No event in Bangladesh’s history greater than 1971: Anu Muhammad
Bangladesh's Independence Day birthed a lot of political intrigue this year. The National Citizen Party (NCP) argued that 1971 and 2024 are interconnected, accusing critics of dishonesty for portraying them as opposing events. Jamaat-e-Islami claimed Bangladesh only achieved true freedom with the 2024 July Uprising, calling it a "second liberation." However, the BNP rejected this notion, stating that calling the uprising a "second independence" undermines the 1971 liberation. How do members of civil society view this matter?
The Liberation War of 1971 can never be diminished in any way. It cannot be dismissed, nor can it be replaced by anything else. This is because there is no event in Bangladesh's history greater than that of 1971.
In terms of brutality and the sheer scale of violence inflicted by the Pakistani forces, it stands unparalleled — not only in the history of Bangladesh but also in world history. Since the Second World War, such a horrific genocide has rarely been witnessed.
This war continues to inspire us, reminding us that those who were involved in the genocide can never be forgiven. They may enjoy certain privileges today, but they will forever be marked as war criminals. No matter how much time passes, history will always remember them as such.
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The resistance put up by the people of Bangladesh against this brutality was equally extraordinary. For nine long months, the people waged a massive and resolute struggle, a people's war that cut across all sections of society. There is no precedent for such a movement, nor can any comparable event be found in Bangladesh's history. This legacy remains our greatest source of strength.
The recent mass uprising has been a testament to that, as we have witnessed the spirit of the Liberation War of 1971 alive within the youth.
The mass uprising of 2024 was directly inspired by the Liberation War of 1971. And as we move forward, the struggle is far from over. The fight for the true emancipation of the people of Bangladesh, for a society free from inequality, still continues. In this ongoing battle, the spirit of 1971 will remain our guiding force, providing us with the strength to achieve a just and equitable Bangladesh.
Anu Muhammad is a Former Professor of Jahangirnagar University
TBS' Imran Hossain spoke to Anu Muhammad over the phone.
