Dead Reckoning

/in /by

Dead Reckoning-Memories of the 1971 Bangladesh War by Sarmila Bose

Description
This ground-breaking book chronicles the 1971 war in South Asia by reconstituting the memories of those on opposing sides of the conflict. The year 1971 was marked by a bitter civil war within Pakistan and war between India and Pakistan, backed respectively by the Soviet Union and the United States. It was fought over the territory of East Pakistan, which seceded to become Bangladesh. Through a detailed investigation of events on the ground, Sarmila Bose contextualises and humanises the war while analysing what the events reveal about the nature of the conflict itself. The story of 1971 has so far been dominated by the narrative of the victorious side. All parties to the war are still largely imprisoned by wartime partisan mythologies. Bose reconstructs events through interviews conducted in Bangladesh and Pakistan, published and unpublished reminiscences in Bengali and English of participants on all sides, official documents, foreign media reports and other sources. Her book challenges assumptions about the nature of the conflict and exposes the ways in which the 1971 conflict is still being played out in the region.

‘Combining rigorous scholarship and a passionate interest in setting the record straight, Dead Reckoning is the finest study yet of the social, cultural and political meaning of the 1971 East Pakistan/Bangladesh war. Sarmila Bose writes in the service of the truth. We are in her debt.’
–Stephen Cohen, author of The Idea of Pakistan

About the Author / Editor
Sarmila Bose is a Senior Research Fellow in the Politics of South Asia at the University of Oxford. She was a political journalist in India and combines academic and media work. She was educated at Bryn Mawr College and Harvard University.

Paperback    252 pages    ISBN: 9780199064779    Price: Rs.725.00

Era of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

/in /by

Era of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by Moudud Ahmed

Description:

ISBN 91 86702 09 2 1983  I   252pp HB Tk.490.00   I  US$27.00

The August coup of 1975, assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the events that followed have shown that it is easier to change a government Own to establish a legitimate regime and an effective administration. The power struggle that goes on in Bangladesh calls for a new consensus if the country has to achieve its politico-economic freedom.

Moudud Ahmed in this book presents an assessment of the politics pursued in Bangladesh during its initial years and argues that the crisis Bangladesh faces today is the result of the socio-economic and political measures taken by the Awami League government and Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In the course of his assessment he has examined the political compulsion and contradictions which led the regime to go for a one-party rule. The ruling party’s treatment of the freedom fighters, the so-called collaborators and the army as an institution are seen as examples which had bleeding effect on the 66dy politic of the newly achieved country.

This work of the author is significantly objective and helps the readers to understand also the political dimensions of the newly independent states of South Asia and Africa. The study answers questions why so frequently nationalist leaders committed to liberal democratic governments have rejected the same after independence. The book also reveals how privatization of government destroys the concept of law and justice and how monopoly of patriotism by elite groups frustrates the efforts of the masses for any development.

The Author who refers to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as “the greatest phenomenon” of the history of Bangladesh has devoted a separate chapter to provide an objective appreciation of the personality of Bangabandhu.

This book is a mine of inexhaustable value to students of politics, history, law, economics and Bangladesh studies.

Moudud Ahmed displays profound insight into the life of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and as a sequel to the author’s earlier book, Bangladesh: Constitutional Quest for Autonomy, this definitive work is a major addition to books on political history of Bangladesh.

The author, Moudud Ahmed has been Deputy Prime Minister (1976-78), Prime Minister (1986-89), and Vice President of Bangladesh. He has his B.A. (Honours) and M.A. in Political Science from Dhaka University. He studied law in England and was called to the English Bar in 1967. He visited the Heidelberg University as a Fellow in 1976 and in 1980 and Harvard University in 1980-81.

He prepared the book, Bangladesh. Contemporary Events and Documents, published by the External Publicity Division of the Bangladesh Government in Exile in Calcutta in 1971. His earlier book Bangladesh: Constitutional Quest for Autonomy was published by UPL.

Source : 0161-2646352, (0161-BOIMELA), Book Code – 12238, ISBN      9186702092, Page   252, English, Binding Hardcover, Price Tk. 490.00

The Unfinished Memoirs-Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

/in /by

The Unfinished Memoirs – Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
Translated by Fakrul Alam

Description
These memoirs are based on four notebooks by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founder of Bangladesh and the centre of the cause célèbre of the 1970s, written while he was a state prisoner in 1967. The book records Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s opinions about political developments in East Bengal/East Pakistan. It contains considerable material about the turbulent political conditions in which the Awami League and the United Front were formed, routing the Muslim League in the elections to the East Bengal Assembly in 1954. The author has made observations about several prominent leaders of the time, including Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan, Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, A.K. Fazlul Haq, Abul Hashim, Maulana Bhashani, Khawaja Nazimuddin, Ghulam Muhammad, Mohammad Ali Bogra, Chaudhury Muhammad Ali, and Nurul Amin. These candidly written memoirs help explain the genesis of Bengali Muslim nationalism.

About the Author / Editor
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1920–1975), Bengali nationalist politician and the founder of Bangladesh began his political career as an All-India Muslim League activist in Calcutta and was one of the founding members of the East Pakistan Muslim Student League in 1948, and the Awami Muslim League in 1949. A follower of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, he entered parliamentary politics in 1954 as a member of the East Bengal Legislative Assembly. Sheikh Mujib was a member of Pakistan’s second Constituent Assembly from 1955 to 1958 and served as a minister in the East Pakistan government. He came to prominence when he became General Secretary of the East Pakistan Awami League in 1953, and held the post until he became party President in 1966. In February 1966, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proposed his Six-Point Programme, calling for provincial autonomy and political and economic equity between the two wings of the country. In 1968, along with thirty-four others, he was implicated in the Agartala Conspiracy Case, making him Bengal’s most popular leader. The case was withdrawn in February 1969.
He led the Awami League to a dramatic victory in the Pakistan general elections of 1970, which proved to be a key event in the emergence of Bangladesh. After talks failed in March 1971, the army began a campaign of repression in East Pakistan, arresting Sheikh Mujib and charging him with treason. The Awami League leaders who managed to escape to India declared a government-in-exile in April, with Sheikh Mujib as President.
Following the independence of Bangladesh, he was released on 8 January 1972 and sent to Dhaka, where he became Prime Minister of Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujib was assassinated in Dhaka on 15 August 1975, during a military coup d’état.

Dr Fakrul Alam is Professor of English at the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Hardback    364 pages    ISBN: 9780199063581    

Price: Rs.995.00

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

/in , , , , , /by

The bravest son of Bangladesh. A peoples’ leader who fought all his life for their political rights and dared everything on earth to achieve independence for the Bangalees of East Bangla. The great nationalist leader of Bangladesh who voiced the demands of the nation and won the victory against the Pakistani colonists.

Declaration of Independence War of 1971

……”Pak Army suddenly attacked E.P.R Base at Pilkhana, Rajarbag Police Line and killing citizens. Street battle are going on in every street of Dhaka-Chittagong. I appeal to the Nations of the World for help. Our freedom fighters are gallantly fighting with the enemies to free the motherland. I appeal and order you all in the name of Almighty Allah to fight to the last drop of blood to liberate the country. Ask police, E.P.R, Bengal regiment and Ansar to stand by you and to fight. No compromise. Victory is ours. Drive out the last enemy from the holy soil of motherland. Convey this message to all Awami League leaders, workers and other patriots and lovers of freedom. May Allah bless you.

Joy Bangla
SK. MUJIBUR RAHMAN

Life: Mujib 

Year Date

Personal/Political Events
1920 Mar 17 Born at Tungipara village in Faridpur district (presently Gopalgonj)
1938 Imprisoned for his nationalist speech in a political gathering
1940 During a visit by the state minister Fazlul Huq and minister of food Suhrawardi to the Gopalgonj School, Sheikh Mujib, with few other students, blocked their way in demand of government initiative for the improvement of condition of the school. The leaders accepted his demands.
1946 Elected the General Secretary of the central students’ union of Calcutta Islamia College
1947 Formed the East Pakistan Muslim Students’ League
1947 Nov First use of the name “Bangladesh’ in the conference of Students’ League in Narayanganj.
1949 June 23 Elected as the founder joint secretary of Awami Muslim League from prison. Released in July and was immediately imprisoned for hunger strike
1952 Hunger strike at Dhaka Central Jail in support of the heroes of Bangla language movement.
1953 The responsibility of the General Secretary of Awami League was accorded to him
1954 A new ministry was formed on 12 May 1954 by the Chief Minister Fazlul Haque and Sheikh Mujib was inducted as the youngest member of the cabinet.
1954 May 30 The central government dissolved Fazlul Haque’s cabinet, imposed direct rule and arrested their arch enemy, Sheikh Mujib. He was released on December 18.
1955 Sept Turned “Muslim Awami League” into a non-communal political party by reoving the word “Muslim” from its official name.
1956 June 2 Governor’s rule was lifted and election of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was held in the same month. Sheikh Mujib was elected a member of the Constituent Assembly.
1956 Sept Minister for trade, industry and anti-corruption in the ministry formed by  Ataur Rahman Khan
1957 May Resigned from the ministry in order to commit himself to organizational work for the party.
1958 October Arrested by the military dictator General Ayub Khan on 12 false charges.
1966 Feb5, 6 In the national conference for the opposition political parties in Lahore, Sheikh Mujib first pronounced the historic six point demands. Arrested again
1968 January While serving long term jail sentences, the Pakistani military dictator brought charges of high treason against Sheikh Mujib. They accused Sheikh Mujib of conspiring with senior army and civil officials to overthrow the government. The trial started under a special tribunal and the case became famous as Agartala Conspiracy Case.
1969 Feb 22 The protest against the so-called Agartala conspiracy case slowly gained momentum and the huge mass upsurge of February brought the downfall of Gen Ayub Khan and withdrawal of Agartala Conspiracy Case as well as the release of Sheikh Mujib and other co-accused.
1969 Feb 23 The people gave an unprecedented reception to Sheikh Mujib and he was accorded the title “Bangabandhu”- friend of Banga (Bengal).
1969 Dec 5 In the death anniversary of Suhrawardi, Sheikh Mujib announced that the name of the independent East Pakistan would be Bangladesh.
1970 Dec 7 In the general election of Pakistan, Awami Leage won 167 seats out of 169 in East Pakistan.
1971 Jan 3 Awami League inaugurated the oath of the elected members of parliament in the Race Course ground. The six points were declared a must for the people of East Pakistan
1971 Mar 3 In protest to Gen Yahyah Khan’s deliberate refusal to hand over political power, Sheikh Mujib declared the cancellation of the session of the National Council. Under the leadership of Sheikh Mujib, all Bangalees vehemently opposed Yahya’s dictatorial intervention into national politics.
1971 March 7 The historical speech upholding the promise for the liberation of the Bangalees……..this is our fight for liberation, this is our fight for independence………….Joy Bangla
1971 March 25 Pakistan army unleashed its barbaric attack on the unprepared Bangalees in the dead of the night. Official declaration of independence via wireless from his residence, 32 Dhanmondi Road, just before he was captured by the Pakistani occupation forces
1971 April 17 Formation of the Mujibnagar (provisional) government in Meherpur and Sheikh Mujib was elected the president. Syed Nazrul Islam the acting president and Tajuddin Ahmed the prime minister.
1972 Jan 8 Release from Pakistan Military custody.
1972 Jan 10 Return to independent Bangladesh.
1972 Jan 12 Commencement of parliamentary democracy. Elected as the Prime Minister. Promise to presented the nation with a modern constitution in ten months.
1973 Mar 7 General Election. Formed the government again.
1973 May 23 Accorded the Julie Curie medal for peace
1974 Sept 28 Address in the general assembly of the UN in Bangla
1975 Jan 25 Formation of BKSAL (Bangladesh Krisak Sramik Awami League) for economic independence.
1975 Aug 15 Assassinated by a band of artillery forces led by Col Faruk and Col Rashid. Many suspect CIA especially Kissinger’s involvement in the assassination of Mujib as Mujib, like Alende of Chili, defied US foreign policy formulated by Kissinger.. In the same afternoon  Mujib’s body was taken straight to Tungipara, escorted by the military, his place of birth and was given a hasty burial.

Personal Information

Father Sheikh Lutfur Rahman
Mother Sahera Begum
Wife Begum Fazilatun Nesa
Children Sheikh Hasina, Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Zamal, Sheikh Rehana, Sheikh Russell

Education

Year Degree Institution
1942 SSC The Mission High School, Faridpur
1944 HSC Fridpur
1947 BA Calcutta Islamia College (History & Political Science)
1949 LAW As a student of Law Department, Dhaka university,  Sheikh Mujib was arrested as he supported the strike called by the  4th class employees of Dhaka university. The university authority fined him for his involvement in worker’s politics. As Sheikh Mujib saw their strike legitimate, he refused to pay the fine and  consequently was withdrawn from the university.

Declaration of Independence

” Tajuddin came to my residence for  shelter in that terrible night. It was, most probably, 12:45 am. With great concern Tajjuddin told me about two serious events: 1. Bangabonhu has officially declared the independence of Bangladesh and sent it to Chittagong (radio station) via wireless; 2. I implored him, holding his knees, to leave his residence and hide out, but he did not agree” 

Mr Abdul Gafur, Engineer Bangladesh Railway 

“…..Before he was arrested, Sheikh Mujib made a formal declartion of independence of Bangladesh sometime between 12:00 am and 1:30 am on March 26, 1971. It was broadcast over the clandestine Swadhin Bangladesh Betar (Radio) controlled by the Mukti Fauj (freedom fighters) at noon of March 26, 1971

SK Chkrabarti: The Evolution of Politics in Bangladesh, 1947-78 (p-208)

“…The 25th of March was spent by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his party leaders in awaiting a call from General Pirzada for a final meeting with Yahya Khan and also for the final drafting session for working out the details of interim transfer of power. No such call came. At zero hours on the 26th March, the army swang into action against the unarmed people of East Pakistan, launching operation on a war scale. Meanwhile Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed the birth of sovereign Independent State of Bangladesh”

Prabodh Chandra: Bloodbath in Bangladesh, New Delhi (p-127)

“……In the night of March 25, 1971, he (Mujib) formally declared the independence of Banglaesh. This declaration was later broadcast all over the country via wireless. In the morning of March 26, 1971, I got  this message at Mymensingh Agricultural university (BAU). The then Vice Chancellore of BAU, Kazi Fazlur Rahman called all the teachers, showed them Mujib’s declaration message and said: “This message came via the Mymensingh Police Line and Mr Rafiq Bhuiyan, the leader of Mymensingh Awami League, personally brought this message to me”. Immediately after the VC’s announcement, a meeting was held where Mr Bhuiyan read out the declaration of independence and recounted the dreadful Military crack down in Dhaka city the previous night….”

 Shamsuz Zaman Khan (The Janakantha: 26 March, 2002)

…..” When the first shot had been fired, the voice of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came faintly through an wavelength close to that of the official Pakistan Radio. In what must have been, and sounded like, a prerecorded message, the Sheikh proclaimed East Pakistan to be the People’s Republic of Bangladesh….”

Siddique  Salik: Witness to Surrender (p.75)

 

Jesus of ’75

Assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: Military Coup de'tat of 1975

An Appeal

The killers of Sheikh Mujib haven’t killed Mujib and his family only, they axed the very foundation of the democratic system of governance. Its a blow to all civilized norms. On behalf of the people of Bangladesh Muktadhara.net appeals to the people of the world to help the government of Bangladesh to find the absconding killers of Sheikh Mujib and bring them to justice.

Copyright © muktadhara.net


Hollywood movie on Bangabandhu

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Bangabandhu

Bangladeshi cine production and distribution company, Vibgyor Films is planning to undertake a new project of an English feature film named BANGABANDHU, which will be based on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh. Theme of this planned film will be similar as English feature film named Gandhi, which was based on the life of Mahatma Gandhi. Ben Kingsley played the role of Mahatma Gandhi in this film.

Earlier some Bollywood [Indian film industry] producers planned to make a film on the life of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. At that time, it was even rumored that, Bollywood king, Amitabh Bachchan was going to play the role of Bangabandhu. Self-exiled Bangladeshi columnist, Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury, who lives in United Kingdom announced in July 2009 that he was almost done with starting a full length feature film on Bangabandhu by November same year. Two unknown people were named as directors of this film and Chowdhury told in a press briefing in Dhaka that he was looking for US$ 10 million for making this film.

Name of Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan was declared to be playing the role of Bangabandhu. Later, Amitabh Bachchan denied this report and said, no such communication has ever been made in this regard.

Since this announcement, Gaffar Chowdhury turned mum on making any further comment or statement on this issue. Many believe that, it was nothing but a cheap stunt by Gaffar Chowdhury.

Hollywood produced movie BANGABANDHU will reach millions of audiences in the world. Though the initial language of this movie will be in English, it is expected that, later it will also be dubbed and sub-titled in Bangla, Hindi, French, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Hebrew and Arabic.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led the war of independence of Bangladesh in 1971. He became the Prime Minister and later President of the country after the independence of the nation from Pakistani occupation. But, in 1975, Bangabandhu was brutally assassinated along with his family members. Bangabandhu’s daughters, Sheikh Hasina [current Prime Minister] and Sheikh Rehana luckily survived the assassination, as both were in Germany at that time.

Trial into the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ended few years back. Few months back, few of the imprisoned killers of the founding father of Bangladesh were hanged. But, till now, a number of self-proclaimed killers of Bangabandhu are absconding in various countries, such as UAE, Pakistan, Libya, United States and Canada. It is even learnt that, few of the absconding killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman are shuttling in various countries such as Hong Kong, China, Syria, Lebanon, Iran, Cambodia, Cuba, South American nations and African continent. Bangladeshi government has made numerous appeals to the international in arrest and returning of the self-proclaimed killers of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Vibgyor Films is already working on the story lineup of the film BANGABANDHU by collecting various facts and information on the life of this legendary Bengali leader in the history of the sub-continent. A small team of the company is dedicatedly collecting information in this regard, which later will be sent to the authorities concerned for approval.

Several internationally acclaimed movie directors, such as Stephen Spielberg, Roman Polanski etc are being contacted for directing this movie while it is assumed that this film will be produced by one of the largest Hollywood film production companies.

Filming of English feature film BANGABANDHU is expected to begin in 2011.

Film production companies in Hollywood, interested in this proposed film are requested to contact Vibgyor Films at: vibfil @ gmail.com

Author : Mahboob Ar Rahman