realising by the end of 1950 that the problem with Liaqat Ali Khan was that “he wanted to be the prime minister not of a people but of a party” and “that a country could not be equated with any one political party.” The need, he felt then and later, was to create a country that ran fully on secular and democratic principles. Imprisoned repeatedly for illegitimate reasons, the young politician declared, “It is wrong to keep anyone in prison without a trial,” a testament to his firm belief in fundamental human rights. culture as a whole, the Bengali language in particular. When he heard Bangabandhu was shocked to Abbasuddin's song in a boat on the river Meghna, he wrote that he was learn that attempts were underway simply mesmerised by the beauty of the whole scene. He wrote, “We were to deculturise East Pakistan's born into a world that abounded in beauty; we loved whatever was beautiful.” Muslims, strip them of the “Bengali” part of their identity as much as Bangabandhu had come closer and closer to the view that Bangladeshis possible, and make them adopt the needed a country where secularism, socialism, democracy and the kind of Urdu language as the only state nationalism based on upholding the Bengali language and celebrating Bengali language. By early 1948 the young culture must take roots. As for the fourth pillar of our 1973 constitution, it was Mujib and fellow members of the clear he felt strongly that inequality should be minimised on all fronts. Student League had joined other Analysing the defeat of the Muslim League at the hands of the United Front in activists in opposing Muslim League 1954, Bangabandhu observed that it was unacceptable to use religion as a attempts to make Urdu the only means to exploit the people. He also noted that what “the masses want is an state language of Pakistan, and in exploitation-free society and economic and social progress.” demanding that Bengali be made The Unfinished Memoirs is thus not only a record of the first thirty-four one of two state languages. years of Bangabandhu's life but also a book depicting the evolution of his Although in jail in February 1952, he political thinking. It is also a work telling us that we need to finish constructing was in regular contact with the key the four pillars of the country—nationalism, socialism, democracy and organisers of the Language secularism—fully if we are to build the kind of Sonar Bangla that Movement. He strongly believed, Bangabandhu dreamt of. We must learn from him the courage to speak truth “no nation can bear an insult to power, here and everywhere, for nothing should take us away from our directed at its mother tongue.” founding principles. The Unfinished Memoirs indicates also that we should Throughout The Unfinished readjust our course when we must. As he says at one point of his book: Memoirs, Bangabandhu recorded “When I decide on doing something I go ahead and do it. If I find out I was his love of everything Bengali. He wrong, I try to correct myself. This is because I know that only doers are was deeply attached to Bengali capable of making errors; people who never do anything make no mistakes.”

Men such as Bangabandhu appear only once in an epoch. We should not only pay our respects to his departed soul, but also rededicate ourselves to his vision of Bangladesh. We can then work for his Sonar Bangla, depending at least partly on the legacy he has left for us in his writings and speeches.

Written by Professor Fakrul Alam, Department of English, University of Dhaka. This article was published in The Daily Star on 15 August 2018. This is an edited version.

46 BANGLADESH BECKONS What Lessons We Can Learn from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman?

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was Bangladesh’s first Prime Minister, affectionately known as Bangabandhu (“friend of Bengal” in Bengali). An immense presence in former East Pakistan and a thorn in West Pakistan, he was the central figure who initiated the emancipation of Bengalis from the military rule of General Ayub Khan and General Yahya Khan – former Presidents of Pakistan. Sheikh Mujib led a passionate nationalist movement which eventually led to the formation of Bangladesh in 1971. He was the chief architect of a young Bangladesh, and that he should be commended for his tenacity to uplift the plight of Bangladesh during challenging times. The following are leadership lessons picked up from the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Father of the Nation of Bangladesh.

DIPLOMACY Sheikh Mujib had resisted initiating an attack against West Pakistan, for he understood very well the devastation it would bring upon the citizens. He was, for the most part, demanding a diplomatic solution to the unrest developing in that region. In 1966, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujib, proposed the Six Point Programme at the National Convention in Lahore, which sought to bridge the disparity between the two provinces of Pakistan and provide significant autonomy of administration for East Pakistan. The proposal was rejected and denounced by the ruling government in West Pakistan, for they feared it might instigate the splitting of Pakistan. The Awami League, under the stewardship of Sheikh Mujib, swept to a Lesson: landslide victory in Pakistan’s 1970 general election. However, the National Assembly failed to convene on Mar 3, 1971 to swear in the new Prime As leaders, we need to Minister (who was Sheikh Mujib), because the then President of Pakistan, establish a middle ground Yahya Khan and rival party leader, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto vehemently opposed a for discussions to take ruling party from East Pakistan. Despite the setback, Sheikh Mujib was place, as being too defiant and held several dialogues with his detractors to reach a settlement aggressive or passive can on the Six Point Programme. be counter-productive in finding a feasible solution. As the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujib emphasised the importance of diplomacy in his foreign policies, which included memberships in the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). He felt the need to place Bangladesh in a neutral position in an era dominated by the two Cold War superpowers – the Soviet Union and the United States.

BANGLADESH BECKONS 10 BANGLADESH BECKONS 47 ASSERTIVENESS One of the key aspects of Sheikh Mujib’s leadership was his assertiveness to obtain what was deemed necessary to his ambition. Throughout the political campaign leading up to the general election, he continuously asserted the Six Points Programme which he believed was essential to bring the struggling province out of its existing doldrums. His speech on Mar 7, 1971 in front of 1 million people has been touted as a pinnacle moment of the independence struggle. He said: “The history of the last twenty-three years is the history of the wailing of dying men and women. The history of Bangla is the history of the staining of streets with the blood of Lesson: the people of this country… If we can solve things in a peaceful manner, we Being assertive is a can at least live as brothers.” Sheikh Mujib’s unwavering assertiveness core communication skill provided the necessary confidence to his people to fight alongside him. that every leader should Former President of the United States, Richard Nixon (1969-1974) and his possess, as expressing Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger exchanged their views frequently on their opinions effectively Sheikh Mujib’s unrelenting struggle. Despite favouring a united Pakistan will boost the (hence keeping an eye shut on the devastating deaths and losses from the self-esteem of their team war), both often remarked at how Sheikh Mujib refused to bow to the members and earn the overwhelming pressure and consistently affirmed his stance on uplifting the much-needed respect of rights of Bengalis in Pakistan. The Nixon administration finally recognised their peers. Bangladesh’s independence in 1972 – a huge turn in events.

COURAGE It takes plenty of courage and determination to face unsurmountable odds, especially in a political environment where life is at the mercy of those who rule. Sheikh Mujib spent around 12 years (or so, at different times) in prison for various charges (e.g. organising resistance movements against the unforgiving military regime) and was in fact facing the gallows before being acquitted in 1972. Despite these hardships, the fire inside Sheikh Mujib was never extinguished, but was further ignited to achieve what he had set out for. After the declaration of independence, Sheikh Mujib was arrested on Mar 26, 1971 as part of Operation Searchlight, launched by the army to arrest government separatists. Just before the arrest, he urged his people to stand up and fight against the atrocities and for their liberation through an inspiring telegraph message: “This may be my last message. From today Bangladesh is independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh wherever you are and with whatever you have, to resist the occupation army. Our fight will go on till the last soldier of the Pakistan Occupation Army is expelled from the soil of independent Bangladesh.” His unwavering courage spread through the ranks of the resistance groups in East Pakistan to fight against the crimes committed by the West Pakistan army. The Bangladesh Liberation War had resulted in 3 million casualties and displaced more than 10 million Bengalis who fled to neighbouring India. The cost of the war was staggering. Time Magazine reported in 1972: “In the aftermath of the Pakistani army’s rampage last March, a special team of inspectors from the World Bank observed that some cities looked ‘like the morning after a nuclear attack.’” Despite the overwhelming setbacks, Sheikh Mujib took it upon himself to steer Bangladesh out of its predicament. His charisma and love for Bangladesh provided the much-needed confidence for its people to reconstruct the battered country. Sheikh Mujib embarked on a Nationalization program to rehabilitate the estimated 10 million refugees and revitalised the nation’s economy through state investments into rural infrastructure, agriculture and cottage industries.

Lesson: The act of leadership is to overcome the pain of obstacles in the pursuit of progress. Leadership is built on the pillars of courage.

48 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 1 BELIEF Sheikh Mujib delivered a stirring speech on January 10, 1972 at the New Delhi Airport during a stopover after his release from prison in Pakistan. He described the trip as “a journey from darkness to light,” and remarked: “In these nine months my people have traversed centuries. When I was taken away from my people, they wept; when I was held in captivity, they fought; and now when I go back to them, they are victorious.” “My people love me, they would respect me, they would have confidence in me and my party, and I know so long as I am here, my people will continue to support,” said Sheikh Mujib in an interview with Sir David Frost from BBC following the liberation of Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujib placed great faith in his fellow men to fight for their rights despite the devastating blows that they had suffered. That faith was vindicated when the Pakistani army surrendered following the intervention from Mukti Bahani and the Indian army. Bangabadhu is still greatly loved by the people of Bangladesh and was voted the “Greatest Bengali of All Time” in a BBC poll in 2004. He gave hope to the millions persecuted by the previous government and despite his absence from the political arena today, his influence still lives on.

Lesson: Leadership is built on the foundation of trust within the organisation. A leader should trust his or her team members to deliver the expected results and provide the necessary platform for them to excel. They will, in return, contribute immensely to the organisation’s vision due to the growing belief by their leaders.

FINAL THOUGHTS Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was far from perfect; his legacy would forever be overshadowed by incidents during the latter stages of his life. However, as a person, Sheikh Mujib stood out as a towering figure who shouldered the hopes of the millions through difficult times. During the United Nations General Assembly in September 1974, Sheikh Mujib addressed world leaders in Bengali, on his people’s aspiration for a peaceful world order. He was described by many as a genuine person who had great affection for the well-being of commoners. Lesson: He is widely admired worldwide for confronting the military rule and championing the human rights of Bengalis. The late Lord Fenner Brockway, a Great leaders muster renowned British anti-war activist once remarked: “In a sense, Sheikh Mujib the strength and courage is a greater leader than George Washington, Mahatma Gandhi and De to stand for the values Valera.” and principles that they believe in and utilize Sheikh Mujib may not be as recognised as Mahatma Gandhi or Martin them to bring a positive Luther King Jr, but his immense contribution to the formation of Bangladesh impact to their speaks volumes about the strength of leadership that is needed in facing the community. ever-increasing challenges in human advancement today.

Written by Pravin Nair. Published in the Leaderonomics Online Magazine. This is a slightly shortened version.

1 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 49 Bangabandhu and Nelson Mandela: Drawing a Parallel

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman believed that: “To do anything great, one has to be ready to sacrifice and show one’s devotion. I believe that those who are not ready to sacrifice are not capable of doing anything worthy. To engage in politics in our country and to make our people happy, one must be ready to make huge sacrifices.” His own life was full of sacrifices. Sheikh Mujib practised what he preached and preached what he practised. He died at the age of 55, but the achievements and the legacy he left behind dwarf the accomplishments of many a politician around the world.

Like Nelson Mandela who harassed by the government of Pakistan backtracked when a mass dedicated his life to fighting Pakistan. He was arrested and movement started and a furious apartheid, a system of racial imprisoned a number of times. In mob set fire to the state segregation established by the 1965, he was falsely charged with guesthouse, and Justice SA National Party’s white-only sedition and sentenced to one-year Rahman, Chairman of the Tribunal, government in South Africa, Sheikh imprisonment, only to be released and Mr Manzur Quader, Chief Mujib dedicated his life to fighting for by an order of the High Court. In Prosecution Lawyer, were the just causes of East Bengal: the 1968, the government of Pakistan compelled to leave East Pakistan. demand for Bengali to be made one filed the infamous Agartala The government of Pakistan of the state languages side by side conspiracy case against unconditionally released Sheikh with Urdu, free Muslim League Bangabandhu as a number one Mujib and others. leadership from the clutches of a accused, with 34 other Bengali civil Again, on March 25, 1971, few aristocrats, establish East and military officials. The accused Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib was Bengal’s rightful place in the persons were charged with arrested, tried in camera for sedition administrative hierarchy in Pakistan, conspiring for the secession of East in Lyallpur Central Jail in West and fair and equitable allocation of Pakistan from the rest of Pakistan Pakistan and was sentenced to the country’s resources between the through armed revolt. However, the death. It was due to the intervention two wings of the country. conspiracy case did not make much of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who assumed Due to his fight for the causes he headway. Almost all the approvers the responsibilities of chief martial believed in, he was continuously turned hostile. The government of law administrator and president,

50 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANBAANNGLAGLAADESDEDESSH BECBEBECECKONK NS 9 Nelson Mandela, Yasser Arafat and Turkey’s President Suleyman Demirel with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka to celebrate Bangladesh’s 25th year of independence (26 March 1997). replacing General Yahya Khan, that 1994 multiracial general election, happiness.” There was no blame, no Sheikh Mujib’s life was spared. Mandela led his ANC party to victory recrimination. Bhutto set him free and sent him to and became the president of South Sheikh Mujib displayed matured London by PIA, from where the Africa. statesmanship when in 1974, under British government sent him to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur intense lobbying of some foreign Bangladesh by its Comet Jet to lead Rahman’s life was also one of ministers of OIC countries and its the newly created sovereign state of reconciliation, not recrimination. secretary general and Bhutto’s Bangladesh. During his political struggle for the threat to charge more than 200 Like Bangabandhu, Nelson rights of the Bengalis, he never ever Bangladeshi civilian officials trapped Mandela was also repeatedly made any distinction between the in Pakistan with espionage and high arrested for “seditious” activities, Bengalis and Biharis or between treason, he dropped the proposed was unsuccessfully prosecuted in Hindus and Muslims. The support trial of 195 Pakistani POWs accused 1956 Treason Trial and finally was for the ruling elites of West Pakistan of atrocities committed during the sentenced to life for conspiring to by Muslim migrants from eastern war of liberation. This paved the way overthrow a legally established India drew the anger of the Awami for Sheikh Mujib’s participation in the government. It was at the League cadres. Sheikh Mujib, Islamic Summit in Lahore and the intervention of President Frederik disturbed by the attacks on standing ovation of the heads of Willem de Klerk that Mandela was Urdu-speaking Biharis, publicly governments/states of the Islamic released from prison in 1990. announced: “The Biharis and the countries resulting in quick Nelson Mandela’s first task was to non-Muslims are our sacred trust.” recognition of Bangladesh by Iran, work for national reconciliation. The On his triumphant return to his Turkey, Saudi Arabia, China, etc. inhuman treatment that he suffered dreamland Bangladesh, where he Just like Sheikh Mujib, who is at the hands of the apartheid got an unforgettable reception, he fondly referred to as the “Father of government during his jail term was drove straight to the Racecourse the Nation”, Nelson Mandela, held in all forgotten and forgiven. Mandela Ground to address the mammoth deep respect in South Africa, is also and de Klerk led efforts to negotiate gathering. In his address, he openly described as the “Father of the an end to apartheid. In the resultant invited the Biharis and non- Nation”. Both were charismatic Bengalis to become good citizens of leaders with great mass appeal. But Bangladesh. Referring to Zulfikar Ali the similarity between the two great Bhutto’s request to Sheikh Mujib, leaders ends here. Nelson Mandela during their farewell meeting at the lived a peaceful life after retirement Chaklala Airport, to consider forging from the high office of the president some sort of a loose confederation and died at the age of 95. The cruel between Pakistan and Bangladesh, hands of assassins snatched away Bangabandhu said: “I convey my Bangabandhu’s life on August 15, good wishes to the people of 1975 when he was at the prime of Pakistan. We now belong to two his life and could have served his separate nations and I wish you and beloved people for a few more your people prosperity and decades.

Written by Mohammed Matiul Islam, former Finance Secretary of Bangladesh, published in the Daily Star Bangabandhu reaching out to the 15 August 2019. Slightly edited for the magazine. distressed.

515 BANNGLAG DESD H BECCKONO S BANGLADESH BECKONS 51

Lee Kuan Yew and Sheikh Mujib: Titans of Tumultuous Times As two individuals entrusted with the towering responsibilities of making their young countries resilient and mature, Lee Kuan Yew and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, faced broadly similar prospects, daunting in their magnitude and complex in depth. Both were identical as charismatic leaders, capable of rising head-and-shoulders above the rest and carry thousands of their fellow countrymen to destinies they chose to write for them. The faith that their respective countrymen posed in them was almost incredible.

It was primarily this faith that direction to Bangladesh, which has development assistance and large helped them in overcoming been able to discard cynical and flows of aid could not easily come at seemingly impossible initial dismissive descriptions of being a a time when the world was split conditions and putting their country ‘basket case’, to a country that has bipolar, and political allegiance was on the tracks of stability and actively promoted sustainable and a prerequisite for obtaining funds. balanced development. progress. Mr Lee was able to The spectre of staying marginal galvanize Singaporeans into a Leaders become great leaders would have clearly played upon the zealously committed lot to national through their abilities to connect minds of both leaders as they development and progress, leaving with people and work on the embarked on the tedious task of behind deep scars of race riots, aspirations of the latter. Both Lee setting their houses in order. It is a displacement and painful pangs of Kuan Yew and Sheikh Mujib testimony to their outlooks and political and economic separation illustrate these abilities. approaches that neither country from Malaysia. Bangabandhu Sheikh Handicapped by lack of natural succumbed to narrow sectarian Mujibur Rahman, on the other hand, resources capable of planting their agendas and stayed committed to was able to stitch the bonds of countries into global economic inclusive social and economic harmony within a traumatised group mainstreams, and absence of strong development programmes. As two of people ravaged by a second social and economic institutions, of the world’s youngest sovereign shock of partition, coming within nation-building – for both leaders – states, Singapore and Bangladesh, less than three decades on an was far more challenging than those while being markedly different in earlier tumultuous one in 1947. of other newly independent Asian what they have achieved and how, History was cruel in not letting countries with colonial pasts. Both nonetheless, convey distinct lessons Sheikh Mujib live and see the also had to overcome another of struggle and success, within their gradual transformation of a fractured obvious challenge: being looked respective geographical spaces. and hurt East Pakistan into a stable down upon by most of the rest of These lessons reflect the spirit and and resilient Bangladesh. But his the world as fledglings, incapable of character of their founding fathers in spirit continued to provide the finding their feet in regional road unmistakable fashion. fundamental vision of guidance and maps and global ideas. Multilateral

53 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 53 The challenges that Bangladesh education, health and hospitality. prominently noticeable in and Singapore have faced in their The emphasis on manufacturing Bangladesh’s economic policies. progress and development are exports in the early years of Economic growth policies of the individually different. But the intrinsic development in Singapore were country have been accompanied by struggle of being newly independent accompanied by appropriate appropriate training, and careful countries with limited resources, and technical training for its population. attention on social participation of all bearing the painful legacies of There was no greatly ambitious communities in economic activities. geographical partition, have been effort to make the country a This explains Bangladesh’s ability to common for both. These legacies reservoir of fundamental and bring together gender and diverse left their indelible imprints on the profound knowledge, which, while ethnic communities successfully in governance, administration and establishing the country’s intellectual its economic progress. prowess, would nonetheless be development philosophies of both The challenges for Bangladesh incapable of making people useful in countries. To a very large extent, and Singapore will increase as they contributing to industrial and such imprints were planted deep in adjust to various new development technical applications. Basic applied the minds of the young sovereign in the world order. These technical training ensured high nations by their founding fathers. developments include not just industrial adaptation and Lee Kuan Yew never failed to political realignments among employability for Singapore’s people. draw the attention of people of countries and regions, but also Over time, after having achieved Singapore to the importance of major changes in social, cultural and significant economic progress and being resilient, self-sufficient and economic organisations. Onset of improvement in living standards, pragmatic in their journey to achieve Globalization 4.0, technological Singapore is now well-established higher socio-economic well-being. disruptions in workplaces following as a global education and This was imperative given digitalization, climate change and knowledge hub with a formidable Singapore’s small size and lack of upheavals caused by pandemics global reputation – in both applied internal resources. Geography was like the novel Coronavirus are scientific subjects as well as social Singapore’s biggest asset as it set challenges that are beyond the science and humanities. out to achieve its task after control of countries like Bangladesh independence. Five decades later, The effort by Singapore to ensure and Singapore, much as they are modern Singapore is probably the that its economic growth remained beyond the control of most. fundamentally people-centric was best example of a ‘self-made’ nation in world history. clearly attributable to the inclusive vision of its Founding Father. Moving Bangladesh, on the other hand, ahead, the vision has made the did not have the good fortune of Singapore government principally having Sheikh Mujib at its helm of responsive to the issues and affairs for much long. His untimely concerns of citizens from all death was an irreparable loss for the sections of the society, particularly young country. But over the years, the low and middle income ones. A Bangladesh has displayed ample similar application of a resolve and grit to come around and people-centric inclusive vision is secure the foundations of the economic and social futures of large sections of its population. The contribution of Bangabandhu in this regard, notwithstanding his untimely demise, has been fundamental. The country has, time and again, in its Leaderships in both countries will need to spirited endeavours recalled the adapt and respond to these changes. inspiring leadership, and inclusive vision of Sheikh Mujib, in its onward Anticipation and foresight will be essential in journey. this regard. Neither country, while responding It is quite remarkable that both to the myriad challenges they face, can afford Singapore and Bangladesh have followed industrial development to deviate from the fundamentals that their strategies that aim to include as founding fathers strived to emphasize: many from their work forces as possible. Singapore, right from the harmonious and stable development including beginning, relied on exports as an all, notwithstanding the challenges that important element of its economic achieving so might entail. growth programmes. Over time, it has moved up the production value chain. While continuing to export a number of different manufacturing Written by Dr. Amitendu Palit, a Senior Research products, it has developed great Fellow at the Institute of South Asian Studies, proficiencies in service exports, particularly in transport, finance, National University of Singapore.

54 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 1 Bangabandhu in the Eyes of World Leaders

Leaders across the world paid their rich tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during his lifetime and after his brutal assassination. The international personalities including politicians, social activists and journalists made comments and observations in various occasions that were published in newspapers and other publications.

“ I have not seen the Himalayas, but I have seen Sheikh Mujib. In personality and in courage, this man is the Himalayas. I have thus had the experience of witnessing the Himalayas. ” - Fidel Castro, the Cuban supreme leader, made this frequently quoted remark on Bangabandhu in 1973, when the two unparalleled leaders met for the first time at the Algiers Non-Aligned Summit.

“ I am broken by the news of Sheikh Mujib’s death. He was a great leader. His extraordinary Heroism has been a source of inspiration for the people of Asia and Africa. ” - Indira Gandhi, former Prime Minister of India and a friend of Bangabandhu and Bangladesh.

“ This is surely a supreme national tragedy for you. For me, it is a personal tragedy of immense dimensions. ” - Harold Wilson, former British Prime Minister, wrote to a journalist upon hearing the sad news of the assassination of Bangabandhu.

“ The speciality of Mujib’s character was his uncompromising fighting leadership with generous heart. ” - Yasser Arafat, former Chairman of the PLO and First President of the Palestinian National Authority.

“ I am keen and eager to visit Bangladesh and to meet ‘my brother Mujib’. ” Anwar Sadat, former President of Egypt and Winner of Nobel Peace Prize.

“ Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is a trailblazer who fought for establishing people's rights and dignity in one of the most profound struggles for liberation in the twentieth century. The title of Bangabandhu bestowed on him reflects the extraordinary love that this patriot had for the people of his country. ” - Pranab Mukherjee, former Indian President, who was a long-time acquaintance of Bangabandhu.

“Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s visions and goals help to shape Bangladesh, and continued to inspire many” - António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations.

56 BANGLADESH BECKONS BANGLADESH BECKONS 55 “ A great statesman who fought for the rights and dignity of his people and was steadfastly committed to independence and national unity. ” - Christian Wulff, Former President of the Federal Republic of Germany.

“ A great visionary and statesman who laid a firm foundation for an independent, strong and proud Bangladesh. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led his people in their struggle for liberation through his inspired and courageous leadership. ” - Dr Manmohan Singh, Former Indian Prime Minister.

“ A visionary leader and statesman Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who demonstrated 'resolute courage' in the face of adversity, enduring hardships and indisposition in the quest for freedom. Bangabandhu sought to empower his people in many ways and his sacrifice and struggle for the country's independence and people's cherished destination would always be honoured forever. ” - Ms Sonia Gandhi, President of Indian National Congress.

“ Bangabandhu is an inspiration of all freedom-loving people in the sub-continent. ” - Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, India.

“ In a sense, Sheikh Mujib is a great leader than George Washington, Mahatma Gandhi and De Valera. ” - Lord Fenner Brockway, Leader of the British humanist movement, once remarked.

“ Bangabandhu had a wonderful voice that could mesmerize the crowd. ” - Sir Mark Tully, famous British journalist, who had the opportunity to meet Bangabandhu and attended several public meetings.

“ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman does not belong to Bangladesh alone. He is the harbinger of freedom for all Bengaliees. ” - Hasnein Heikal, an eminent Egyptian journalist said this describing Bangabandhu as the hero of Bengaliees.

“ In the thousand years’ history of Bangladesh, Sheikh Mujib is the only leader who has, in terms of blood, race, language, culture and birth, been a full-blooded Bengali. ” - Cyril Dunn of the London Observer, renowned British journalist, wrote in one of his articles.

“ Bangabandhu had a long career of action, agitation, reflection, attempted conciliation, peace-making, and oppression through arrest and incarceration. He went through all that before reaching the ultimate goal. He articulated a vision of what that form of postcolonial identity meant, which I think has rightly continued to inspire many. ” - Shashi Tharoor, former Under Secretary General of UN and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the Government of India.

“ I met Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and many world leaders, Bangabandhu was the most charismatic personality I have ever met. ” - Ved Marwah, former governor of Indian states of Manipur and Jharkhand who met Bangabandhu, shared the memory of his meeting with Bangabandhu.

Collected from various sources.

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