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Toward a changing society

A.B.M.SZahur
The objectives of our liberation war were not confined to only setting up of an independent state; they included establishing off a new society in which there will be no social discrimination. People were united to build a democratic society with the ultimate aim of creating a democratic culture.
CHANGING a society is not possible only through reforming it Better human relations can ’’' bhim envelopedWdtlfcft sbtlUf cfiUhge
Even a political revolution cannot bring social change.
People need emancipation. For emancipation, an independent state is necessary. Independence of the state, however, cannot ensure emancipation of the people. Take the case of Bangladesh. Have the
people of Bangladesh achieved this emancipation though it became independent twice, once 1947 and the other in 1971. Independence does not mean qhange of rulers. Emancipation is only possible through social chah^e?' r'r"T’;T',rni'
The obstacle to social change comes from within the society. Vested interests will always try to oppose social change because they enjoy facilities and privileges not available to the common people. They will certainly not like to lose these advantages through agreeing to
social change.
Even the majority of underdogs do not like change in society because, firstly, they have become habituated to the system. They do not believe that change will be better than the existing situation. In fact, they apprehend a worse situation. Secondly, they accept the present situation as their fate and, as such, it cannot be changed. Thus, it is better to accept it.
It is true that we have been able to develop a lot during the last 38 years. Some people have improved their lot extremely fast and most visibly. They are enjoying all the comforts and privileges from the state. The number of such people is, however, too small. They are developing at the cost of ttye rest of the population. This is causing discrimination and division in the society.
In a capitalistic system this means development. Socialisation is also
destroyed by it. People become introverted gradually, to the extent of considering their dear and near ones as not only their competitors but also, at times, their enemies.
A vast majority of the people is unhappy with the existing situation. They do not see any hope of change for the better. Neither can they dream of a situation where they can enjoy emancipation collectively. Gradually, they are separated and unemployment increases.
The government is committed to offer employment to at least one person from each family. Now it is reported that it may retrench 10% of the government servants. We do not blame the government for this. The fault lies with the system of capitalism, which will force the government to break its commitment.
We do not envisage increase in investment. Some analysts do not see a bright prospect for it in the near future. Some say
that as the local capitalists believe more in plundering and not in production there cannot be any appreciable increase in investment. It may be pointed out in this regard that small savers are neglected in the system. This may gradually result in social agitation, which may turn into social revolution.
The objectives of our liberation war were not confined to only setting up of an independent state; they included establishing off a new society in which there will be no social discrimination. People were united to build a democratic society with the ultimate aim of creating a democratic culture.
Education is generally regarded as the backbone of a nation; but truly speaking, culture is the real backbone. This anomaly is due to the influence of capitalism. If nationalism is to be democratic it has to be turned into cultural nationalism.
Are we to continue with the present
system? Will there be no change? Surely there will be change. That change will be brought by the democratic people who understand that the present system has to be replaced by a democratic society and culture.
Society is bigger than the state. The hurdles against social change are put up by people who are not interested in the welfare of the common men. The imperialists are ready to assist them. During the war of liberation they did not come openly. Now, they are ready to expose themselves openly.
Our only hope is our people, who arp unhappy and angry. If there be any call for change they will respond as they did in 1971. This call will be given by the people who believe in true democracy, think properly and act rightly.
A B M.S. Zahur is a former Joint Secretary.