PHOTO: ORCHID CHAKMA

JAGLUL ALOM

It is a known fact that not all historical documents, even memoirs of prominent politicians, researchers, authors, or historians, are prepared from a purely objective viewpoint. Every author brings their own perspective and analysis, shaped by a different outlook. It is often observed that history, written by the winners and the defeated groups, is always contradictory. Seldom do the winners genuinely incorporate the views and analysis of the defeated, and vice versa. This inherent conflict is a primary cause of distortion and manipulation of historical facts.

The only way to achieve an objective understanding of historical facts and analysis is to find a researcher or narrator who is non-partisan, unbiased, and was a direct participant or observer of the events. Ideally, this individual should have no personal or practical interest in the background and impact of the actions. While they may be a direct stakeholder, they must possess the courage to accept the reality and consequences of the events.

When I read Reuters-er Dingulo by Serajul Islam Quadir, it had three immediate impacts on me: As a journalist and fact-collector during the same time frame (though not near his degree of capability), I was immediately visualising the events. I was mesmerised by his competence and felt deep nostalgia for the period. Following, I clearly understood that as a practicing journalist, I had missed and lost a host of important events and crucial reviews of the situations. Additionally, I felt a touch of jealousy toward Quadir and frustration with myself because I could not match even a quarter of his work ethic.

In his book, Quadir collected and narrated events from a pivotal and tumultuous period in Bangladeshi history, covering a long span of 23 years. His method involved physically visiting locations, taking detailed notes, and interviewing significant personalities of the time. He skillfully leveraged his position in an internationally leading news agency, extracting every possible drop of potential information—an effort that many seniors, past and present, either intentionally missed or did not spare the time for as an “extra job without pay.”

Quadir’s script chronicles Bangladeshi history spanning the period 1996-2019, covering most major events. This includes political behaviours and transitions, general, local, and institutional elections, important socio-economic developments, the relationships between major political parties, and the frequent ups and downs of the economy. He analyses the background and possible impacts using his interviews and studies, examining the peculiar character of the national media, along with many other areas that I don’t have the space or memory to mention.

The book blends this wealth of information with literary excellence, making the entire script a masterpiece on contemporary issues of national and international importance—a true standout among the writings of that era.

If anyone wants to delve into the past, including the events and the masterful analysis, Quadir’s book is a must-read script. It provides authentic information and important data, substantiated by a series of interviews and non-biased fact sheets. Students, researchers, and political enthusiasts will undoubtedly find it to be a gold mine for their respective works.

Jaglul Alom is a veteran journalist, a noted author, and a senior researcher.