Martyred intellectuals of 1971: A nation’s guiding lights that will never dim
Observing the martyred intellectuals day will only be meaningful if we uphold their liberal humanistic values, secular mindset, and democratic ideals
On this day in 1971, the Pakistani occupying forces, with the help of local collaborators, systematically killed the brightest minds of the nation just before their defeat. Their goal was to intellectually wipe out the people of this land. Each of these intellectuals was a guiding light in their respective fields.
Primarily, university teachers, thinkers, researchers, writers, and artists are recognised as intellectuals in society. Winston Churchill identified intellectuals as those who understand events and present them to the public within a historical context. Joseph Stalin referred to them as the "engineers of the soul." Bernard Einstein defined intellectuals as those who express concern about the crises of humanity and civilisation and play an active role in resolving them.
The intellectuals killed in 1971 were primarily targeted for two reasons, even though many of them were not directly associated with any political party. First, they had united with the contemporary leadership in the struggle to build an independent nation-state, linking nationalism with humanistic values. Second, their ideas, secular outlook, and commitment to knowledge, science, literature, and culture had the potential to carry future Bangladesh far ahead.
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Intellectuals work for the overall welfare of the country and society, guided by their conscience. They do not deviate from their principles and ideals out of fear of the government, businesspeople, community leaders, or politicians, nor are they swayed by any other temptation. They remain steadfast on the path of truth and justice.
When the Pakistani authorities began conspiring against the Bengali language and culture, linguist Dr Shahidullah said in 1951, "Forcing the Urdu language upon the people of East Bengal would be akin to genocide, and if necessary, I alone will rebel against it." He also said, "As much as it is true that we are Hindu or Muslim, a greater truth is that we are Bengali." For this statement, the then Punjabi governor of East Pakistan, Firoz Khan Noon, labeled him, "Pandit, you are a traitor."
On the eve of victory in 1971, Bangladesh's eminent teachers, writers, cultural personalities, doctors, and journalists—engineers of our soul and the voice of conscience who protested against injustice—fell victim to the vengeance of religious fanatics, fascist groups, and their collaborators.
It is true that over the past 54 years, the course of events in Bangladesh has not moved in a straight line. The nation has had to move forward by overcoming various obstacles, taking winding paths, and navigating many ups and downs. At every critical juncture or moment of national crisis, the people have found guidance on the path of truth and justice from intellectuals.
The intellectuals of this region have always been vocal for social progress and humanity, against injustice, oppression, and exploitation, and in favor of truth and justice. Their pens were fearless against rulers, exploiters, tormentors, and misrule. Despite numerous obstacles, they presented the opinions and expressions of the people to the public through thoughtful writing. They were socially conscious, illuminated by humanity, and never bowed their heads to exploitation, oppression, injustice, or tyranny.
The intellectuals killed in 1971 were primarily targeted for two reasons, even though many of them were not directly associated with any political party. First, they had united with the contemporary leadership in the struggle to build an independent nation-state, linking nationalism with humanistic values. Second, their ideas, secular outlook, and commitment to knowledge, science, literature, and culture had the potential to carry future Bangladesh far ahead.
That's why, on the eve of victory, they were brutally killed in a calculated massacre, with the intent of depriving the Bengali nation of its intellectuals.
Remembering these atrocities brings to mind the nationalist poet and leader Ryleyev of Russia's Decembrist Movement, as well as the great leaders of the Haymarket Affair, August Spies and Albert Parsons. The essence of their statement was "You can hang us, but the movement in which millions see their hope for liberation can never be suppressed. This is a subterranean fire, and its blazing flames can never be extinguished. Our words will always be reflected in history."
On Intellectuals Day, I remember these great children of the nation with a heart bowed in respect. At the same time, I pray to the Almighty for the peace and salvation of all the martyred intellectuals.
Intellectuals have shown the nation the way, instilled courage, and inspired generations through their knowledge, wisdom, and writings. Observing this day will only be meaningful if we uphold their liberal humanistic values, secular mindset, and democratic ideals. By following the path they envisioned—a nation built on equality, human dignity, social justice, good governance, and rational self-respect—we can work toward making Bangladesh a developed and prosperous country.
Dr Md Abu Taher is a Professor at BRAC Business School, BRAC University, Dhaka.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.
