Countdown for Bangabandhus birth centenary
The countdown to the birth centenary celebration of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has begun. Bangabandhu rose to great heights from the grassroots. His involvement with politics from his school days brought him wide publicity. With the passage of time he became a household name. He occupied his position in the national psyche by dint of his relentless struggle, charisma and uncompromising stance. His direct involvement with various nationalistic movements including the historic Language Movement of 1952 made him famous in the then sub-continental political theatre, particularly in the erstwhile Pakistan.
His close association with leaders like Suhrawardy and others provided him political acumen and insight. His love for the masses was unparallel. The historic Agartala Conspiracy Case brought him to limelight. He became a provincial minister at quite an early age. His speeches, particularly the historic 7th March speech at the then Race Course Maidan, had electrifying effects on the people and the people prepared for struggle at his clarion call. His visionary ideals steered the nation ahead against the Pakistani regime. The Bengalis felt their victory was incomplete without the presence of their leader. While Bangabandhu was not physically present with the freedom fighters, the war was fought in his name and it was Bangabandhu with his associates prepared the nation for the Liberation War.
After his arrival in the soil of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu did not promise his people that he would make the country Golden Bengal in a short space of time. Rather he advised his people to be more tolerant and brace for more sacrifice to see better times. He inspired them, urged them on and instilled in them the confidence that was so necessary at that point in time.
It is extremely shocking that Bangabandhu along with the members of his family excepting his daughters were brutally murdered after only a little over three years time. Tasks remained unfulfilled and history took a different turn. Moves were taken to suppress his achievements.
The nation remembers Bangabandhu as the selfless leader who fought his whole life for an independent country. That is why people love and respect him beyond description. It is high time to evaluate Bangabandhu in right perspective. Through the celebration of his centenary birthday, the nation can perform this much needed responsibility.
