My article on: Significance of the 7th November, the National Revolution and Solidarity Day Barrister Nazir Ahmed Today is the 7th November, the historical ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ of Bangladesh. According to the Wikipedia, this day commemorates the 1975 uprising formed by people and soldiers. The uprising, led by Colonel Abu Taher, ended the three day coup organised by General Khaled Mosharraf. It also helped put General Ziaur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), in power. Thirty nine years ago on this day, in 1975, the soldiers and hundreds of thousands of civilians took to the streets with a strong vow and commitment to protect the national independence and sovereignty of their own country, Bangladesh. In fact, civil and military uprising in a large scale changed the course of the history of Bangladesh. It was unprecedented in the country, for nothing like this has happened in the 43 years history of Bangladesh. The nation was saved and the country was put back into the right truck through spontaneous revolution of joint sepia (soldiers) and janata (civilians). The course of the events and the apparent needs of the time brought late President Ziaur Rahman (hereinafter ‘Zia’) in lime light and he was gradually brought to the highest position of the country. He successfully brought the strict discipline in the army within a short time using his charismatic command and unparalleled popularity in the armed forces. That was the second time late President Ziaur Rahman made the highest and most remarkable contribution for Bangladesh: the first time he made the unique contribution when he declared independence of Bangladesh putting his life at real risk (life at real risk means if he was caught or captured by Pakistani army in war or if Bangladesh was not later become independent for any reason, he would have been executed for high treason) and then he himself physically fought front line for nine months long independence war and commanded one of the largest Sectors as a Sector Commander (a fighting force was named by the first letter of his name ‘Z Force’). Zia’s critics often criticise Zia saying that he was harsh and robust in bringing discipline into the army. In the process of doing so, many army personnel were killed. Well, what else could he have done? Did he have any other option? Certainly not. If he went for any other option or if he delayed in taking prompt action in right time, he would have been assassinated. If he listened to late Col (Rtd) Taher, who saved Zia from the captivity for his specific pre-planned ideological reason, there would have been a real disaster in the country. Late Col (Rtd) Taher and Jatya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) had completely different plan. They wanted to establish socialism in Bangladesh in a violent way and make the army ‘so called classless/rankles army’ through elimination of the ranks of officers by executing and mass murdering. They had killed numerous army officers within just few days, from 3-7 November of 1975. Had they been successful and had late President Ziaur Rahman failed to control the situation, the history of Bangladesh would have been different. Bangladesh could have entered into the darkest tunnel and it would have taken at least few decades if not a century to come out from that tunnel. Thus, nobody can honestly deny that events on that day led the course of Bangladesh history to the domain as we find ourselves in. The spirit of the 7th November is to be united together and stand shoulder to shoulder, regardless of the position and status one has in the society, to protect the national independence and integrity. The nationalist and Islamic forces have many political and spiritual assets and values by which they have done their politics in the past, and still do and probably will do in the future, such as Bangladeshi nationalism, self reliance, village government, food in exchange of work, canal digging, self independence on food, social justice, communal harmony, Islamic value, absolute trust and faith on the Almighty God etc. Among them, the spirit of the 7th November is probably one of the most important values, the value of national unity and solidarity. It has given the nation a new direction. 7th November used to be observed with full sincerity and spirit when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s (BNP’s) government or the BNP and its Four Party Alliance’s government were in power in the late 1970s, 1990s and 2000s respectively. It was even well observed during almost decade long tenure of the military dictator, Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammed Ershad, in the 1980s. Various seminars, symposiums, and public rallies and meetings used to be held highlighting the importance and significance of the day where intensive and extensive discussions would take place. In fact, the 7th November was made and kept as one of the few public important holidays in the national calendar during those periods. But the observance of 7th November as a public holiday was cancelled when the government led by Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) came into power in 2009. They also did not observe the day properly with right spirit when they were in power in the late 1990s. There is currently no more public holiday on the 7th November in Bangladesh. Thus, 7th November passes passively, silently and relatively quietly in Bangladesh. The BAL remembers this day as the ‘freedom fighter killing day,’ whereas the JSD remembers this day as the ‘day of revolution’ in their socialist perspective. Different social organisations loosely and passively observe this important day from different historical perspectives. This is very irony. It shows that the nation in general, and political parties and social organisations in particular, could not come into a consensus on national issues or on the importance of national days or events. The country’s future and fate is now being widely talked, discussed and even decided aboard: foreign ambassadors and high commissioners of powerful nations, in violating diplomatic norms and Vienna Convention, are often found touring abroad and neighbouring country to come into terms as to who can be brought to power or let be in power. This is a humiliation for an independent country. Where is then the sovereignty? It looks as if the wishes and mandates of the people of Bangladesh do not matter at all! The concerned and conscious citizens are now posing question: have we surrendered our independence and sovereignty? Is our country going to be subservient to the powerful nation or the biggest neighbour? The government and its alliance, instead of relying on the people of Bangladesh, appear to be keen to serve the interests of the biggest neighbour and the powerful nation. The main political opposition (not so called parliamentary opposition) and its alliance appear to be not behind in this race. Given such contemporary background, the significance and spirit of the 7th November is essential for all patriotic people of the country, living at home and abroad. Finally, many innocent civilians and military personnel lost their lives during the 3-7 November 1975. They have, no doubt, made their highest sacrifice for the nation. Thus, I would like to express my deep and sincere sympathy and condolence for the innocent people, both military and civilians, who were brutally and mercilessly killed and martyred during the 3-7 November 1975. May their souls be in eternal peace and may Almighty God accept their sacrifice for the country. Barrister Nazir Ahmed: Legal expert, analyst, writer and columnist. He can be contacted via e-mail: [email protected] .
Posted on: Mon, 10 Nov 2014 21:29:01 +0000
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