Bangladesh, the land of turmoil
Kanwalpreet

Bangladesh, Past and Present
by Salahuddin Ahmed. APH, New Delhi. Pages 367. Rs 795.

OSCAR Levant’s famous words, "I once said cynically of a politician, ‘He will double-cross that bridge when he comes to it,’" can be seen in practice in this work by Salahuddin Ahmed. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rehman talked of democracy, but with his second revolution in 1975 there was a sea change in his thoughts regarding the ideals of democracy. He played havoc with the fundamental rights of those very citizens of Bangladesh for whom he had waged a war against the oppressive regime a few years ago.

Without underestimating his contribution to Bangladesh, we can say that once in power, the Bangabandhu let the cherished dream of democracy go and tried to establish an authoritarian dynastic regime. Pakistan dictators General Ayub Khan, with his ‘basic democracy,’ and General Yahya Khan, with his ‘controlled democracy,’ are examples of power-hungry politicians. Giving details about Bangladesh, its formation and the causes which led to its becoming a nation, Ahmed highlights the role of nationalism in this country, distinguishing it from that in the Western countries.

When discussing the formation of Bangladesh, one cannot but mention the East India Company, the features of the Indian National Movement, formation of the Muslim League and the differences between the leaders of the Congress and the League. A unique feature of the work is the references given at the end of every chapter. Had the author included this host of information in the chapters, the work would have lost its charm.

Explaining the two-nation theory, Ahmed explains how the majority community, the Hindus of Bengal, understood Bengali nationalism as Hindu nationalism. They, through "Bande Mataram" or by annulling the partition of Bengal in 1911, made Bengali nationalism very prominent, which divided the Bengalis into Hindus and Muslims. Ahmed’s opinion can be biased in this regard, but he also tries to explain nationalism in the spirit that divided the Muslims into two nations. Thus, the Bengalis won their independence.

Besides reflecting on his love for the land of the Padma-Meghna-Jamuna, the author presents a comprehensive history of Bangladesh. Whether it is about the Battle of Plassey in1757 or India in the context of the Muslims of Bengal up till Partition, the facts are laid subtly yet clearly. We know the condition of Muslims deteriorated after the Mutiny of 1857, but here we are also told about the different movements that were initiated for the uplift of Muslims.

Ahmed clarifies his nation’s decision to substitute the word "secularism" with "absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah" and "Islam first and Islam throughout, but without ignoring the legitimate rights of the other communities." But what is bound to keep the reader engrossed is the tussle between the once East and West regions of Pakistan. "Operation Searchlight"—the crackdown on East Pakistan—was executed while Yahya Khan was flying at 40,000ft over Ceylon, "sipping soda and scotch". Details like these make this work unique.

A good book for reference on Mujib, Fazlul Huq, or Suhrawardy, stalwarts of a cause which meant a lot to these protagonists and the people whom they represented. The War of Liberation and India’s role in it are taken up. The role of Zia-ur-Rahman as President of Bangladesh in 1976 with his "nineteen-point socio-economic programme for the all-round development of the country" to uplift the people which is also assessed.

Bangladesh has had not political problems alone. The magnitude of problems thrust on it by nature is no less, be it cyclones, famines or floods. Given that, one realises the worth of foreign aid marked for the people of Bangladesh.

The writer has woven a complex yarn, enabling us to understand the concept of nationalism and also helps us get a view of Bangladesh’s contemporary society. This is a painstaking examination of a country born of the same nationalism that once led to the partition of India.

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