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A leader’s story

Muhammad Zamir recommends a Bangabandhu anthology
THERE have been, since 15 August 1975, several attempts by different authors to write a meaningful biography of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Unfortunately, they have been either fragmentary or superficial. In most cases, the treatment of the subject and his era were also not comprehensive.
It is the absence of such a biography that led to an open discussion during the Annual General Meeting of the Bangla Academy in 1992. It was generally agreed that there was a need for definitive biographies not only of Bangabandhu but also of Moulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani. Concern was expressed that the historical contributions of these political stalwarts might otherwise fade away from public memory or become subjects of controversy owing to an absence of proper records. It was then decided that Bangla Academy should undertake the task of research and the eventual publication of the two desired biographies.
The task was set about with great seriousness and many volunteers started to collect and sift through copies of old photographs, records of Bangabandhu's statements (delivered on different occasions in the Pakistani period and also during his tenure as head of government in Bangladesh) and confidential records pertaining to his political career. This massive task was undertaken consistent with the premise that there would be no distortion of history or partisan subjectivity. Editing of the first draft started from May 2000.
There are six sections in these two volumes. They cover not only Bangabandhu's life but also his gradual evolution as a politician set against the contemporary social, economic, political and religious background. Section One deals with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's childhood in the context of British India, his family background and his association with the anti-colonial independence movement that eventually led to the emergence of Pakistan in 1947. Section Tivo analyses the mental approach of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman towards emerging issues like the language movement, his gradual rise as an important political leader (within the format of the Jugto Front) and the significant role that he played between 1955 and 1965. In this context, the authors have highlighted the discrimination that was taking place within the governance structure in Pakistan and the inequitable treatment being meted out to the then East Pakistan. This section concludes with references to Bangabandhu having reached unquestioned primacy (as a result ofhis persistent political struggles) within the then East Pakistani political arena by 1969.
Section Three focuses on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's role leading up to the Pakistan general elections in 1970, his critical post-election leadership during the non-cooperation movement and his subsequent arrest by the Pakistani authorities in March 1971. Section Four deals with Bangabandhu's life during his interment and concludes with his eventual return to independent Bangladesh in January 1972. Section Five covers the important role played by Bangabandhu till August 1975 and analyses his political philosophy and his efforts to create order, discipline and good governance amidst
the chaos of a war-torn country saddled-with devastation and more than ten million refugees.
Section Six has tried to highlight the singular aspects in Bangabandhu's character that guided his approach to the resolution of issues, domestic as well as international. It will be important to remember here that the first few years after 1972 were particularly difficult given the fact that Bangladesh had to overcome many hurdles related to its recognition as an independent country and also the difficulties that it had to face in achieving its rightful place in the international multilateral arena.
What makes the two volumes a worthwhile collection is not only the valuable narrative but also the inclusion towards the end of each volume of reprints of many letters that Bangabandhu wrote to his family members and to his colleagues. There are also reprints of many of his significant speeches (on important national issues) that he delivered in the last thirty years ofhis life. They provide a remarkable insight into the man. There are also many pages of rare photographs that underline his simplicity and his commitment towards the people of Bangladesh.
This is an important publication and
all those who have been associated with this venture deserve special thanks. It was a complex task that required planning and careful and objective sifting of records. One must, in this context, felicitate the eminent editorial committee responsible for completing this onerous exercise and headed by Monaem Sarker and also record one's gratitude to the late SAMS Kibria for haring lent his active support. That made this endeavour possible. ,
It makes sense to suggest that the Bangla Academy consider publishing these two important volumes in the form of easy to-carry CDs so that they can reach a wider audience among our expatriate Bangladeshis. It will then probably be cheaper and more affordable.
Muhammad Zamir, a columnist is a former diplomat and secretary, government of Bangladesh.