Bangladesh's independence is unique but grossly undermined

The usual fervour and euphoria have been missing to some extent from the celebration of the Independence Day this year. This is because of the confusion about and uncertainty over the future of the country. Controversial narratives about relations between the liberation war of 1971 and the July-August uprising, 2024 have been responsible for the tentative and less spontaneous participation by the people in the celebration of this august occasion. Leave alone the legacy of the ultimate achievement won at a colossus cost, some forces are presenting a volte-face and still other forces inimical to the country's foundational principles, remarkably not only those from the fallen regime, are out to incite lawlessness in society in order to prove that it is a failed state.

Contradictory and conflicting narratives about the liberation war propagated by some quarters in the absence of a firm stated official policy on this issue sacrosanct to the majority of the people, have eroded people's confidence in the systemic transformation. They are also increasingly getting disillusioned by the steep deterioration of the law and order situation. Incidence of crimes including sexual abuse and violence against women and girls has been getting higher with every passing day. The poor and the marginalised cannot be blamed if they feel abandoned by the authority in power because apart from some bureaucratic measures such as open sale of a few commodities from TCB (Trading Corporation of Bangladesh) trucks, no radical measures were taken to outmanoeuvre the business syndicates responsible for manipulation of the market. At a time when potato and onion farmers are counting losses, the administration is playing the role of a silent spectator.

If common people feel they are marginalised as they were during the 15 years of high-handed discriminatory rule, apathy towards the incumbent government is likely to grow and the buttery words of certain quarters suspect of malicious intention may have approving audience. That will do grievous harm to the cause of the country's independence. To have the record straight, the liberation war and the independence have to be kept beyond controversy because no other achievement compares with this precious possession.

How precious it is can be realised by the fact that the country was third to earn an exclusive recognition from the international community and that too within a short time. As Rachel Stevens, a teacher of History at the Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, Australian Catholic University in Melbourne, points out that in the past 300 years, only twice did 'secessionist states' achieve global legitimacy 'without the assent of the home state'. Belgium starting its independence movement in 1830 had taken nine years before achieving international recognition. Ireland is the second such country to have begun its war of independence against the United Kingdom (UK) in 1919 and earned its international legitimacy in 1949.  

The secession from Pakistan would be impossible in an environment of current global politics. It was the Cold War that made the task easier---albeit with the risk of a world war --- for Bangladesh. The rivalry of extending the spheres of influence also played its part in Vietnam which freed itself from French occupation first and then with the joining in the feud by the US in 1964 following skirmishes between U.S.S Maddox and two Soviet-built Vietnamese torpedo boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. Fortunately, before the US could similarly intervene in favour of Pakistan, the war was over in Bangladesh with defeat for the Western wing. China also opposed Bangladesh's breakaway from Pakistan and did not approve legitimacy of the country until October 4, 1975 after the military coup that killed Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib and overthrew his government.

However, there is a difference between Vietnam and Bangladesh. North Vietnam wanted the country's unification and to bring the entire territory under the socialist system. In this task, the country received unreserved support from both the Soviet Union and China and the war continued for over a decade. Bangladesh wanted to secede from Pakistan and the war was brief with China opposing its birth. The courses they have charted since their independence are also different with Vietnam consolidating its political system much to the satisfaction of its people. Two of the reasons may be the prolonged war that has steeled the resolve of the Vietnamese people and the leaders' integrity of character.    

Bangladesh was indeed lucky to carve a place for itself as a sovereign country so soon in the comity of nations. Given the backlog of India's direct military involvement in the war to the consternation of some nations and in defiance of some global big players' open support to Pakistan, the recognition Bangladesh received from important allies of the US such as UK, West Germany, Italy, France and Canada among others by February, 1972 is remarkable indeed. But the surprise of all surprises is the official recognition of Bangladesh by the US on April 4, 1972.

So early a triumph over one of the fiercest militaries in the world and early recognitions were to prove both a blessing for the country and a curse perhaps. Blessing, because the carnage could have decimated the population if it protracted further; and curse, because the nation could not match its war achievements, aided morally largely by the Soviet bloc and militarily by India, with its administrative performance. The country had to endure one of the worst genocides in human history but did not learn much form that terrible experience. It achieved its independence and soon afterwards, it fell into chaos and misrule. Even the uprisings against autocratic misrule and state corruption have failed to bring the rulers to their senses. So people are keeping their fingers crossed that the July-August uprising also does not peter out without achieving its lofty objective of a pro-people administration free from bossiness and corruption and a society of equal opportunity for all its citizens.

nilratanhalder2000@yahoo.com