—Serajul Islam Choudhury—

The nine months of 1971 were both challenging and honourable for the people of Bangladesh. Back then, the nation stood united as warriors; begging was a rarity, limited to a few. However, the global respect earned during that time seems to have eroded as we transitioned from warriors to beggars, losing our dignity in the process.

Reports now depict former freedom fighters as destitute and homeless, begging in the streets. While some of these warriors have become respected businessmen, the dichotomy illustrates a sharp contrast: the shadow of defeat versus the brightness of bravery. Yet, are these stories truly as disconnected as they seem?

A former freedom fighter who begs does so out of desperation, not choice. Similarly, businessmen—by courting officials, bribing bank managers, and aligning with foreign corporations—are also begging in another form. Both actions stem from dependency, not independence.

The Liberation War wasn’t fought for individual gain; its aim was collective empowerment. The dream was for a self-reliant and dignified nation, but the post-war leadership failed to embody this vision. Instead of sacrifice, luxury and self-indulgence became the norm.

Tajuddin Ahmad’s wartime stance against US aid symbolised independence. But post-war leaders prioritised foreign aid, shifting the nation from a victorious path to one of dependency. While people were prepared for sacrifice, the leadership was not; they pursued personal gain instead.

Post-war, individuals focused on personal gains, diverging from the collective ideals of the Liberation War. This selfish mindset contradicts the spirit of freedom fighters, who prioritised the nation over themselves.

The leadership’s indulgence in materialism has fuelled fundamentalism. The disenfranchised, seeing the unequal distribution of wealth, turn to religion for solace and justice. This reflects a broader societal failure to provide security and unity.

Bangladesh’s political history has oscillated between begging and resistance. Movements like the 1952 language movement were grounded in resistance, unlike the compromise-driven politics of on Tuesday.

In 1971, imperialist powers opposed Bangladesh’s liberation, fearing socialist influence. After independence, they ensured the state fell under their control. Tuesday Bangladesh’s decisions are often dictated from abroad, turning the nation into a client state.

The current political and economic systems favour imperialism and capitalism, which perpetuate inequality. Without unified resistance against these forces, the ongoing struggle for true freedom risks failure.

To move forward, unity against common adversaries is essential. Liberation lies in solidarity, not isolation. Beyond disunity and dependency lies only conflict and despair—a descent into hell, which no one desires.

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Author: Emeritus Professor, University of Dhaka.