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When Bangladesh emerged as the newest country in South Asia around five and half decades ago, it was surprising for many around the world. At the same time, it was also a beacon of hope for many poor nations struggling for their self-determination and independent identities. The turbulent period of early '70s in the world was also marked by the emergence of sovereign and independent Bangladesh although international recognition was slow to come by.
As Bangladesh prepares to observe its 54th Independence and National Day, it is crucial to revisit the tipping points of history and understand the geopolitical context that shaped it. This understanding is particularly beneficial for the young generation.
It is also necessary for the young generation to feel the aspiration of the watershed moment by comprehensively knowing the history. Going through the books written by eminent historians, researchers, and freedom fighters is a must for young people. Many of them are still not fully aware of the blood baths, which started after the midnight of March 25, 1971, continued throughout the next nine months of 1971, and finally led to the nation's freedom from Pakistani oppression and occupation.
As children of Bangladeshi expatriates were born and grew up in North America, Europe and some other countries, they do not have adequate skills in Bangla. For them, providing books written in English is critical, and fortunately, some good titles are available. Professor Nurul Islam, the Deputy Chairman of the First Planning Commission of Bangladesh, writes 'Making of a Nation: Bangladesh, an Economist's Tale.' The book is an excellent source for understanding the socio-economic causes driving the emergence of Bangladesh in the geopolitical context.
Again, Professor Mokerrom Hossain, also a freedom fighter, writes a book for the new generation titled 'From Protest to Freedom: The Birth of Bangladesh.' It presents a vivid story of the struggle for independence at the cost of the lives of three million people and the ultimate dishonour to 200,000 women. 'Bittersweet Victory: A Freedom Fighter's Tale' is a first-hand account of the liberation war and its immediate aftermath by A Qayyum Khan. He joined the Mukti Bahini in the early days of the war when he was a university student and fought in the sector 7. Syed Anwarul Karim, a diplomat and the first Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations, writes 'Sheikh Mujib: Triumph and Tragedy'. Though the book is mainly a wonderful biography of Bangabandhu, it is also a succinct history of Bangladesh for obvious reasons.
The list of books is not short, as the number of works on the history of Bangladesh has increased over the years, and many young researchers have come up to contribute to the rich stock. So, it is necessary to encourage the young generation to read and study these books to get a clear picture of the war of liberation.
Moreover, one also needs to look at the struggle for freedom in Bangladesh through the wider lens and perspectives of the thousand-year history of the land. The origin of the ancient land dates back to around 3,000 years ago, and the civilisation on the land of Bengal thrived between the banks of the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. The ancient inhabitants were mainly of Austric and Austro-Asiatic and Dravidian origins. Over the ages, the land also witnessed Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim rules, shaping a unique culture and heritage. This uniqueness is reflected in the emergence of Bangladesh.