editorial board - National Defence College

Chief PatronLieutenant General Sheikh Mamun Khaled, SUP, rcds, psc, PhD

Editor-in-ChiefBrigadier General Muhammad Ali Talukder, ndc, afwc, psc

EditorColonel M A Saadi, afwc, psc

Associate EditorLieutenant Colonel Nizam Uddin Ahmed, afwc, psc, Engrs

Assistant EditorsAssistant Professor Nishat Sultana

Assistant Director Md Nazrul Islam

EDITORIAL BOARD

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electrical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

ISSN: 1683-8475

The analysis, opinions and conclusions expressed or implied in this Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the NDC, Bangladesh Armed Forces or any other agencies of Bangladesh Government. Statement, fact or opinion appearing in NDC Journal are solely those of the authors and do not imply endorsement by the editors or publisher.

DISCLAIMER

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CONTENTS

Page

Foreword iv

Editorial v

Abstracts vi

Bangabandhu: A Visionary Leader and Founder of Impending Time 01 Befitting Bangladesh Armed ForcesBy - Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, NBP, OSP, BCGM, ndc, psc, (retd)

Bangabandhu’s Development Philosophy: Reconstruction and Growth 15 with EquityBy - Professor Dr. Syed Anwar Husain

Bangabandhu Built Bangladesh’s Relations with the Muslim World 26By - Ambassador A K M Atiqur Rahman, ndc

Bangabandhu and the Early Years of Bangladesh Armed Forces: 35 An Eyewitness AccountBy - Air Commodore Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc (retd)

Rejuvenation of Golden Bengal Dream- An Unsung Philosophy of 48 BangabandhuBy - Brigadier General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, SGP, ndu, afwc, psc

Bangabandhu and his Dream for Bangladesh 65By - Colonel Humayun Quyum, afwc, psc

Bangabandhu’s Leadership: Lessons Learnt for the Longing Leaders 76By - Colonel M A Saadi, afwc, psc

An Analysis on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Security 90 of StateBy - Lieutenant Colonel Bhuiyan Mohammad Golam Kibria, SGP, afwc, psc, Engrs

IV

The birth centenary of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is a glorious time in the history of Bangladesh. This is the time for us, the Bangalees, to show our love, respect and gratitude to the Father of the Nation. Therefore, the entire Bangalee nation home and abroad is celebrating this year as Mujib Shoto Borsho 2020 with due respect and in a lively manner.

The legacy of Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are intertwined. He cherished the dream of independent Bangladesh and through his charismatic and visionary leadership crafted the independence of Bangladesh. With his prudent vision, he realized the vast potentials of the resources of the land and started to reconstruct the war ravaged country. He wanted to transform this land into a stable and affluent country and struggled throughout his life in this endeavor. Bangabandhu is not with us but his ideals are with us and will always remain as inspiration in all our endeavor of national progress. Now it is our responsibility to materialize his dream of Sonar Bangla.

I am delighted that NDC is going to publish a Special Journal of NDC on the occasion of the 100th birth year of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. On the eve of this noble initiative I would like to humbly pay my deepest tribute to the Father of the Nation. As part of expressing our gratitude, this journal is dedicated to Bangabandhu for his visionary steps and contribution to build up a skilled and educated armed forces for the new born independent country, his Sonar Bangla. I am confident that the journal will fulfill the objectives of the Mujib Year highlighting the significance of the independence of Bangladesh, the role of Bangbandhu and Bangladesh Armed Forces in the liberation war of Bangladesh. It can also help develop patriotism among the future leaders.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the proficient authors for their scholarly articles. I hope the articles of this journal will open a new horizon of knowledge about Bangabandhu’s courage, his self- sacrifice and above all his patriotic zeal. I urge to our young generation to keep up the true spirit of independence and ideals of Bangabandhu and emerge as strategic leaders and the builders of Bangabandhu’s Sonar Bangla.

I express my deep satisfaction for the teamwork of the Editorial Board who have really made good efforts to publish this important journal. I would like to thank every person related to this publication. I wish every success of the Special journal of NDC.

Sheikh Mamun Khaled, SUP, rcds, psc, PhDLieutenant GeneralCommandant

FOREWORD

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EDITORIAL

The Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the architect of Independent Bangladesh, was born on 17 March 1920. The nation is celebrating his birth centenary this year and the Government has declared the year 2020 as Mujib Barsho. To honor the memory of Bangabandhu and his contribution for the independence of Bangladesh, NDC is going to publish a special journal. The articles of this journal will depict different aspects of Bangbandhu’s life, his struggle, his charismatic leadership, his dreams and his vision for formation of Bangladesh Armed Forces and Bangladesh as a proud nation.

I hope this journal will provide an in depth knowledge about ideals and teaching of Bangabandhu. The future leaders can benefit by reviewing the articles and understand the art of leadership.

The articles are the original piece of works of the authors. I forward my deepest appreciation to distinguished authors for their hard work and dedication.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Chief Patron for his invaluable guidelines to the Editorial Board. I appreciate the members of the Editorial Board for their remarkable contribution to bring this journal to light. It was possible to make this journal a success because of hard and dedicated teamwork of all concerned.

Despite all efforts, unintentional errors in any form might appear in the journal. I would like to request the readers to pardon us for such unnoticed slights. I hope the journal will prove its worth to the readers.

Muhammad Ali Talukder, ndc, afwc, pscBrigadier General Directing Staff (Army)

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ABSTRACT

BANGABANDHU: A VISIONARY LEADER AND FOUNDER OF IMPENDING TIME BEFITTING BANGLADESH ARMED

FORCES

Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, NBP, OSP, BCGM, ndc, psc, (retd)

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy

Bangladesh and Bangabandhu are inseparable from each other. It is impossible to imagine the country without the historical presence of our Father of the Nation in all aspects of our national life. The Armed forces of Bangladesh has been the cornerstone of Bangladesh’s national defence against external and internal threats. Like other institutions of the country, the Armed Forces of the country was established under the leadership and guidance of our great leader, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. However the contributions of Bangabandhu in establishing Bangladesh Armed Forces are seldom discussed and a little research has been done on this subject so far. Nevertheless, Bangabandhu played the central role in rebuilding the military capabilities of a newly independent country like Bangladesh during 1971-75 period. The objective of the paper is to explore the steps taken by Bangabandhu in making Bangladesh’s Armed Forces a strong and capable one. The paper is divided into six sections. In the latter section, the initiatives of the current Government in realizing the visions of Bangabandhu in creating a self-sufficient and well-equipped force have been discussed in depth. Overall, the paper takes a qualitative approach to articulate the aims of the author.

Key Words: Bangabandhu, Visionary Leader, Bangladesh Armed Forces.

BANGABANDHU’S DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY: RECONSTRUCTION AND GROWTH WITH EQUITY

Dr. Syed Anwar HusainBangabandhu Chair Professor

Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)

The outstanding features of Bangabandhu’s development philosophy were growth with equity and inclusive development. As it was, the central theme of such a development was the overall development of the people of Bangladesh.

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Based specifically on the four speeches of Bangabandhu, this peoplecentric development philosophy is thrashed out in two distinct phases: pre-1975 and post-January 1975 BKSAL; although the latter phase was ideational, and translating of which into reality was stopped by his (along with others of his family and near ones) gruesome assassination. The earlier phase, as the circumstantial imperatives demanded, was mostly one of reconstruction; while the latter phase was the initiation of a development strategy as perceived by Bangabandhu. Although cast in a negative perspective in some quarters, the BKSAL system had the potentiality to transform the society and state as per the ethos of a country born through a bloody civil war. Moreover, as was apparent, in inclusive development, Bangabandhu sought peace.

Key Words: Bangabandhu, Development Philosophy, Reconstruction and Growth.

BANGABANDHU BUILT BANGLAESH’S RELATIONS WITH THE MUSLIM WORLD

A K M Atiqur Rahman, ndcSecretary and Ambassador (retd)

Though, Pakistan, by presenting and propagating fabricated information about Bangladesh during our liberation struggle and even after independence, tried to convince the Muslim countries not to support Bangladesh, but that did not work for long. The larger portion of the Muslim world extended their support to Bangladesh except some of Pakistan’s Arab friends. Returning to his country on 10 January 1972 from Pakistan jail, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman shouldered the task of rebuilding the war-ravaged Bangladesh as well as establishment of its relations with the world communities including Islamic countries based on the principle of his foreign policy ‘friendship with all, malice towards none’. He took special initiatives to establish relations with the Muslim world. He visited a number of Muslim countries and attended all conferences/summits of heads of government or state, where he had the opportunities to meet Muslim leaders. Even, he sent his colleagues to the Muslim countries either for bilateral talks or to attend conferences of the Islamic states. Bangabandhu’s leadership enabled him establishing personal relationship with most of the Muslim leaders and thus had made his movements in the international field easier. By early 1974, Bangladesh was able to get recognition of almost all Muslim countries, except Saudi Arabia, Oman and Sudan. In fact, the relations established by Bangabandhu

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with the Muslim world in three and a half year time was the foundation and based on that, Bangladesh enjoys the present-day multi-dimensional brotherly relations with them.

Key Words: Bangabandhu, Leadership, Foreign Policy.

BANGABANDHU AND THE EARLY YEARS OF BANGLADESH ARMED FORCES: AN EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

Air Commodore Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc (retd)

This article deals with the reorganization of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh after the Liberation on 16 December 1971. We inherited a primarily guerilla force with few poorly equipped land formations and virtually no air and naval forces. However, the armed forces, under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, worked with tireless zeal and enthusiasm to develop a force fit for an independent nation. The nation was facing utter devastation of its infrastructure due to nine month long Liberation War. On top of that, the nation faced an unprecedented flood in 1973, followed by a famine next year. Despite these national crisis, the armed forces continued to reorganize, reequip and retrain. As a very young air force officer at that time, I was eyewitness to many ground breaking events that shaped the future growth of the nascent forces. From the very first national budget in 1972, defence continued to get a substantial allocation. Bangabandhu took personal interest in development of the Armed Forces. He sought military assistance from friendly countries and many nations responded. We started from almost nothing, but by 1975, we had modern fighters, transport aircraft and helicopters, tanks, artillery and patrol boats. We had established fully functional army, naval and air headquarters and established number of army, naval and air bases and training establishments. I have narrated a number of those achievements to let the new generation know their predecessors’ contribution to what the Armed Forces are today.

Key Words: Bangabandhu, Armed Forces, Leadership, Liberation War.

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REJUVENATION OF GOLDEN BENGAL DREAM- AN UNSUNG PHILOSOPHY OF BANGABANDHU

Brigadier General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, SGP, ndu, afwc, psc

The founding father of Bangladesh and the Greatest Bengali of all time, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman generated Golden Bengal dream for Bengali nation, which carried great philosophy of people-centric vision and revolutionary campaign of social fairness and justice for well-rounded human development. Many like me who were born after liberation war, was unfortunate for long to learn about existence of such unprecedented philosophy. Even widespread falsehood and misleading narratives of anti-liberation force shaped negative hollowness in commoner’s mindset, which ultimately kept the nation in prolong darkness till daughter of Bangabandhu, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina unveiled the unsung philosophy and unfinished tale of Bangabandhu’s 2nd revolution. Although many South-east and East Asian countries revolutionary leaders had sufficient opportunity for successful implementation of their philosophy in realizing peoples aspiration as per own national characteristics but Bangabandhu’s ill-fated philosophy was secluded by anti-liberation force in its nascent stage, which ultimately delayed our golden Bengal journey as well. Inquisitiveness to divulge the unsung philosophy of Bangabandhu’s 2nd revolution through historical references and global ideological inferences inspired me to explore the best take away from the Bangabandhu’s philosophy, which would remain dynamic in any time frame for people’s wellbeing and rejuvenation of Golden Bengal. Changing global geo-strategic phenomenon and cultural implications on new generation mindset would devise the best guiding framework of governance and reforms with Bangladesh characteristics by exploring the insight of Bangabandhu’s philosophy. Last but not the least, reorientation of Bangabandhu’s philosophy on core values and politico-socio-economic transformations would definitely be complimentary to all charismatic reforms innovations of Prime minister Sheikh Hasina, which would also determine the priorities of doable agenda for rejuvenation of Golden Bengal in new era.

Key Words: Bangabandhu, Philosophy, Golden Bengal, Rejuvenation.

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BANGABANDHU AND HIS DREAM FOR BANGLADESH

Colonel Humayun Quyum, afwc, psc

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a magnetic personality by his astute leadership capability and huge political wisdom. Since his rising, he manifested unique leadership qualities, which made him unquestionable leader of Bangladesh. Indeed, he had such wisdom and leadership skills that recognized him as a leader of general people. More so, his aspiration and sacrifice made him an icon of the country; therefore, his leadership traits and vision for his loving nation titled him as the ‘Father of the Nation’. Since independence, his vision, perseverance, and sincere endeavor truly established the road map of today’s Bangladesh. His eternal thoughts are still echoing through the generation of these days and staggering huge aspiration for our future development. The most competent successor of Bangabandhu, his daughter-The Honorable Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina is vividly following the footsteps of her mentor. Her leadership style incorporates a soft veneer and a steel determination for the ultimate progress and development of the country. In order to materialize Bangabandhu’s vision and dream, she left no stone unturned since the journey of her leadership. Now, through her visionary leadership quality, the country is on the booming state of diverse progress and development. As a turning approach, while embracing the thoughts, visions, and footprints of both Sheikh Mujib and Sheikh Hasina, the present day’s young generation have scores of responsibilities and lessons to cultivate. All in all, if we could perceive and behold the insight of the visions set by our leadership, Bangladesh would be truly a ‘Sonar Bangla’ as dreamt by the Father of the Nation.

Key Words: Bangabandhu, Leadership, Development.

BANGABANDHU’S LEADERSHIP: LESSONS LEARNT FOR THE LONGING LEADERS

Colonel M A Saadi, afwc, psc

The analysis of the biography of great leaders is a way of discovering the leader’s characteristics so that they can be interpreted and emulated well. A leader is the one blessed with unique attributes that draw the masses’ imaginative minds. On the other hand, the history of the world is but the biography of great men. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest leader of all time, was a born leader who showed leadership qualities right from his adolescent. Bangladesh’s birth history is merely a biography of Bangabandhu. He is the one who has unique

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qualities that catch the imagination of the masses-the birth of Bangladesh, a new nation. In this article, an endeavor is taken to analyze the few significant leadership traits of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with a view to drawing lesson learnt for the future leaders.

Key Words: Bangabandhu, Leadership, Traits.

AN ANALYSIS ON BANGABANDHU SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN ON SECURITY OF STATE

Lieutenant Colonel Bhuiyan Mohammad Golam Kibria, SGP, afwc, psc, Engrs

The Westphalia theory states that the state can implement its sovereignty and enjoys monopoly to use force on its territory. The foremost responsibility of the government is to ensure security of the state against external aggression. During the ‘Cold War’ era, security of state traditionally meant the security of state against external influence and maintaining balance of power. It usually means developing military power. After the ‘Cold War’, many theories on security came up and non-traditional securities like human, food, cultural and environmental security got much importance. The creation of Pakistan on two wings basing on religion failed as regime failed to ensure both traditional and non-traditional security of East Pakistan. The first threat was on cultural identity of Bengali nation through declaring Urdu as only state language. East Pakistan was almost unprotected having negligible military and para-military forces located here. Bangabandhu was very concerned on state security. Actually, his Six Point Movement is the manifestation of both traditional and non-traditional security for East Pakistan. After independence, he ensured the withdrawal of foreign troops to ensure the sovereignty and security of the new born state. He developed all security and defense mechanism within a very short time in a complex geo-political scenario. His defence policy was the guiding principle for national defence. Bangabandhu successfully organized credible Armed Forces capable of safeguarding the national sovereignty. This paper discusses Security of State and analyzes the role of Bangabandhu on security of state.

Key Words: Bangabandhu, Sovereignty, Security of State, Armed Forces.

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BANGABANDHU: A VISIONARY LEADER AND FOUNDER OF IMPENDING TIME

BEFITTING BANGLADESH ARMED FORCES

Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, NBP, OSP, BCGM, ndc, psc, (retd)

Former Chief of Naval Staff, Bangladesh Navy

“Only a peaceful environment can enable us to enjoy the fruits of the hard-earned national independence and gather all our strength and resources to fight poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy and unemployment.”

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Introduction

It is a dream of every human being in the world to live and lead a life as a proud citizen of an independent, sovereign and prosperous nation. And we are the proud citizens of an independent nation named Bangladesh. The Greatest Bengali Soul of all time ‘Bangabandhu - Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’ - our “Father of the Nation” dreamt and materialised it. Bangladesh and Bangabandhu these two words complement each other; two sides of the same coin.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman didn’t become Bangabandhu overnight in 1970, for decades he dreamt for an independent nation for the population of this land and materialized his dream with his vision, enthusiasm, dedication and patriotism. Before 1971, many individuals dreamt of independence. They sought to materialize the dream – but none could come up with a concrete feasible shape. It was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who completed the task as a visionary architect. Under his leadership, brave Bangladeshi freedom fighters and mass people of Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) had been inspired to fight against the dictatorship of Pakistan Army and Pak Government since the language movement in 1952. At the cost of

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Bangabandhu: A Visionary Leader and Founder of Impending Time Befitting Bangladesh Armed Forces

the life of 3 million people in 1971, the sovereignty of ‘Bangladesh’ was achieved. Predicting future geopolitical scenario as well as dilemmas, Bangabandhu always stressed upon the necessity of regional and global peace. Keeping that in mind, Bangabandhu took significant and vigorous initiatives to reinstate Bangladesh’s Armed Forces through merging all the fragmented elements of former East Bengal Regiment and its Naval and Air components. Being a visionary leader with profound principles, Bangabandhu took extensive efforts to motivate Bangladesh Armed Forces to play a significant role regionally to uphold the sovereignty and development of the nation. During his brief tenure, Bangabandhu laid the foundation of Bangladesh Armed Forces which have later grown into advanced sophisticated three-dimensional all-weather fighting forces. Since 1971, Bangladesh Armed Forces have been thriving to follow the ideology of the ‘Father of the Nation’ in all circumstances.

The foremost objective of this article is to highlight Bangabandhu’s pragmatic contributions towards the independence of Bangladesh and the strengthening of Bangladesh Armed Forces. It will also focus on Bangabandhu and the emergence of an independent nation, the contribution of Bangabandhu in establishing the Bangladesh Armed Forces, the maritime vision of Father of the Nation and recent developments in Bangladesh Armed Forces reflecting Bangabandhu’s vision.

Bangabandhu and Emergence of an Independent Nation: Bangladesh

On 17 March 1920, a blessing from the Almighty came upon Bangladesh and its people while the Greatest Bengali of all time was born in Tungipara, Gopalganj. The birthplace, which is Gopalganj, was situated under Faridpur district in the eastern part of the Bengal region in British India. If we consider the period between 1940 and 1974, we would perceive that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman became Bangabandhu and Father of the Nation for his dedication, dynamism and visionary leadership. Momentarily after the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947, it was sensed that the formation of

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Pakistan with its two wings (East and West Pakistan) separated by a physical distance of about 1,200 miles was a geographical miscreation. The socio-economic, political, cultural and linguistic atmospheres of these two wings were poles apart. That period, immediately after the creation of Pakistan, Bangabandhu commenced his political movement against colonial rule. In 1948, a movement was originated to establish Bengali as the state language of East Pakistan. During the blood-saturated language movement in 1952, Sheikh Mujib was arrested and sent to jail but he continued to lead the movement staying behind the bars. In 1966, he declared the historical Six Points programme, which he expounded in the then East Pakistan. Being a visionary leader, faithful friend and spirited individual, Bangabandhu envisioned to establish an independent, developing and People’s Republic Nation. Following his direction, millions of people were in the stagnated dream of contravening the chain of slavery of the Pakistani rulers. Through the general election in 1970, empowered with legal authority by the people of Bangladesh (East Pakistan then), Bangabandhu sketched the plan and programme of an independent Bangladesh.

The foundation of independent Bangladesh was laid on 7 March 1971 at the Ramna Race Course in Dhaka to a gathering of over two millions people when the great leader Bangabandhu declared “Ebarer Songram Amader Muktir Songram, Ebarer Songram Shadhinotar Songram” (This war is a war for our freedom, this war is a war for independence) to explain the logic behind our liberation movement against the colonial dictatorship of Pakistan.

Considering Bangladesh’s geopolitical location, Bangabandhu realized the importance of Armed Forces, Paramilitary Force and establishing of Navy Headquarters in East Pakistan. He was considered as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces throughout the Liberation War. Sheikh Mujib’s political charisma worked as the driving force for national unity and the independence of Bangladesh. Upon getting the news of the army crackdown on the night of March 25, 1971, Bangabandhu declared the independence of Bangladesh and gave directives to circulate

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the declaration of independence across the country. The declaration of independence from Bangabandhu spread all over the nation like fire. All-out war erupted between the Pakistan Army and the freedom fighters of Bangladesh, which held to the birth of Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assumed office as a provisional president of newly liberated Bangladesh, and later he ran the country as the Prime Minister. Under the dynamic leadership of Bangabandhu, the first Constitution of Bangladesh was endowed in 1972. The four core principles of the state; Democracy, Socialism, Secularism and Nationalism, were proclaimed through this Constitution. Bangabandhu faced numerous challenges to reform the war-affected nation with intense poverty, unemployment and enormous socio-economic and environmental constraints. Bangabandhu was a ‘peace-loving’ personality who in his entire life practiced the principles of non-violence. So, the constitution was also formulated on the principle of “Friendship to All, Malice to None”.

The Contribution of Bangabandhu in Establishing the Bangladesh Armed Forces

After the independence, the Father of the Nation faced mammoth challenges to reorganise the Armed Forces of Bangladesh and boosted the morale of the forces to defend the nation from internal and external threats. Bangabandhu commenced several important initiatives to restructure and strengthen the forces of the country to protect national security and sovereignty. The ‘’National Defence Policy-1974” was formulated under the direction of Bangabandhu to restructure, modernize, expand and develop the insubstantial capabilities of Bangladesh Armed Forces after the liberation war. Bangladesh is unfortunate enough in the sense that Bangabandhu did not get much time and opportunity to materialize all his visions and plans which would strengthen Bangladesh’s Armed Forces to a major extent. However, within a very short period after the liberation war, Bangabandhu accomplished many vital tasks which were necessary to restore the operational ability of the three branches of the Armed Forces.

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Some of the significant developments in the Bangladesh Armed Forces during Bangabandhu’s tenure are stated below:

Immediately after the independence, Bangabandhu realized and undertook initiatives to modernize the Bangladesh Armed Forces by procuring advanced equipment and establishing new installations. 72 Infantry Brigades were established in Rangpur Cantonment, the first Bengal Lancer and the Army Services Corps were established in 1972 under the guidance of the Father of the Nation. New Cantonments were established in Bogura, Jashore, Savar, Mirpur, Mymensingh, Dighinala, Ruma and Ali Kadam. The Corps of Ordnance and Corps of Medical were established in 1972 and 1973 respectively. The Corps of Military Police and Army Clerical Corps started their journey on 22 July 1974. He also started the reparation of the then Cantonments which were severely damaged during the liberation war. With the decision of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, President Guard Regiment was also established on 05 July 1975.

The Father of the Nation felt the necessity of procuring modern weapons and ammunitions and took steps to import armaments from Yugoslavia, Russia, Poland, UK and Egypt. In terms of training and commissioning of the officers and troops, Bangabandhu Military Academy at Comilla Cantonment was established on 29 November 1973 and inaugurated in 1974 to produce efficient Officers for Bangladesh Army. In his opening remarks in front of the first batch of Officers, he proclaimed that if conducive environment and facilities were provided to Bangladesh Army, it could fight toe to toe against any force of the world.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the architect of modern Bangladesh Navy. Long before the independence, he envisioned to establish a strong Navy for safeguarding territorial sovereignty. He also demanded the establishment of Naval Headquarters in Dhaka in his historic Six-Point Movement in 1966. Following his vision, Bangladesh Navy was established during the liberation war in 1971 with only a handful of sailors and 2 gunboats, PADMA and POLASH which were supplied by India as a friendly gesture. He also took the initiative to construct 5 Pabna-

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class Patrol Crafts in Narayanganj Dockyard, thus, laying the foundation of indigenous warship building capability using local technology. In 1974, Bangabandhu procured 5 warships from Yugoslavia and India to strengthen the capabilities of Bangladesh Navy, among them BNS KARNAPHULI and BNS TISTA had inbuilt Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) which were critical addition to Navy’s capabilities. Later, on 10 December 1974, Bangabandhu commissioned Bangladesh Navy’s three main Naval Bases i.e. BNS ISSA KHAN in Chittagong, BNS HAJI MOHSIN in Dhaka and BNS TITUMIR in Khulna and handed over the prestigious flag ‘Naval Ensign’ to the Navy as a symbol of pride and glory. In that day, he outlined the vision for Bangladesh Navy and proclaimed, “For geopolitical need, a strong and modern navy will be built in future”.

‘Free shall we keep the sky of Bangladesh”, with this motto, Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) has been performing its duties as the defender of our sky since its inception. It was the vision of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to build a modern, powerful and professional Air Force considering the geographical location, economic progress and military strategy of Bangladesh. Just after the independence, modern supersonic fighter aircraft MIG-21, MI-8 Helicopters, AN-24 and AN-26 transport aircraft and air defence radars were inducted in Bangladesh Air Force. The journey of a modern and capable Air Force was initiated through the wisdom and endevour of Father of the Nation. Considering the importance of training of BAF, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman provided pragmatic directives to establish Bangladesh Air Force Academy in 1973. Under the guideline and his directives, academic training activities were started at Cadets’ Training Unit at Kurmitola, Dhaka in 1974.

The Maritime Vision of Father of the Nation

The maritime sector of Bangladesh was very fragile and underdeveloped just after the independence of Bangladesh. Due to his visionary leadership and geopolitical consciousness, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

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rightly realised the profound importance of the sea in the development of a maritime nation like Bangladesh. Soon after our independence, even before the promulgation of UNCLOS-III in 1982, he enacted the Territorial Waters and Maritime Zones Act in 1974. Bangladesh was the first Asian country to enact laws on maritime issues. This step is the testimony of Bangabandhu’s long term strategic vision to transform Bangladesh into a ‘Great Maritime Power’. The law fundamentally delimits the baseline and territory of the sea where we can exploit the untapped marine resources. Through this Maritime Zones Act, strategically important Swatch of No Ground’ was incorporated into Bangladesh’s claimed territory by marking 180-degree lines along the international boundary, unveiling enormous possibilities and opportunities for exploration of resources in the Bay of Bengal. He understood that a resource meagre country like Bangladesh could only progress towards great success if the marine resources of our vast ocean domain could be sustainably utilized and managed. To achieve the goal, Bangabandhu took numerous successful initiatives to rebuild and transform the maritime sector of Bangladesh from the scratches. He took immediate actions to reestablish Bangladesh Marine Academy and Bangladesh Shipping Corporation and also took the challenges to build new ships. To ensure the optimum utilization of marine resources for the development of the nation, he also initiated the oil and gas exploration in the Bay of Bengal in 1973. Realising the necessity of developing the shipping industry, he also apprehended the portfolio of Shipping Ministry as Prime Minister for a period of 8 months from July 1974 to January 1975.

Recent Development in the Bangladesh Armed Forces Reflects the Vision of Bangabandhu

The present government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has taken several dynamic initiatives to develop the Armed Forces of Bangladesh into time befitting modern fighting forces. Under the prodigious leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, these initiatives reflect the vision of the Father of the Nation in transforming Bangladesh

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Armed Forces into strong military forces. The ‘’Forces Goal 2030” is the realization of the vision of Bangabandhu. Later, the Goal was revised in 2017 which is the first plan to modernize the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Under the ‘’Forces Goal 2030” framework, the three branches of Bangladesh Armed Forces would go through a rapid transformation. The forces goal is a major qualitative up-gradation to the vision, mission and doctrine of Bangladesh Armed Forces to deal with the conventional and non-conventional challenges of the 21st century. To fulfil the visions of Bangabandhu, the Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to formulate the ‘National Defence Policy-2018’ in line with the “National Defence Policy-1974” which was adopted under the administration of Bangabandhu. A total of 32 speeches of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were analyzed to prepare a draft policy after 47 years of the country’s independence according to the guidelines given by him. Under the draft policy, Bangladesh Armed Forces will consistently focus on military competences in three areas:

• Establishing a firm defensive posture convertible to offensive according to dictated situations;

• Continuously implementing national defence reforms; and

• Establishing the image of pro-people armed forces to achieve national security goals and defence objectives

The ‘Defence Policy 2018’ and “Forces Goal 2030” can be perceived as Bangladesh’s response to a wide range of potential threats to national security threats. A major spike in terrorist activities in South Asia has also been noted and Bangladesh has been dealing with the refugee crisis since 2008 which has become a massive threat for Bangladesh in 2017 and continuing. Strong, efficient and sophisticated Armed Forces are necessary to combat various emerging and existent threats.

Under the ‘’Forces Goal 2030”, the Bangladesh Army has already purchased a variety of upgraded equipment including helicopters, unmanned aircraft, main battle tanks, FM 90 short-range surface-to-air missiles, PF-98 anti-

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tank rockets, multiple rocket launcher systems (MRLS), anti-aircraft missiles etc. Along with the land-based systems, the government has focused on building a capable aviation wing of the Army to augment the reconnaissance, transportation and rapid response capabilities. Bangladesh Army will also get modern troop’s carrier vessels, attack helicopters, new landing craft tanks etc. Besides, Bangladesh plans to build more military stations across the country; a new cantonment has already been established in Ramu.

The modernization of the Air Force is also going full swing. The Bangladesh Air Force has purchased a good number of Russian-made Yak-130 training and light attack aircraft and F-7BG light attack fighter jets from China in addition to several radar systems. Recently the country upgraded its MiG fleet and bought several R-77 BVR missiles. Bangladesh Air Force has procured Mil Mi-171Sh helicopters and Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters for maritime search and rescue operations. Bangladesh Air Force has planned to procure weapon systems of NATO standard and surface-to-air missile systems, unmanned aerial system (UAS) for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations and acquire maritime striking jets. Apart from acquiring new technologies, the size and infrastructures of the Air Force would be expanded to meet new security demands. Two new airbases are also being constructed in Barishal and Sylhet to increase BAF’s operational range.

Bangladesh Navy, on the other hand, is experiencing the biggest modernization drive in its history. The strategic significance and role of Bangladesh Navy have been greatly expanded after obtaining 118,813 sqkm of new territories in the Bay of Bengal. Forces Goal 2030 is designed to make Bangladesh Navy a well-equipped three-dimensional force to protect the maritime domain of the country. The biggest surprise of Bangladesh’s naval up-gradation was the purchase of two Ming-class type 035B submarines and in future, Bangladesh Navy would increase its subs inventory as well. To berth and operate these submarines, a submarine base, BNS SHEIKH HASINA is now under construction.

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A new operational base, BNS SHEIKH MUJIB has been constructed in Khilkhet, Dhaka and the largest naval base of the country, BNS SHER-E-BANGLA is under construction at Rabanabad, Patuakhali. Navy has taken initiatives to develop missile systems and Identification and Friends or Foe (IFF) radars. Khulna Shipyard has built two Large Patrol Crafts (LPC), five Padma-class Patrol Vessels and five more ships are already under construction (ISPR 2019). Currently, Khulna Shipyard is constructing two hydrographic research ships and two coastal survey vessels are under construction at Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited. Along with that, several LCUs and LCTs have been built at Khulna Shipyard and Dockyard and Engineering Works Limited. The Chattogram Dry Dock Limited has also planned to build frigates in collaboration with foreign companies.

Conclusion

Bangladesh Armed Forces have come a long way since 1971. Now, Bangladesh has built capable forces to protect national sovereignty and security from all internal and external threats. But the success of our armed forces cannot be imagined without the great vision and efforts of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Bangabandhu not only envisioned it but also laid the foundation of the defence forces of our nation. We can only imagine how great and advanced the armed forces would become if Bangabandhu had been with us for a much longer time. However, the vision and strategy of Bangabandhu are now being advanced by his daughter, the honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The “Forces Goal 2030” is the brain child of our prime minister and a major initiative to transform the Armed Forces of Bangladesh into capable forces defending the nation and counter the threats of the 21st century. Armed Forces of our country are important components of the national fabric. The development of the country’s defence cannot be isolated from the overall development of the country. Bangladesh needs well-equipped, well-trained and well-funded armed forces to advance Bangabandhu’s dream of

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a strong, independent and developed Bangladesh. Our honorable Prime Minister has taken every possible measure to build strong, capable and responsive forces following the goals proposed under the “Vision 2041” framework. Hence, in the 100th birth anniversary of Bangabandhu, we all service men of all branches of Bangladesh Armed Forces convey gratitude to the greatest Bengali of all time our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Lastly, it could be mentioned in the words of poet Ananda Shankar,

“As long as the Padma, Meghna, Gouri, Jamuna flows on,Your accomplishment will also live on, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman”

Bibliography

1. Acharjee, D., 2020. ‘The Masses in Defence Planned’. [online] ‘The independentbd.com. Available at: <http://www.theindependentbd.com/printversion/details/142035> [Accessed 11 March 2020].

2. Bhattacharjee, S., 2020. Draft National Defence Policy: Prime Minister to Head National Security Body. [online] The Daily Star. Available at: <https://www.thedailystar.net/frontpage/draft-national-defence-policy-pm-head-natl-security-body-1551244> [Accessed 11 March 2020].

3. ISPR. 2020. Honourable Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina Reviewed the Winter President Parade at Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNS), Chottagram. [online] Available at: <https://www.ispr.gov.bd/en/honourable-prime-minister-shiekh-hasina-reviewed-the-winter-president-parade-at-bangladesh-neval-academybns-chottagram/> [Accessed 11 March 2020]

4. Mushtaq, S., 2020. Bangladesh’s Ambitious Military Modernization Drive. [online] Thediplomat.com. Available at: <https://thediplomat.com/2018/01/bangladeshs-ambitious-military-modernization-drive/> [Accessed 11 March 2020].

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5. Navy.mil.bd. 2020. History of Bangladesh Navy. [online] Available at: <https://www.navy.mil.bd/BN-History> [Accessed 19 March 2020].

6. The Daily Star. 2020. 2 Air Bases to be set up in Barisal, Sylhet. [online] Available at: <https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/2-air-bases-be-set-barisal-sylhet-1513291> [Accessed 11 March 2020].

Author

Admiral Nizamuddin Ahmed, NBP, OSP, BCGM, ndc, psc (retd) was the 14th Chief of Naval Staff. The long and highly versatile career of the Admiral spans across the national and international dimensions. It is blended with important and sensitive Command, Staff and Instructional experiences within Navy as well as in Coast Guard, Inter-Services Organizations, United Nations and Port Authorities of Bangladesh. Born in Madaripur, after attaining brilliant results both in Secondary and Higher Secondary board examinations, he entered in the navy on 30 January 1979. He was then sent to Marshal Tito Naval Academy, ex-Yugoslavia for his basic training and later commissioned into Bangladesh Navy on 01 August 1981.

The Admiral, commanded almost every type of warships including Frigates and major logistics, training and administrative bases of Bangladesh Navy. He served as the Deputy President of Inter Services Selection Board, Secretary to CNS, Directors of several principal directorates at Naval Headquarters, Coast Guard Headquarters and DGFI Headquarters. Meanwhile, in 2003-2004 he volunteered himself to participate in the United Nations Peacekeeping Operation in Ivory Coast as Military Observer. He took over the command of Chittagong Naval Area as Commodore Commanding Chittagong (COMCHIT). The government adorned Admiral Nizam with the ‘Flag Rank’ soon after assigning him as the Chairman of Chittagong Port Authority (CPA).

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Admiral Nizam received ‘Nou Bahini Padak’ (NBP), ‘Osamanyo Sheba Padak’ (OSP), ‘Bangladesh Coast Guard Medal’ (BCGM) and he received ‘Shadhinota Padak-2016’ on behalf of the Bangladesh Navy. In his illustrious career, Admiral Nizam attended number of professional courses abroad. He is an alumnus of Inter Forces Staff Course, France and National Defence College, Mirpur. The multilingual Admiral is proficient in French and Serbo-Croatian languages. Currently Admiral is working as The Chairman of Bangladesh Institute of Maritime Research and Development (BIMRAD).

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BANGABANDHU’S DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY: RECONSTRUCTION AND

GROWTH WITH EQUITY

Dr. Syed Anwar Husain Bangabandhu Chair Professor

Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP)

The central theme of Bangabandhu’s development was the overall development of the people of Bangladesh; in retrospect, it appears to be an inclusive development philosophy as well. He was a realist in the context of his circumstances and visionary in that he had a dream for turning his land into a Golden Bengal (Sonar Bangla). Development is a vision and planning plus supportive action. Bangabandhu had all these elements in his development philosophy.

As we seek to delineate the contours of Bangabandhu’s development philosophy we stumble on the dearth of relevant source – materials. Bangabandhu, throughout his life spoke, roused and organised his people; had no time at all to concentrate on the attention – consuming delicate task of writing for laying bare his mind. He, however, had the necessary respite for doing some writing during his 3,053 days of incarceration; and the three outputs of which are Asampta Atmajibani (Unfinished Memoirs), Karagarer Roznamcha (Prison Diaries) and Amar Dekha Nayachin (New China as I Saw). These three books do prove the author’s expertise as a reader- catching writer; these are also the books which provide a window to look into his mind and mentality. Nevertheless, his innumerable speeches/statements portray him as a leader who visioned and sought to rebuild Bangladesh. To delve deep into his development philosophy we need to rummage through these speeches. Thus, not without reason, the eminent American biographer Bill Adler said, “Nothing describes a person better than his words.”

In this essay, we specially pick up four speeches to explicate our purpose: 10 January 1972, 14 March 1972, 26 March 1975, and 19 June 1975.

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Bangabandhu’s Development Philosophy: Reconstruction and Growth With Equity

The first two speeches relate to the years between 1972 and 1975; while the latter two to the experiment of Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League (BKSAL). Immediately after release from Pakistani incarceration Bangabandhu journeyed to London; where, at the press conference he faced the question from a journalist: “What would you do going back to Bangladesh which is totally devastated?” Bangabandhu’s prompt reply was full of self confidence of a visionary leader: “We will rise again if I have my land and people.” He indeed envisaged a phoenix like rise of his dear and beleaguered country. He was a man of words and actions; during the 1,314 days he had as the leader of the independent country, Bangladesh did raise its proud head as the phoenix reborn.

It may be mentioned that the historic 7 March (1971) speech foreshadowed future independence through an armed struggle. On the other hand, 10 January (1972) speech was, in a nutshell, full of directives on how to rebuild the newly achieved country. Both the speeches were time serving and pertinent to the circumstances. The 10 January speech, for example, contained at least fifteen directives on the ways and means for rebuilding the country. To begin with, there was one directive for our purpose in that speech where Bangabandhu said, for example, “my life-long toil has been for the purpose that the people would live in a free environment, and they would live happily well-fed and well-clad.” We have to understand that he was, in fact, envisaging socio economic emancipation through building an exploitation free Bangladesh. Mentionable as it is, the 7 March speech had a staccato sentence wherein emancipation was prioritized before independence. Moreover, this speech mentioned emancipation thrice; and independence only for once. And, after independence, the 10 January speech elaborated the meaning of emancipation in the above quote. Political independence loses meaning if not backed by economic emancipation; and this is the meaning in the context of what Bangabandhu said, “This independence would fail or remain incomplete if the people do not get food and unemployed youths do not get jobs.” These statements clearly laid the foundation of the development strategies that would be undertaken in the days ahead.

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Alongside these developmental directives, there was also a clear indication as to the political and/or ideological basis of the state of Bangladesh. He categorically stated, “Bangladesh will be an ideal state; the basis of which will not be any religion. The basis of the state will be democracy, socialism and secularism (the fourth principle of nationalism was later added at the time of writing the constitution.).” The idea of an ideal state defies any definitive meaning; but is clear that Bangabandhu envisaged an egalitarian state wherein the strategy of inclusive development would be pursued. At the same time, the enunciated fundamental principles of the state presaged a non-communal progressive polity. So, in socio – economic – political terms, Bangladesh would be a state where people would eke out a satisfactory living.

On 14 March 1972, at the gathering of Awami League volunteers Bangabandhu coined the slogan: “the struggle this time is for building the country.” Comparable with this slogan is the one that had been uttered in the 7 March (1971) speech: “the struggle this time is for our emancipation. The struggle this time is for independence.” Contextually, the two slogans are worth noting; the first slogan was in keeping with the context of the circumstances, while later was in keeping with the then context. The slogans differed as the contexts changed; but both supplemented each other.

But in contents and significance, the speech on 26 March 1975 was more important for understanding Bangabandhu’s development psyche. It may be mentioned that this speech followed the introduction of the revolutionary step called BKSAL (25 January 1975). At the time of passing the 4th Amendment to the constitution whereby the new system was constitutionally validated, Bangabandhu, in his statement got across the background quite succinctly: “The amendment of today has been done not without a good deal sorrow. We have struggled all our life. If someone is of the opinion that we have taken away people’s voting right, I would say this is not the case. Under the newly instituted system the members of parliament would be elected by people’s vote.” He further said, “the new system under the amended constitution is also a democracy – democracy of

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the exploited. We want to build democracy here; we want here democracy of the exploited”.

To return to the 26 March speech, the new system appeared to be a turn around for Bangladesh; and the purport and import of which were explained in this speech. The major political direction was given in such words as: “Political independence will fail if not complemented by economic freedom. There cannot be any peace in life where not the people have two square meals a day, clothes to wear, and unemployment problem not solved.” He further exhorted his people that, “as a nation, we have to be on a strong footing by becoming self sufficient.”

Bangabandhu did not forget that to achieve such a set-goal there was to be a major social change. So, he had to blurt out: “We want to hit the society hard the way we hit the Pakistanis. We want to hit this moth eaten society hard.” Not only the society, but administration was also to be hit. So Bangabandhu gave the clarion call: “this moth eaten English and Pakistan period administration would not do. We have to overhaul this administration; and this would bring some good to the country, otherwise not. I have tried three years; and I have reached the ineluctable conclusion. The people are to be given to understand the basics of administration.”

While speaking, Bangabandhu was aware of the want of the masses. Always a peoplecentric leader, he appeared to make a common cause with people’s want as he bemoaned the fact that they had a sorrowful life, they had to go bare bodied, and they did not get education properly. He also made a specific point that food was very important in the life a human being.

In this speech, Bangabandhu identified corruption as the lead crisis in the society and administration. So, to deal with corruption the people were directed: “Unite yourselves. Build fortresses in every house. If you can build such fortresses, 25 to 30 percent of the woes of the poor and hapless people of Bangladesh would go away. We have so many thieves in our midst! I do not know how these thieves are born. Pakistan has taken away everything of us, but we would have been better off had they taken

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away these thieves.” But Bangabandhu also indicated the ways to curb corruption. He shared his views as: “without people’s backing corruption cannot be curbed by making government laws. Today I will exhort the people of Bengal to wipe corrupt people out of the soil as their number one job.”

The system of BKSAL was indeed a master-stroke to change the society and administration by wiping out bribery and corruption. Contrary to common misperception, the BKSAL was not a party; it did not fit into the definitional category of a party. It was, in reality, a national common platform created after three years of trials and tribulations, which, in Bangabandhu’s own perception, were an exercise in futility. The BKSAL was thus a product of the exigencies of circumstances; and the progenitor a realist and far sighted to feel the need of the time. Crafted on the advice of Comrade Moni Singh and Professor Muzaffar Ahmed (pro - Moscow NAP), the system was a stop gap and temporary measure to tide over the problems of enormous dimension. That the system was one of temporary duration was indicated by Bangabandhu himself. On having been quizzed, Bangabandhu disclosed the temporary nature of the system to his wife Bangamata Fazilatunnisa Mujib, Sheikh Hasina (who, in fact, conveyed Dr. Wazed’s concern) and Dr. A.R. Mallick (eminent historian and the then Finance Minister), and Justice Sayem. But Bagabandhu’s confession to Professor Kabir Chowdhury was more succinct as to the nature and future of the BKSL.

He said, What an unkind twist of fate! I have struggled all my life for democracy, spent so much time in jail, and now I am going to launch a one party. …. I have never wanted this. I am compelled to do it. The pro Pakistani Islamic parties, armed JSD [Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal] and the Sarbahara Party are all upto destroying administrative and political stability. Many of my people have been killed unlawfully. Under such circumstances, finding no other alternative, I have floated the BKSAL as a common platform comprising the pro-liberation people. I will not accommodate in BKSAL any anti socialist, anti secularist, and above all, any anti Liberation

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War party or element. One more point: not for consolidating my power, but I have taken this step for saving the country. This one-party system of mine will be of temporary nature. I will again get back to democracy after saving the country from the threat of the counter revolutionaries. I will get back to multi party democracy. But I will try not to make my democracy one of the exploiters. I want my hapless people to taste democracy.

But Bangabandhu was not given the time to see through to the end of the temporary period; he fell victim to the assassin’s bullets on 15 August 1975. Under the circumstances, therefore, any negative opinion vis-a-vis the BKSAL system would be logically premature. Contrary evidence to the negative role of BKSAL galores. BKSAL had a tenure of 233 days only; and during which, all the indicators of Bangladesh showed upward trend besides return of normalcy to the overall situation which had been rendered into shambles during the years between 1972 and 1975 by the over jealous government detractors. The economy now showed stability. The price of rice per seer came down to taka 5.00 from taka 8.00; the price of one seer of potato was now taka one and a half; previously it had been taka 5.00. The middle-class expenditure index of the city of Dhaka was slashed from 458.5 (January) to 416.9 (April); and food index went down from 546.3 to 451.0. In August, there was bumper crop in a favorable weather.

The core of the BKSAL was a thorough administrative overhauling with emphasis on grassroots development as foreshadowed by the division of the country into 60 districts under district governors and village cooperatives. The envisaged end result of the system was a people centric transparent and accountable delivery effective public administration. On the other hand, the village cooperatives were slated to revolutionize the entire production system with a strategy of inclusive development. In retrospect, while sharing Bangabandhu’s vision vis-à-vis BKSAL, five specific objectives could be identified, and these were:

• Elimination of corruption• Increase of production

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• Stop the profession of begging• Control population growth and • Overhaul the administration of colonial origin.

In a nutshell, these objectives were enough to take Bangladesh on to a revolutionary path by making a clear break with the past. But comparatively speaking, the BKSAL put more emphasis on the development of peasants and agriculture. It may be mentioned that village, agriculture and peasants had been on Bangabandhu’s mind ever since he had been in the saddle. As early as 11 February 1972, the media reported that the government was to introduce the Panchayat system as an interim arrangement with immediate effect at the union level, dissolving the then existing local councils under the Bangladesh Local Councils and Municipal Committees (Dissolution and Administration) Orders. Another innovation was a programme of the Gram Karmi Bahini (Village Workers Fore), consisting of 40,000 young men drawn largely from among the freedom fighters with minimum ten members from each union. The programme was also supposed to include unemployed youths.6 Incidentally speaking, as we flip through the pages of his posthumous latest book, a travelogue, Amar Dekha Nayachin, it dawns upon us that in doing these uplift works for the toiling masses he was possibly influenced by the experience of his tours of China in 1952 and 1957. Moreover he had his own life time experience of the exploited peasantry as once he confessed: “I know what exploitation is by having been with the peasants.”

Bangabandhu undertook a number of specific steps to alleviate woes of the peasantry and reorganize the land holding system. First, tax remission for the ceiling of 25 bigha of land; this was a step that directly benefited the peasantry. Second, to ensure equity, land holding ceiling was fixed at 100 bigha. The surplus land was given to landless peasants. This was a direct affront to the capitalist system of land holding. Third, poor peasants were allowed interest free credit. Fourth, more than two million poor families were rehabilitated immediately after independence. Fifth, to help peasants the price of insecticide and fertilizer was kept low through government

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subsidy. Moreover, to oversee agricultural production, agricultural workers were appointed in each union. Sixth, the price of such agricultural products as paddy, jute, tobacco and sugarcane was fixed so that peasants would get a fair price for their products. All these steps were meant to be consolidated through the BKSAL system.

What was the BKSAL all about? Without going for an analysis ourselves, let us hear from Bangabandhu himself to answer this rather loaded question. On 19 June 1975, while speaking before the BKSAL Central Committee, he highlighted everything about the new system, and the relevant part of this long speech was:

I am not an angel. I am not also a Satan. I am a human being; I will certainly err. If I err, I have to bear in mind that I can rectify myself. . . . I am not angel that I can do everything good. If the newly introduced system fails to perform, alright, we will rectify it. I have to save my people at any cost. There has to be built an exploitation free society in Bangladesh. . . . .

Fundamentally, we want to build an exploitation free society, we want to build a socialist economy. . . . We do not like to import it [socialism] from anywhere in the world. This is like me, like my land.

This quote reveals different aspects of Bangabandhu’s vision vis-à-vis rebuilding Bangladesh. First, the BKSAL was an inevitable circumstantial outgrowth an experimental bid to rectify past mistakes. Second, Bangabandhu did not vouch for the flawlessness of the new system. Indeed, as he admitted, the new system would again be rectified if, on application, it failed to perform and deliver properly. Third, the BKSAL would be of a temporary nature. And finally, the socialism envisaged was to be a home grown one Bangladeshi socialism, like the African socialism of the 1960s. It may further be noted that, at the Algiers Nonaligned Summit, Bangabandhu stated on 5 September 1973, “The world today is divided into two exploiters and exploited; I am on the side of the exploited.” Indeed, the BKSAL was a system to end exploitation.

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A lot of criticism has been levelled against the system by many, among whom many were Bangabandhu’s close ones. True, one substantive and logical criticism was that it was anti democratic and pro authoritarian; a criticism which Bangabandhu was at pains to admit. In retrospect, it appears that the critiques and detractors were not as realist and far sighted as Bangabandhu was; and one historical analogy would substantiate such an observation. Immediately after the Bolshevik Revolution took place (1917), Russia was launched on the path of “war communism” that is, communism on a war footing. But by 1921, it dawned upon the communism gurus that a wrong path had been trodden, as the country had been in shambles. Under the circumstances, therefore, at the 10th party congress, Lenin himself piloted the adoption of the New Economic Policy (NEP) a retreat from socialism, and to a mixed economy of socialism and capitalism. It was dubbed a strategic retreat to save the country and its people. It was, like BKSAL, an experiment which lasted upto 1928, although Lenin, the architect had died in 1924. By that time, Russia had been prepared to take off to a socialist path.

Whatever the philosophy that Bangabandhu had vis-à-vis development of Bangladesh was clearly enshrined in the relevant articles of the constitution. Article 10 envisaged a socialist economy for “ensuring the attainment of a just and egalitarian society free from the exploitation of man by man.” Article 13 vested ownership of everything relating to production in the people. Article 14 made it a fundamental duty of the state “to emancipate the toiling masses… and backward sections of the people from all forms of exploitation.” Article 15 made it a fundamental responsibility of the state to attain planned economic growth. By Article 16 the state was called upon to adopt effective measures to bring about a radical transformation in the rural areas.”

This resume` of Bangabandhu’s development philosophy lays bare his two visions growth with equity and inclusive development. He was certainly aware that mere growth sans equity is not development; development is growth with equity. In his 10 January 1972, homecoming speech, he set

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the goal for Bangladesh as an ideal state; and wherein the people would live in peace. This discussion makes it abundantly clear that he wanted to translate this vision into a reality by transforming Bangladesh into an abode of peace where people’s welfare and wellbeing would be ensured. This was his message of peace to his people as well as to the world. Of the many descriptions of peace, the one that mattered to him was that development is peace. In Peter F. Drucker’s perception “Leadership is doing right things.” If so, Bangabandhu did things right in his 1,314 days of stewardship.

Bibliography

1. Alam, Dr. Shamsul, 2020, Krishi O Krishaker Bangabandhu (Vernacular) (Bangabandhu for Agriculture and Peasants), Dhaka, Pearl Publications.

2. English rendering of the speeches and statements is by the author.

3. Islam, Nazrul, 2017, Bangabandhur Swapna O Bangladesher Gram (Vernacular) (Bangabandhu’s Dream and Bangladesh Villages) Dhaka, Eastern Academic.

4. Khan, Shamsuzzaman, 2010, “Bangabandhur Sange Sanglap” (Vernacular) (conversation with Bangabandhu) in Monaem Sarkar et.al.(eds.), Dhaka, Agamee Prokashoni.

5. Khan, Shamsuzzaman, 2010, Sheikh Mujib: Ekti Lal Golap (Vernacular) (Sheikh Mujib: A Red Rose), Dhaka, Agamee Prokashoni, pp.490-91.

6. Mahmud, Dr. Anu, 2017, Bangabandhu Jibanalekkha (Vernacular) (Outline of Bangabandhu Life), Dhaka, Asia Publications, pp. 375-422.

7. Mamoon, Muntassir, “Itihaser Aloe Sheikh Mujibur Rahman” (Vernacular) (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the Light of History, Dhaka, Agamee Prokashoni.

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8. Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, 2018, The Constitution of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

9. The Daily Star, 11 February 2020.

Author

Dr. Syed Anwar Husain is professor of International History in the Department of History, University of Dhaka, since 1985. He received first class Honours and Master’s degrees in History (standing first in both) from the University of Dhaka. As a British Commonwealth scholar he took an M.A. Senior Honours degree in International History from the University of Edinburgh; and was awarded Ph.D. in British Administrative History by the University of London. In his professional career he was the Chairman of the Department of History of Dhaka University and he was Director General of Bangla Academy, the premier research body in the country.

Professor Husain was a visiting faculty of a number of the renowned Universities across the globe such as Columbia, Pennsylvania and American University. Besides, he held top editorial position and correspondent of a number of newspapers. He has so far published 102 professional papers and 28 books. He has received Bangladesh University Grants Commission Award for outstanding research (1995). He was declared “Man of the Year 1997 and Man of the Year 2001” by the American Biographical Institute. He was also Awarded Ekushey Padak, 2009 by the Government of Bangladesh for outstanding contributions in research. Presently he is the Bangabandhu Chair Professor of Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP).

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BANGABANDHU BUILT BANGLAESH’S RELATIONS WITH THE MUSLIM WORLD

A K M Atiqur Rahman, ndcFormer Ambassador & Former Secretary

Some people used to say that Bangladesh could not establish such deep relationship with the Muslim countries, especially with the Arab countries, as it had established with other countries of the world during the government of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Even there were stories in the air that after the heart-breaking incident of 15 August, the then government of Bangladesh, which illegally occupied the state power, had not only established relations with the Arab countries, but they gradually expanded the relations with the Muslim world. Some believed that the announcement of immediate recognition and subsequent cooperation of the Pakistan government to that government of Bangladesh made a clear direction in this regard. I do not feel to provide here any clarification of the motive behind Pakistan’s such response. The patriotic people of Bangladesh are well aware of that. The purpose of this writing is to place before everyone the historical fact how Bangladesh’s relationship with the Muslim world under the leadership of Bangabandhu was gradually established since his release from Pakistani prison on 8 January 1972.

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sowed the seed of our diplomatic relations with the Muslim countries, and he had all the plans to gradually turn it into a big tree through proper nourishment. But the cruel irony of history is that Bangabandhu could not see the fruits of his work. However, on the foundation that he built, the current world relations of Bangladesh has become multi-faceted, powerful and widened.

We know that many Muslim countries around the world supported us during our War of Liberation, though a few Arab countries had supported Pakistan. However, Dr. Clovis Maksoud, a diplomat, after attending

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an international conference on Bangladesh held in New Delhi on 18 September 1971, said in a television interview on 23 September that most of the Muslim countries had understood the Pakistan government’s racially discriminatory behaviour towards Bengalis and the issue of suppression of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s winning party, the Awami League. We had seen the proofs of this statement on many occasions. Senegal, the first Muslim country to recognise Bangladesh on 1 February 1972, not only supported Bangladesh’s liberation struggle, the President of that country visited all neighbouring countries to seek their support for Bangladesh. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not forget that gesture. He established Bangladesh Embassy in Senegal as well as assisted in setting up of a jute mill, including jute cultivation in the country, to meet the demand of jute sacks in Africa. We must recall with deep respect the two Muslim countries of Asia, Malaysia and Indonesia, who extended their support during our liberation struggle. Malaysia’s relationship with Pakistan was worsened due to supporting us. They were the first Muslim countries in Asia to recognise Bangladesh on 25 February 1972. Though, Iraq, Syria, Algeria, South Yemen and Egypt were sympathetic to us, but they took some time to formally recognise Bangladesh. However, Muslim countries like Gambia (2 March), Gabon (6 April), Sierra Leone (21 April), Iraq (8 July), South Yemen (31 July), Uganda. (5 August) and Burkina Faso (19 August) recognised Bangladesh as an independent country by 1972.

During our struggle for independence, our relation was established with many countries of the world regardless of caste and creed, considering political realities and economic needs. That relationship did not take any consideration of the political character of North-South or East-West, rather gave a nation the courage to live independently by protecting it from the attempts of wiping out by Pakistani military junta. In those days of our crisis, the countries that stood by us, helped and supported our struggle, they not only respected the cause of humanity but encouraged us to realise our democratic rights, the rights of freedom. However, by presenting and propagating false information about Bangladesh, Pakistan tried its best to keep the Muslim world, especially Arab countries, away from Bangladesh.

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Bangabandhu Built Banglaesh’s Relations with the Muslim World

Bangabandhu, by dint of his political foresight and knowledge, succeeded to formulate the foreign policy of Bangladesh within a very short time. He boldly announced that ‘peaceful co-existence, and friendship towards all and malice towards none’ would be the base of Bangladesh’s foreign policy. Not only did he utter the unfailing message of secularism, he incorporated it in the constitution of Bangladesh. And this issue was propagated by Pakistan with misinterpretation among the Muslim countries, especially in the Arab countries, so as to create animosity towards Bangladesh. It was also propagated that the people of Bangladesh were not true Muslims. This propaganda had, any way, done some damage. And Bangabandhu had to burn a lot of wood to make the rice boiled, that means to establish the reality of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu realised that the misconception among the Muslim countries about Bangladesh should be eliminated. Therefore, establishing and strengthening our relations with the Muslim countries got importance in our foreign policy mechanism. In this context, he had to take the steps of using the organisational structure of multilateral diplomacy, in addition to usual bilateral diplomatic endeavours. He sent a 4-member delegation led by Mollah Jalaluddin to attend the Afro-Asian Solidarity Conference held in Cairo on 4 January 1972.

Bangabandhu started sending his Foreign Minister to visit the Muslim countries and talk to his counterparts. The then Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad visited Indonesia in July 1972. This was the first official visit of a newly independent Bangladesh Minister to Indonesia. During the visit, various aspects of cooperation were discussed to enhance and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. In December 1972, Bangladesh signed a barter agreement with Egypt.

In July 1973, Mr Hamad Yazid, a special Envoy to Algerian President Houari Boumedienne came to Bangladesh to invite Bangabandhu to attend the NAM summit to be held in Algiers in September that year.

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On the invitation of Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik, Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr. Kamal Hossain visited Indonesia in July 1973. During the visit, the two countries agreed to sign the agreements on culture and trade. Our Foreign Minister thanked Indonesia for their support at the NAM Preparatory Committee meeting held in Kabul for inclusion of Bangladesh in the NAM. From there, Dr. Kamal went to Malaysia. The two countries agreed to sign agreements on cooperation in the fields of culture, education, trade, naval and air services, training, etc. Bangladesh Minister thanked Malaysia for co-sponsoring the application of Bangladesh for the membership of the United Nations and for supporting Bangladesh at the NAM Preparatory Committee meeting held in Kabul for Bangladesh’s inclusion in the NAM.

In 1973, Bangabandhu had a brief stop-over in Malaysia. That visit resulted in a solid foundation of friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries. The acceptability of Bangladesh greatly increased in the Muslim world once the Foreign Minister of Egypt Hassan El-Zayyat visited Bangladesh in 1973. In the beginning of that year, Lebanon (28 March), Afghanistan (18 February), Algeria and Morocco (13 July) and Tunisia and Mauritania (17 July) gave recognition to Bangladesh.

We know that Bangabandhu, in the sideline of the Fourth Non-aligned Summit held in Algiers on 5-9 September 1973, had bilateral meetings with the leaders of a number of Muslim countries. While talking with those Muslim leaders, Bangabandhu briefed them in detail about the prevailing political situation in Bangladesh as well as the atrocities of Pakistani military and our liberation struggle. In particular, during his meeting with Saudi King Faisal, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, Colonel Gaddafi of Libya and the Lebanese Prime Minister, Bangabandhu highlighted Bangladesh’s position and expressed his keen interest to work with them. Those meetings resulted in the ending of misconception about Bangladesh as propagated by Pakistan. The consequent examples were that Egypt and Syria (15 September) recognised Bangladesh immediately after the summit.

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One can recall that during the Arab-Israeli war in October 1973, Bangabandhu strongly condemned Israel, though Israel was the first country in that region to recognise Bangladesh on 4 February 1972. Besides, Bangabandhu sent one lac pounds of tea to Egypt and Syria as a sign of brotherhood. During that time, he also sent a medical team to Syria. As a result of this fellow-feeling of Bangabandhu for his Muslim brothers, Bangladesh received recognitions from Jordan (16 October), Kuwait (4 November) and Northern Yemen. Other Muslim countries that also recognised Bangladesh in 1973 were the Ivory Coast or Cote d’Ivoire (3 August), Guinea-Bissau (30 September), Benin (3 October) and Cameroon (6 October).

A delegation led by the Minister of Minerals of Guinea visited Bangladesh on 7-14 November 1973. He handed over a letter to Bangabandhu addressed by the Guinean President Ahmed Sekou Toure and had also discussed various bilateral matters with Bangabandhu.

Nigeria recognised Bangladesh at the very beginning of 1974 (7 February). The Islamic Conference was going to be held in Lahore, Pakistan on 22 February 1974. Bangladesh was not invited to the conference despite being the second largest Muslim country by population. On the contrary, his friends, who were the heads of state or government of a number of Muslim countries, wanted to see their friend Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman attends the conference. But if Pakistan does not recognise Bangladesh, then how will he attend the conference? So, the Muslim leaders remained busy in negotiations to persuade Pakistan, especially King Hussein of Jordan played a significant role in this regard. They put pressure on Pakistan’s Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to invite Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Once Pakistan agreed on 21 February, a 7-member OIC delegation arrived in Dhaka to invite Bangabandhu. Consequently, Pakistan extended its recognition to Bangladesh on 22 February. Bangabandhu, without any delay, reached Lahore with his delegation on a special plane sent by his friend President Boumedienne of Algeria and attended the conference with the Muslim leaders of the world. It is to be noted that

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Bangabandhu was received by the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan at the Lahore airport.

Bangabandhu’s participation at the Lahore Islamic Conference did a miracle in our relations with the Muslim world. Just at the beginning of the conference, Iran and Turkey recognised Bangladesh on 22 February. However, Bangladesh was recognised by Qatar (4 March), United Arab Emirates (10 March) and Bahrain by 1974. Even though, Saudi Arabia and Oman had not recognised yet, but their attitude towards Bangladesh was changing.

On 25 February 1974, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat came to Bangladesh on a short visit. The next month, Bangladesh received Algerian President Houari Boumedienne for a few hours. During those visits, they had bilateral meetings with Bangabandhu and agreed to strengthen bilateral relations.

Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Yemen, Mohamad Saleh Muti, visited Bangladesh on 18-21 March 1974. He handed over a letter addressed to Bangabandhu by Yemeni Prime Minister Ali Nasser Mohammad to acting Prime Minister Syed Nazrul Islam. Yemeni Foreign Minister had also a bilateral meeting with our Foreign Minister.

Senegal President Leopold Sedar Senghor visited Bangladesh on 26-29 May 1974. During the visit, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Senegal’s President Senghor had an official meeting to discuss issues of mutual interest. At that time, agreements on trade and culture were signed between the two countries.

During the period of 2 to 11 June 1974, the then Foreign Minister Dr Kamal Hossain visited Iran, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates respectively to hand over letters of Bangabandhu to the Emir of Bahrain, the Emir of Qatar and the President of the United Arab Emirates. At that time, Iran and Bahrain agreed to set up their diplomatic missions in Dhaka to strengthen bilateral relations with Bangladesh. The governments of Qatar and Bangladesh expressed their satisfaction on the decision of setting up their embassies in respective country’s capital. Bangladesh Foreign

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Minister had discussions with each of those countries on strengthening of cooperation in various fields particularly economic, cultural and trade.

The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh participated at the Fifth Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 21-25 June. Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto visited Bangladesh on 27-29 June 1974. The bilateral meeting held between Bangabandhu and Bhutto on 28 June emphasized the need for closer relations between the two countries.

Afghanistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Wahid Abdullah visited Bangladesh on 29-30 June 1974. He delivered a message from Mohammad Daoud to Bangladesh Prime Minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Apart from discussing the bilateral issues of the two countries, a trade agreement was signed and it was decided to sign a civil aviation agreement soon.

On 3 October 1974, Bangabandhu went to Iraq on a 5-day state visit. After the bilateral meeting between the two countries, an agreement on mutual cooperation was signed. He went to Egypt on 5 November of that year. During the visit, Bangabandhu had a bilateral meeting with the Egyptian President Anwar Sadat. They decided to form a Joint Cooperation Committee between the two countries. From there, Bangabandhu went to Kuwait for an official visit. At the bilateral meeting held between the two countries, Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Sabah and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman discussed in detail all issues of mutual interest and the ways for future cooperation. All these visits of Bangabandhu, undoubtedly, had strengthened Bangladesh’s position in the Muslim world and established a brightening image by washing out all misconception about Bangladesh propagated earlier by Pakistan.

The King of Malaysia Abdul Halim Moazzam Shah visited Bangladesh in December 1974 and an agreement on bilateral cooperation was signed during that visit. Bangabandhu went to the United Arab Emirates on a state visit on 18 December 1974. During the visit, he held bilateral meeting with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al-Nahyan and discussed in detail all issues

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of mutual interest. A long-term loan agreement was signed between the two countries.

Afghan President Mohammad Daoud visited Bangladesh on 14-16 March 1975. The two Presidents had detail discussions on bilateral and international issues for mutual benefits. During the visit, an agreement on cultural cooperation was also signed between the two countries.

Truly speaking, Bangaladesh was able to create its own place in the Muslim world by declaring its support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinians, announcing its solidarity with the Muslim countries, becoming a founding member of the Islamic Development Bank and a member of the OIC, attending the Lahore Islamic Conference and having direct interactions with the leaders of the Muslim countries. We observed that one country after another was recognising Bangladesh. Above all, Bangladesh was steadily gaining momentum in the Muslim world by dint of Bangabandhu’s personal friendship, relentless efforts and leadership.

However, when Bangladesh’s relationship with Muslim countries was growing stronger, the worst chapter was added in the history of Bangladesh. The assassination of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 15 August 1975 threw the entire nation from light to darkness. The army led by General Ziaur Rahman seized the state power; the military rule of Pakistani model got the way.

I have mentioned the above events, especially the recognitions of Bangladesh by various Muslim countries, to let the people know that the foundation of Bangladesh’s relationship with the Muslim countries was laid by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We know that establishment of bilateral relations comes only after one country recognises the other. That is, after the establishment of political relations, the bilateral or multilateral relations begin to work. That is not an easy task. And over time, the relationship spreads in different directions for mutual benefits. In this way, a friendly relationship of cooperation between two countries gets a solid base.

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Within a short time, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was successfully able to establish our diplomatic relations with all Muslim countries of the world except a very few. And having walked on that path, created by Bangabandhu, the ‘Great Leader’ in the human history, Bangladesh finds itself today in a very respectful position in the Muslim world.

Author

A K M Atiqur Rahman, a retired Ambassador and Secretary, worked in Bangladesh missions in Italy, Senegal, Hong Kong, Bhutan & Malaysia. He did his B. Sc. (Hon.) & M. Sc. in Statistics from Dhaka University and M. Phil on Security Studies from National University. He studied International Relations in International Institute of Public Administration, Paris. He is a graduate of National Defence College, Bangladesh.

Mr Rahman, an enlisted lyricist of Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar, is also a columnist and author of more than 30 books. He participated in the Liberation War as a freedom fighter. He was awarded “The Gold Standard Award 2014” by Public Affairs Asia, Hong Kong for his outstanding diplomatic achievements in Malaysia.

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BANGABANDHU AND THE EARLY YEARS OF BANGLADESH ARMED FORCES: AN

EYEWITNESS ACCOUNT

Air Commodore Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury, ndc, psc (retd)

The Armed Forces of Bangladesh fought the Liberation War from 26 March 1971 till final victory on 16 December that year under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation. Although Bangabandhu was in jail in West Pakistan, his inspiring speech of 7 March 1971 and the subsequent orders for launching a People’s War against the occupation Pakistani forces acted as the guiding principle for a guerilla war that ensued after the Pakistan Army’s brutal crackdown on the unarmed Bengali populace on the mid-night of 25th March 1971. While he was not physically present, Bangabandhu’s ideals and vision of a free, secular, democratic Bangladesh continued to inspire the political and military leadership throughout the Liberation War. The war ended with the surrender of Pakistani Forces in Dhaka to the Joint Command of Bangladesh and Indian forces on 16 December 1971. The war brought with it a huge devastation, loss of lives and properties and serious disruption of already weak infrastructure across the country. Most urgent task was to rebuild a nation wrecked by death and destruction.

As far as the Armed Forces was concerned, we inherited a number of Infantry Battalions organized under three improvised Brigades, named after their commanders: Colonel M. Shafiullah (S-Force), Colonel Ziaur Rahman (Z-Force) and Colonel Khalid Musharraf (K-Force). Outside these regular forces were a number of guerilla organizations formed under the leadership of various Pro-Liberation political parties. There were also thousands of freedom fighters, from ordinary peasants to university students who had enthusiastically joined the Liberation War at the call of Bangabandhu. After the final victory on 16 December 1971, some of those guerrilla fighters, known as Mukti Bahini, were inducted in the army, police

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Bangabandhu and the Early Years of Bangladesh Armed Forces: An Eyewitness Account

or paramilitary forces, while many others just went back to their original profession. Small army contingent that we inherited lacked even basic supplies and materiel, what to speak of artillery, armour or engineering supports. The air element of the Bangladesh Forces was raised in a remote air field in Nagaland in India on 28 September 1971 amidst much secrecy. It was called “Kilo Flight” in recognition of Group Captain A.K. Khandker, who was the senior most air force officer who joined the Liberation War and was appointed Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Forces. Kilo Flight consisted of one Alouette III light utility helicopter, one DC-3 Dakota of WWII vintage and a single-engine DHC-3 Otter, donated by the Indian Government. These unarmed aircraft were hastily modified, crews were trained and they carried out successful missions as full-scale war started on 03 December 1971. The naval elements consisted of few patrol boats that could only be used in only in riverine warfare. It was, therefore, apparent after liberation that a massive reorganization will be needed to set up a defence force appropriate to a sovereign independent state. As a very young officer in the air force, I had the opportunity to witness the growth and development of all 3 services, and will especially recall significant strides that Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) made in those early years.

On 19 December 1971 then Group Captain A K Khandker landed from Kolkata (Calcutta) and addressed all available officers in Dhaka area who had gathered in the Tejgaon base (BAF Base Bashar). It may be mentioned that throughout 18 December 1971 repeated call was made over the radio by Flight Lieutenant Shamsul Alam, later Group Captain and a Bir Uttam (BU), for all air force personnel to assemble in Tejgaon airfield to receive Group Captain Khandker. Group Captain Khandker arrived at Tejgaon and addressed the officers and men at what is now Base Headquarters, BAF Base Bashar. In his short address, Group Captain Khandker said that he had been authorized by Mr. Tajuddin Ahmed, the Acting Prime Minister of Bangladesh, to command Bangladesh Air Force. He appointed the senior most GDP officer Wing Commander Manzoor as the Base Commander. Then he appointed other key officers of a standard base

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and told everyone of get on with the job. All these were oral orders which were followed the next day through, what we call in Air Force parlance, “Command Routine Order”. I was assigned the duty of Base Security Officer, a very responsible job in those troubled times, a challenge that I eagerly took.

First thing that we needed was some money, but the iron safe in the Accounts Office was all empty. It was at that time, Squadron Leader Shamsur Rahman, who had just been appointed as Officer Commanding, Administration Wing, took out 500 taka and gave that to the Accounts Officer to meet immediate expenses. It may be mentioned that Squadron Leader Rahman was arrested by ISI, subjected to usual torture. As the surrender became imminent, he, along with a number of Bengali officers, were released on 15 December from the prison cell set up inside the cantonment. Upon his release, PAF authority paid him some sustenance allowance; this 500 taka was part of that payment. On 26 December 1971, the Government-in-Exile, headed by the Acting President Syed Nazrul Islam and Prime Minister (PM) Tajuddin Ahmed landed in Tejgaon amidst tumultuous welcome. A day or two later, all armed forces officers were called for a tea by PM Tajuddin Ahmed in his Hare Road residence. There I met for the first time, all three force commanders, other sector commanders and heroes of the Liberation War. PM Tajuddin Ahmed asked all officers and men to work with utmost dedication to build up a well-organized and disciplined armed force fit for an independent nation. He emphasized that the Government and the nation was eagerly waiting for the release of Bangabandhu from Pakistani prison, who would take over the national leadership.

For the BAF, the most challenging task at that time was to recover, salvage and repair whatever assets we had. Firstly, there was huge damage caused by two weeks of aerial bombardment by the IAF, secondly the Pakistanis, before they surrendered, had deliberately destroyed and damaged whatever assets were still serviceable. One of my primary task as the Base Security Officer was to recover huge amount of arms and ammunition that the

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Pakistan army and air force had left strewn around Tejgaon and Kurmitola areas and secure those in the armoury. Also, I had to liaise with the Indian Army Engineers who were working tirelessly to get the Tejgaon runway into operation as quickly as possible. I must say that they did an exemplary job of disposing of unexploded bombs and shells dropped by IAF during the war and innumerable anti-personnel mines that the Pakistanis had laid all around the airfield. At that juncture, we were not sure that we shall get our salary in January, but to our utter surprise the provisional government announced that all government employees would be paid shortly. I remember all officers and airmen were paid a small subsistence allowance which was extremely gratifying at that juncture. We made a payroll on plain paper which our accounts officer took to Bangladesh Bank and got the pay. Meanwhile, the naval sailors could not get their salary because there was no commissioned officer to sign the pay roll. BAF accounts officer continued to arrange salary for the BN sailors till one of the non-commissioned officer of the Navy was given commission to remove this difficulty.

Release of Bangabandhu from Pakistani jail came as a great relief to all of us. As we came to know that he will be landing in a Royal Air Force Comet, we had to ensure that the runway was safe enough for landing of a big jet. Indian Army Engineers did a great job working round the clock to make the runway fit enough for big jet landing. A tri-service Guard of Honour was arranged for his grand arrival on 10 January 1972. My duty was to ensure Bangabandhu’s security from landing till he departs the tarmac. Indian army was in large numbers in the airfield areas, who along with elements of Bangladesh army had set up a cordon around the airfield area. I detailed a number of Air Force Police and Ground Combaters (GC), who are specially trained for airport security, to put up an inner cordon. However, as the aircraft came to a halt it became impossible to control the crowd who had gathered since early morning. We could somehow bring Bangabandhu to the Guard-of-Honor dais and finish the formalities. Soon thereafter, he along with top party members climbed atop a specially decorated truck, and much to my relief, the procession started towards the Ramna Race Course with huge crowd following the procession.

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Meanwhile, our technicians and engineers started salvaging some of the F-86 fighter jets that the Pakistanis had damaged. Thanks to the skill of our technicians, in a few days’ time, they made 3 of the F-86 fighters and one T-33, a twin seated jet trainer, serviceable. I clearly remember the first day I heard the roar of the Jet engines floating down the flight line; it was music to my ears. Soon the day came, when the BAF fighters took to the air in the presence of the Air Chief. Meanwhile, our Radar Technicians got the badly damaged Radar Station in Mirpur back on line. With the runway repaired, aircraft flying in the air, air traffic control centre and the air defence radar back in operation, Air Chief Air Vice Marshal (AVM)Khandker proudly declared, “BAF is back to business”. Our heart was filled with joy.

Bangladesh’s honour and respect as an independent state was always uppermost in the mind of Bangabandhu. In his first official meeting with the Indian PM Ms. Indira Gandhi in February 6-8, 1972 during his visit to Calcutta, Bangabandhu raised the issue of the withdrawal of Indian troops from Bangladesh. Bangabandhu wanted the troop withdrawal by mid-March before Ms. Gandhi arrives on a visit to Bangladesh. There were a number of challenges to overcome. Nearly 4-5 divisions of Indian troops were deployed and there were thousands of Pakistani troops yet to be repatriated to POW camps in India. With bridges, railways and roads cutoff in many places movement was very difficult. Moreover, with arms and explosives scattered all over the country and police and other law enforcement agencies not organized, it was a grave risk that the government was taking. Yet, Ms. Gandhi acceded to the request of Bangabandhu. The Indian army started withdrawing almost immediately. On 12 March, the last unit of the Indian army to depart from Bangladesh gave a ceremonial Guard of Honour to Bangabandhu in Dhaka Stadium that was witnessed by thousands of people. Thus when Ms. Gandhi arrived for her historic visit to Dhaka on 17-19 March 1972, the last of the Indian troops had already left Bangladesh. This was a significant event that speaks of the high statesmanship and far sightedness of both the leaders.

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Last Indian Army contingent salutes Bangabandhu prior to their departure from Bangladesh, 12 March 1972.

We had received the order that there will be a ceremonial parade in the Ramna Race Course on 26 March as a part of the celebration of the 1st Anniversary of the Independence of Bangladesh in which Bangabandhu will take the salute. I was assigned to command one of the three flights of BAF contingent. Time was really short, but we took hectic preparation and in the end it was a good turn out by all 3 services, as well as BDR, Police and others. The highlight of the parade was the fly-past by two F-86 fighter jets and the T-33 trainer that flew over the saluting dais, much to the delight of the crowd.

Bangabandhu being given a guard-of-honour on his first visit to BAF (circa 1972)

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Bangabandhu went to Moscow on an official visit in April 1972. During the visit the two government signed a number of MOUs that laid the foundation of future cooperation in various fields. Soon thereafter AVM Khandker led a team of senior BAF Officers to Moscow where they signed a deal for military aid to strengthen Bangladesh Air Force. Under this deal, Bangladesh received a squadron of ten Mig-21MF supersonic fighters, two AN-26 Military transport aircraft, one AN-24 VIP aircraft and four Mi-8 Helicopters. In addition, we received 2 long range and 2 short range air defence radars. The deal covered supply of all spares and ancillary equipment and training of pilots, engineers, technicians, radars and air traffic controllers. Hundreds of officers and men went in batches throughout 1973-74 for training in USSR. Meanwhile, by mid-1973, the equipment started arriving. While the transport aircraft were flown in, the fighters arrived in crates, were assembled in Chittagong and then flown to Dhaka. The total packages worth millions of Dollars was virtually free. The contract stated that there would be no payment for the first ten years; payment would be in made in ten equal yearly installments starting from 11th year. Payment would be in taka or through barter trade.

Induction ceremony of 2 Wessex helicopters (Circa mid-1973). Air Chief AVM Khandker, late AVM Bashar and other senior officers seen along with Bangabandhu. The writer, then a Flg Off, is seen on the extreme left of the photograph.

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In addition to Soviet supply, BAF also received at that time two medium lift Wessex helicopters from UK, and two Alouette III helicopters and a DHC Otter light transport aircraft from India.

By the beginning of 1973, thousands of Bengali members of armed forces along with their family members, who were stranded in Pakistan were repatriated. Barring a few, all the repatriated officers and men were inducted into the Bangladesh forces. It was a huge task, given very limited resources at our disposal. Yet their integration into the respective forces was done with utmost efficiency. This was no mean an achievement.

BAF Mig21 MF with supersonic drop tank and rocket pods

BAF Mig-21MF taking off from Tejgaon, Dhaka

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By mid-1974, BAF was operating the most modern fighter aircraft in South Asia. The Soviets gave us factory fresh, latest model Mig-21, along with its latest armament that they had not supplied till then to any air forces outside their own. By that time, Chattogram and Jashore bases were operational. The transport squadron was deployed in Jashore, while Chattogram had a detachment of Helicopters. Long range radars were in Dhaka, while Jashore and Chattogram had a short range radar each.

Bangabandhu inspecting Air Force Day parade, 28 September 1974

Air Chief delivering his address on the occasion of Air Force Day, 28 September 1974

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In the Air Force Day parade, held on 28 September 1974, the Air Chief declared in the presence of Bangabandhu that BAF is today fully capable of meeting its motto “Banglar Akash Rakhibo Muto”. Meanwhile, BAF had to set up its training facilities. While Bangladesh Army had her Academy set up in Comilla in 1973, BAF had to send her cadets to USSR, till a nascent Cadets’ Training Wing (CTW) was set up in 1974 that ultimately became BAF Academy. Similarly, institutes were set up in Chittagong to train airmen and technicians of BAF.

Bangabandhu, along with AVM Khandker and Begum Khandker, enjoying a spectacular air display put up by Mig-21 fighters on Air Force Day, 28 September 1974

While I had concentrated on BAF, I need to mention the progress made in parallel in Army and Navy. Bangabandhu had developed close and personal relationship with Marshal Tito of Yugoslavia. As a result, army received modern artillery guns and mortars and navy received its first modern patrol crafts from Yugoslavia. Bangabandhu gave strong support to Egypt during 1973 Arab-Israeli War. He has sent a Field Hospital team and a

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consignment of tea to Egypt as a mark of our support to the Arab cause. In return, President Anwar Sadat gifted to Bangladesh army forty four T-55 tanks when Bangabandhu visited Egypt in November 1974. During this period, all 3 Services were asked to plan a Table of Establishment & Equipment (TO&E) for the future. From the BAF side, I was involved, along with my seniors, to work out a TO&E for BAF. Actually none of us had worked in the Air Headquarters and had no idea how to go about it. Situation was no better in the Army or Navy. Yet, we were able to submit to the Ministry of Defence a TO&E that was approved by Bangabandhu in mid-1974. Bangladesh Army was organized into five Brigades, located in Dhaka, Jessore, Bogra, Rangpur, Comilla and Chittagong. The only training establishment Bangladesh Army inherited from Pakistan era was the East Bengal Regimental Centre (EBRC) in Chittagong. However, soon artillery, armoured, engineers and other services had got their training centre established and raising of various arms and services units went ahead hand in hand. The Army gradually took a concrete shape.

Bangladesh Navy too got their TO&E approved in 1974. Accordingly, Bangabandhu commissioned on 10 December 1974 the Naval Base in Chittagong (BNS Issa Khan) and a training base in Khulna that was later named BNS Titumir. BN fleet was strengthened by few patrol craft that was procured from India. It was due to the strategic foresight of Bangabandhu that Bangladesh unilaterally declared a 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in February 1974 and laid claim to a huge chunk of Bay of Bengal with exclusive rights to exploit its resources. This unilateral claim helped consolidate our position when we entered into a legal battle with our two neighbors - India and Myanmar. With the question of EEZ finally settled with Myanmar in 2012 and with India in 2014, the vast resources of the Bay of Bengal is for us to explore and exploit. Thanks to Bangabandhu for doing the pioneering work.

Soon after his arrival, Bangabandhu gave a call to all citizen to deposit unauthorized arms and ammunitions in the government custody. Accordingly, different political parties, who had fought under the party

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banner against Pakistan Army, deposited huge quantity of weapons to the authority. Even individuals, who had acquired weapons during the war, deposited their weapons within the time limit set by the government. However, there were unscrupulous elements, especially extreme leftist organizations (Naxalites) who started, what they called Peoples’ War, to destabilize the government. There were others who formed armed gangs engaged in murder, loot and extortion. Bangladesh Army was soon deployed across the country to recover illegal weapons and fight those elements who were creating a law and order situation. Air force with its helicopters provided much needed mobility. Soon anti-state elements were defeated, illegal weapons caches destroyed and law and order was restored. During the nationwide flood in 1974 and famine condition that followed, all members of the Armed Forces were geared up to provide relief and rehabilitation to the affected people. Despite heavy strain on the national economy, Bangabandhu’s government continued to give high priority to the development of the Armed Forces of Bangladesh. If we take a historical analysis of the government budget since independence, we shall see that even in those early years, defence did get a sizeable chunk of budget allocation. As we celebrate the 100th Birth Anniversary of Bangabandhu, we once again salute him for laying the foundation of a defence force that in time would grow into a balanced, disciplined and well-organized force that would make the nation proud. If we look back and visualize that all these achievements were made within a span of three and a half years, we cannot but once again salute the Father of the Nation.

Author

Air Commodore (retd) Ishfaq Ilahi Choudhury was commissioned in erstwhile Pakistan Air Force in July 1968 and retired from Bangladesh Air Force in November 2003. He obtained advanced professional training in the former Soviet Union and in the USA. He attended Defence Services Command & Staff College (DSCSC) course in Mirpur, Bangladesh in 1983, Air Command & Staff College (ACSC) course in the Air University

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in Alabama, USA in 1993 and the National Defence College (NDC) course in Bangladesh in 1999. He obtained a first class in Masters in Defence Studies (MDS) in 1995 and M Phil in Security Studies in 2006 from the National University (NU), Bangladesh. He served in various command, staff and instructional appointments during his air force career. He was a member of the directing staff in the DSCSC and NDC. Since his retirement in November 2003, Air Commodore Ishfaq has served as Registrar in a number of leading private universities and currently serving as Treasurer, University of Asia Pacific, Bangladesh. Air Commodore Ishfaq writes regularly in research journals and national dailies on defence and security issues. He has served several years as an Academic Advisor to the NDC and a resource person for a number of academic and research institutes.

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REJUVENATION OF GOLDEN BENGAL DREAM- AN UNSUNG PHILOSOPHY OF

BANGABANDHU

Brigadier General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, SGP, ndu, afwc, psc

“I want to declare in clear and unequivocal terms that ours will be a democratic, secular, nationalist and socialist country. The farmers and the laborers, the Hindus and the Muslims all will live in happiness and peace”i

- Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

Introduction

Bangladesh, one of the densely populated countries of the world, drew global attention for its constant developmental growth. But such development could positively accelerate further subjected to proper reforms for deriving maximum dividend from various potential indexes and geo-strategic opportunities. There has been severe social degeneration in societies all over the globe, which has upsurge the domination of individualism, replacing the craved collectivism in societies. Reforms of governance under such environment entail a political system in which the leadership can inspire citizens to respect the system and rule of law. It would also entail a fair distribution of the national wealth so that all citizens including ethnic groups and regions of the country are concerned on securing national interest. However, unique characteristics of our history and culture will also have significant influence over any philosophy on revolutionary characteristics.

Bangladesh constitution presented by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman provides most of the essential elements for good governance; though the country is still thriving to develop full capacity and good practice of governance institutions in totalityii. Bangabandhu generated Golden

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Bengal dream, despite potential challenges under the then complex geo-political environment. Bangabandhu’s great initiative outlined the basic foundation of striking reforms by promoting high-quality development strongly, which infused the philosophy of working for the people and staying true to the vision of people-centered development, promoting social fairness and justice for well-rounded human development. The unsung philosophy had great contribution to people’s aspirations, but couldn’t be implemented in full due to critical battles against potential geo-political risk, widespread falsehood and anti-liberation forceiii. Hence, unsung philosophy of Bangabandhu on rejuvenating Golden Bengal remains as unfinished tale of Bangabandhu’s dream.

Despite huge development speed generated by present government led by Bangabandhu’s daughter Sheikh Hasina, there is still scope for desired momentum in financial growth stability and improvement in quality of commoner’s life; while overall social development is created to realize national aspirations and global commitment like millennium development goals. Although the basic infrastructure for good governance along with miracle economic growth is defined today as pace setting success story of present government but unsung philosophy of Bangabandhu may be the ultimate renascence in new era, which would definitely be complimentary to all charismatic reforms innovations of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This will eventually lead to determining priorities of doable agenda for rejuvenation of Golden Bengal in new era.

Unsung Philosophy of Bangabandhu

Immediate after Independence of Bangladesh by 1st revolution (Liberation war), Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman governed the country with democratic political system. However, geo-political environment with Cold war syndrome contributed to poor governance by democratic political system. With this background of socio-politico environment, Bangabandhu announced his new philosophy

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Rejuvenation of Golden Bengal Dream- An Unsung Philosophy of Bangabandhu

by 4th amendment of constitutioniv. Although Chairman Mao of China could successfully establish analogous political philosophy with seasoned and long tested political institution like Communist Party of China (CPC), which endured all challenges with utmost dedication, patriotic culture and superb sacrifice; but Bangabandhu’s political philosophy was completely misinterpreted by the disastrous conduct of corrupt and culprit officials with anti-liberation mindset, which was exploited by geo-strategic actors as wellv. Bengali nation ultimately missed such a golden opportunity to rejuvenate the Golden Bengal dream due to insufficient incubation period for organizing the irreplaceable philosophy in total transformation of reforms. Redundancy of such unique philosophy after unrecoverable tragic demise of Bangabandhu was premeditated with huge propaganda narratives by successive non-political regimes. But such politico-economic spirit of Bangabandhu remained intact till date as ideological opportunity for Bangladesh in new era. Bangabandhu’s thought on reforms may regenerate that missing opportunity in carrying out proper ideological cultivation of reforms with Bangladesh characteristics, when deliberate study on all elements of society and culture should be integrated from the outset with full-proof implementation strategy.

Significance of Bangabandhu’s Thought on Political Reform

Bangabandhu’s political reform with new philosophy may well be suited to carry out necessary reforms in Golden Bengal as wellvi, when present government of Bangladesh could also identify and focus on comprehensive move to complete a moderately prosperous society in all respects including further reforms of key domain. Present government maintained steady GDP growth which generated huge economic opportunity and prosperous societyvii; however necessary steps are worked out to refurbish the negative elements that still exist due to long standing odd political culture in the society. Although present government emphasized on reform drive in promoting targeted sectors

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and links but Bangabandhu’s thought on political reforms would be an inspirational contributor to derive the key governance reform for Golden Bengal in the new era, and serve as an important guarantee for realizing the Millennium Development Goals.

Philosophy of Consultative Democracy

The essence of “Golden Bengal style consultative democracy” was indirectly engraved in the Constitution by Bangabandhu with his unique philosophy, which was well promulgated by one of the four basic pillars of the state, ‘Socialism for people’s wellbeing’viii. Key to socialist consultative democracy would be a challenging transformation with Bangladesh characteristics, while maximizing and expanding Party strengths and traits in linking people’s psychological thirst would be focused with political reforms in new era.

• Bangabandhu’s political reforms trail would similarly be focused on improving the AL’s capability of adaptation to democratic and law based governance, which would ensure democratic aspirations of people, democratic management, and democratic supervision of governance. Reforms endeavor would uphold and improve the system of AL-led multiparty cooperation and people centric political consultation, and intensify party official’s enrichment along with all social forces.

• Bangabandhu’s thought model on Consultative democracy would unveil the gateway of AL to transform the socialist pillar of constitution as core reform drive, which would be a distinctive strength of socialism with Bangladesh characteristics; when it would be an important embodiment of the Party’s mass line as well.

• Bangabandhu’s reform model would be iconic in new era for improving consultation through informal discussions, conferences, seminars, hearings, public notices, assessments, the internet and other means.

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Philosophy of Reform on Strengthening Party

Bangabandhu’s thought on strengthening party reforms will have significant guiding impact for Bangladesh, and outline of reform agendas are as follows:

• Taking lessons from Bangabandhu’s philosophy, Bangabandhu’s thought model could be followed up for transforming the culture of upholding the Party Constitution. The present government led by Sheikh Hasina also wants the Party to lead the government agenda as wellix.

• Bangabandhu’s stance against any violation of Party discipline with an iron fist will be a good take away for Golden Bengal. In reforming Party conduct, Party’s ideological spirit and sacrificing culture would be taking consideration of historical legacies of our liberation war era. Transformation of party spirit would be subjected to proper nurturing of holistic and innovative approach to work, while formulating principle and guidelines of the party and the state in accordance with the new requirements.

• Bangabandhu’s political model would have careful long term application approach in order to have steady tough stance and zero tolerance on corruption. However, attainment of people’s support and appreciation on such initiative would be productive against tough posture on so called democratic freedomx.

• Bangabandhu’s ideological model on ethical behavior of Party would have significant priority in basic learning and conceiving the art of ethical behavior and rules of conduct in Party’s up gradation effort. Moreover, constantly advancing endeavors for making people’s life better would have definite positive response from mass people in guaranteeing support against such ideological implementation.

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Resilience vis-a-vis Social System

Being located in delta plain Bangladesh is always susceptible to natural disasters, which frequently impedes livelihoods of mass agrarian people; ultimately making impact on its overall social system as well. However, national culture of individual satisfaction and happy livings with minimum expectations enhanced people’s endurance and retaking livelihoods, which reoriented its characteristics as resilient nation. Common people already learned the art of sustainment struggle and know how to sacrifice for withstanding difficult twists of life.

Bangabandhu’s philosophy on fighting against poverty obviously stands valid for reform drive in any time frame. Bangladesh government already walked long so farxi and initiated key poverty alleviation projects, such as facilitating people from inhospitable areas with basic housing and income generation, supporting the development of local industries, and necessary conditions for upgrading individual livelihood. Bangabandhu’s focus on boosting efforts against poverty alleviation model would have laudable impact on any reform drive to support the development in poor areas of infrastructure and basic public services.

Bangabandhu’s employment model on increasing people’s income would have complementary role play in undertaking social reform drive. Although GINI-coefficient factor severely influence adoption of any financial regulations, but the reform drive would contribute positively to adjustment of minimum wages and improving the wage. Present government is also delivering similar type of striving effort to narrow the income gap between urban and rural areas, different districts and different sectors. Besides, Bangabandhu’s reform model would act as lighthouse in regulating excessively high income, redefining and clearing away hidden income, outlawing illegal income, increasing the income of low income groups, and increasing the proportion of the middle income group in society. Bangabandhu’s reform model on promoting employment and business startups would be a straight take away for Golden Bengal. Launching a

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large-scale vocational skills training initiative, expanding the avenues for employment through business foundation and social public service would be a complementary effort to existing overall social reforms generated by the present governmentxii.

Bangabandhu’s philosophy on efficient educational mechanism and beneficial scientific development model would bring quality changes in transformation of economy and reasonably prosperous society. Bangabandhu’s model on people’s wellbeing will be subjected to overhauling of socio-political and ideological reform in Bangladesh, implementation of which is directly linked to later.

Bangabandhu’s social model on family and core values would be an essential link for reforms drive of Golden Bengal, when present culture of intense competition and the parental psyche of achieving a perfect score have mechanized the lives of the children and adolescents along with vanishing family and core values. Bangabandhu’s hopes model on core values would also engender similar aspirations to value family, family education, and family culture with Bangladesh characteristics, while fine values would be promoted among all the families so as to nurture healthy traditional social conduct.

Economic Prospects vis-a-vis Non-Aid Dependency

Present AL government could successfully generate economic growth in last eraxiii and stabilized the various economic indicators including huge foreign currency reserve aiming to reduce foreign aid dependency and to prosecute the national development agenda with own revenue budget. Hence, economic reforms along with socio-political ideological initiative introduced by Bangabandhu’s philosophy need to be considered for economic reforms to suit with this new eraxiv.

The rise of people’s livelihood is not just rooted in labor productivity but also an economic reality in new era. Although the perspective of economic

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characteristics is completely different, but recent stable growth rate and huge market potentials along with huge work force of Bangladesh can’t be overlookedxv. Bangabandhu’s model on economic reforms would be able to infuse new growth models in the Bangladesh economy as well.

Bangabandhu’s creativity model on innovation-driven development with the focus on generating public creativity has potential to integrate youths in building innovation capacity and efficiency. Bangabandhu’s model on exports would also be powered by deepened structural reform in agriculture for emerging new types of agribusiness. Bangabandhu’s economic diplomacy model on win-win cooperation would remain focused in grabbing the opportunity by timely adjustments to national strategies for economic development and realizing ‘inclusive connectivity’ as key to ultimate economic emancipation. Maintaining long term political stability by present government would also promote a steady growth in foreign investment, as deepen economic reforms would strengthen alignment with international business rules, and foster a world-class business environment in Bangladesh.

Way Forward for Prosperous Bangladesh

Bangladesh achieved significant progress in poverty alleviation and some social indicators including education, women empowerment and child mortality. Taking consideration of Bangabandhu’s success in rejuvenation and significance of his linking reforms initiative reveals a great way forward to the dream of Golden Bengal. However, reforms drive is always subjected to wider culture and implications when it is used as a guiding framework for policy and national strategy. Similarly Bangabandhu’s philosophy on reforms is not an exception to this phenomenon and its implementation would also be marked by a long list of challenges. On the contrary, Bangladesh could maintain a favorable condition for such reform initiative in new era due to present government’s charismatic endeavor in addressing crucial major issues like, political stability and popular support

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with pre condition of economic growth and social development. Hence it is time to analyze the take away from Bangabandhu’s philosophy, which is still relevant for accomplishing golden Bengal dream.

Transformation of Political System

Bangladesh Awami League could already reestablish itself into state power with overwhelming superiority and guaranteed longest political stability by establishment of strong grass root level organizational foundation with reshaped political strategy as per Bangladesh culture, religious demography, societal harmony and revolutionary spirit of liberation war. Bangabandhu’s political reform with people centric strategyxvi would complement the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visionary agenda for establishing a fairly well-off society in all respects. Such reform drive would positively contribute to transformation of overall political system; so as to reach the people’s wellbeing and a fundamental guarantee to ensure that the causes of the party and the country stay on right path.

‘Socialism for people’s wellbeing’, one of the four basic pillars of the state would substitute the key to consultative democracy with Bangladesh characteristics. Reforms drive would be able to unite and lead the people in pursuit of major tasks, causes and dreams.

Taking essence of Bangabandhu’s philosophy, ethical behavior of Party would be focused. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina already launched various initiatives for strengthening the theoretical, organizational and institutional development of the Party. Moreover, new political transformation with a stronger spirit of dedication and hard work would be trendsetter of Golden Bengal dream for all officials.

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Revolution of Social System

Bangabandhu’s social model on sacrificing participation in transformation of social system would promote wellbeing of the people and improve basic social development indexes. Strategy for attainment of millennium sustainable development goals would also be boosted by reforms for supporting the development in poor areas of infrastructure and basic public services. Besides, reform initiative would also improve the regulatory systems mechanisms and policy system for better GINI-coefficient impact. However, related reform effort following Bangabandhu’s philosophy would generate successful revolution in social system of Bangladesh.

Bangabandhu’s social reforms model would introduce modern occupation education and transform the mode of production and social public service; impact of which will bring quality changes in overall employment culture and moderately prosperous society with Bangladesh characteristics. Bangabandhu’s model on reforms in setting up the regulations for Party and government or individual officials would be more pertinent for the present powerful government of Bangladesh; following which AL led government would be able to bring qualitative changes in people’s wellbeing. Although resilient national culture already customized people’s attitude but reforms drive must regulate the present governments ongoing posture of law based governance of cyber domain, strengthening constructive social publicity, and encouraging a healthy upright digital culture.

Last but not the least, induction of Bangabandhu’s model on family and core values would substantially curve social crime, retain societal and family bond, and value family education and culture, while fine values would promote healthy traditional social conduct and enhance overall societal cohesion of Bangladeshi citizens as well. In order to enhance overall societal cohesion, a Bangladeshi citizen must firstly love his motherland; which would be a basic value obligation as well.

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Renovation of Prosperous Economy

Bangabandhu’s philosophy on regeneration of economic lifeline of poor and middle class people would be reinforced with necessary reforms to suit with this new era. Consistent economic growth generated by present Awami league government would deepen further reforms to infuse new growth models in the Bangladesh economy. Bangabandhu’s model on economic transformation would contribute to steady economic growth miracle, which would be fueled not only by innovation, investment and exports, but also be powered by deepened structural reform in agriculture for emerging new types of agribusiness. Besides, exploration of investment in technological domain would generate new business models to transform and upgrade traditional industries, which would promote the Information Technology (IT) based model in diverse socio-economic fields. Realistic entrepreneurship based political and ideological transformation in overhauling state capital and SOE would balance between reforms drive outcome and level of people’s sufferings in maintaining livelihoodxvii.

The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, carrying forward the ideological spirit of Bangabandhu, would be able to give birth of economic miracle for rejuvenation of Bangabandhu’s Golden Bengal dream.

Conclusion

Bangabandhu’s philosophy had blown the trumpet for the overall deepening of the reform by present government, because only reform can lead to the great rejuvenation of Golden Bengal nation and lead to greater contribution toward a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious world. From the perspective of the global fight against poverty, Bangabandhu’s reform strategy would contribute in fighting poverty and sustainable development. Bangabandhu’s thought on socialism with unique Bangladesh Characteristics has been mapped out as an inspiring blueprint and a program of action for securing a decisive victory in

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building a moderately prosperous society in all respects. The then great leaders, educationists, think tanks and reputed organizations welcomed Bangabandhu’s philosophy as a system of governance to take societies and nation-states to newer heights of success.

As a whole, Bangabandhu’s philosophy in the context of reforms of governance is too vast to be handled, which merits independent and more thorough research on each domain of governance. The missing opportunity in carrying out proper ideological cultivation of reforms with Bangladesh characteristics remains valid till to date, when deliberate study on all elements of society and culture need to be integrated from the outset with deliberate implementation strategy. Bangabandhu’s philosophy on political reforms would be an inspirational contributor to derive the key governance reform for Bangladesh in the new era.

In a holistic perspective, the overall reform initiative would be successful, when this path will be marked by the Bangabandhu’s model on integration of the rule of law with the rule of virtue, placing equal importance on both. The intellectuals, educational institutions, civil society organizations, and people who care about the society should study the phenomenon of Bangabandhu’s thought significance both at home and abroad, and find out reforms that may ensure good governance and societal well-being of the people for rejuvenation of Golden Bengal dream.

Endnotes

i. Quoted from display board of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

ii. The constitution of Bangladesh clearly states - “Further pledging that it shall be a fundamental aim of the State to realize through the democratic process a socialist society, free from exploitation a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizens.” (BD constitution; preamble 3).

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iii. “…a few smugglers, profiteers, bribe-mongers smuggles country’s treasure to other countries, raise prices of common products illegally, and kill people by hording food in warehouses. We have to uproot them from the land of Bangladesh” – Bangabandhu; Quoted from display board of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

iv. Economic development and anti-corruption was at the heart of new philosophy. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman thought that a political consensus was needed to put the country on development track immediately after the independence. https://www.bdnews24us.com/825487/

v. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated glorified national objectives of BAKSAL and blamed anti-liberation forces to misinterpret its concept. https://www.bdnews24us.com/825487/

vi. “Bangabandhu wanted to establish the war torn nation on a strong foundation by constructing a country free from hunger and corruption” Quoted from display board of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

vii. Bangladesh had sustained economic growth of 7% percent and above during the last few years. Per capita income rose to $1500+ in the past few years.

viii. The Bangladesh constitution, which was adopted immediately after Bangladesh’s independence, clearly states – A socialist economic system shall be established with a view to ensuring the attainment of a just and egalitarian society, free from the exploitation of man by man (Bangladesh Constitution, article 10).

ix. The idea is that the government agencies would implement the development projects while the party members across the country would facilitate the development projects through taking common people into account. When AL came to power in 2008, for the first time in Bangladesh, has set a vision for the country where they had been able to establish a political continuity.

x. Present government has already started anti-corruption drive across the country.

xi. Bangladesh once depended on foreign aid slowly came out of the shadow and now eyes for revenue generation inside the country. The country led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has earned the capacity of financing big projects from its domestic fund.

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xii. According to the report of World Bank (WB), the economic growth rate of Bangladesh in 2017 was 6.8 percent where a significant contribution was from e-commerce. This number will increase even more in the nearest future as, by 2020, there will be 18.3 million internet subscribers in Bangladesh. The country is also trying to modernize the traditional agricultural sector.

xiii. Progress was underpinned by 6 percent plus growth over the decade and reaching to 7.3 percent in 2016/2017, according to official estimates.

xiv. “Now the fight is against poverty” -Bangabandhu’s clearing call to participate in the reconstruction of the economy. Quoted from display board of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

xv. Rapid growth enabled Bangladesh to reach the lower middle-income country status in 2015. In 2018, Bangladesh met the eligibility criteria for graduation from the United Nation’s Least Developed Countries (LDC) list, and is on track to graduate in 2024. (The World Bank report 2018).

xvi. Historical reference by Bangla video documentary reveals Bangabandhu’s philosophy on linking political essence in https://youtu.be/ZD3LPOYJlQI and https://youtu.be/zn2JcfWsZ3o

xvii. “Political freedom come to naught if it fails to ensure economic freedom” – Bangabandhu; Quoted from display board of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

Bibliography

1. Abdul Khalek, January 13, 2005. Instituting Good Governance; Role of Civil Society Imperative, The Daily Star, Dhaka.

2. Ain O Shalish Kendra, 2013 and 2014. Human Rights in Bangladesh. Dhaka, Bangladesh Pratidin, 5 February 2015.

3. Aminuzzaman, M Salahuddin, 2006. Governance and Development: Bangladesh and Regional Experiences. Dhaka: Shrabon Prokashoni.

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4. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib’s 2nd Revolution and Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami_League in https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/

5. ‘Bangladesh Government website’ at www.bangladesh.gov.bd

6. Briefing by Local Consultative Group on the Anti-Corruption Commission Act, 2004 available at www.lcgbangladesh.org

7. Brigadier, ATM Zahirul Alam and Lieutenant-Colonel AKM Humayun, 2000, Security Challenges for Bangladesh in the Twenty First Century, a publication in the Army Journal.

8. Grindle, M.S., 2007. Good Enough Governance Revisited, Development Policy Review, 25 (5), pp. 553-574.

9. Hye, Hasnat A, 2000. Governance: South Asian Perspective. Dhaka: UPL.

10. Important historical reference by Bangla Video Documentary on objectives of BAKSAL in https://youtu.be/ZD3LPOYJlQI and https://youtu.be/zn2JcfWsZ3o

11. Important historical reference by Newspaper Documentary on creation of BAKSAL in https://www.bdnews24us.com/825487/and https://opinion.bdnews24.com/bangla/archives/52626

12. Jinping, President Xi, 2014. The Governance of China, volume I. Foreign Languages Press, China.

13. Jinping,, President Xi, 2017. The Governance of China, volume II. Foreign Languages Press, China.

14. Luan Jianzhang, 2013. Keywords of Report to the 18th National Congress of CPC, Foreign Language Press, China.

15. Mohammad, Golam, 2010. National Security: Bangladesh. Dhaka: UPL.

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16. No more distortion of history: PM Sheikh Hasina in https://www.thedailystar.net/politics/news/no-more-distortion-history-pm-1721188

17. Osmany, R. Mufleh and Afroze, Shaheen. 2008. Democracy, Governance and Security Reforms: Bangladesh Context. Dhaka: Academic Press and Publishers Library.

18. Rahman, Mizanur Dr, 2000. Human Rights and Development, Dhaka, University Press Limited.

19. ‘Remedy to poverty and Corruption in Bangladesh’, at http:/nation.ittefaq. com/ artman/exec/view.egi/32/20423.

20. Sen, Amartya, 2008. From Poverty to Power, Oxfam International Information Press, New Delhi.

Author

Brigadier General Abdul Motaleb Sazzad Mahmud, SGP, ndu, afwc, psc was born in 25 December 1971. He was commissioned in the East Bengal Regiment on 09 June 1992. Apart from all mandatory courses, he also attended Special Force course from Thailand, United Nations Integrated Mission Staff Officers course from Canada and International Joint Operational Planning Course in UK. He is a graduate of Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur. He is also a graduate of Armed Forces War Course and National Defence Course from National Defence College, Bangladesh and National Defence University, China respectively. He obtained his Masters in Defence Studies from National University, Bangladesh and National Defence University, China.

Besides diverse regimental appointments, he commanded an Infantry Division Support Battalion at Savar Cantonment. He held various staff appointments including Grade-3 Staff Officer and Brigade Major in Head Quarters 69 Infantry Brigade, Colonel Staff and Grade-1 Staff Officer

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(CI) in Head Quarters 24 Infantry Division. He also served as glorious Region Commander of Khagrachari Region and Brigade commander of 203 Infantry Brigade. Being a Grade -1 Staff Officer and faculty of AFWC, he has unique experience of various training affairs of NDC Bangladesh. Brigadier General Sazzad is awarded with Sena Gourob Padak and Chief of Army Staff Commendation (Operations) for conducting successful raid and ambush under ‘Operation Dabanal’ in Chattogram Hill Tracts. He participated in United Nations Peace Keeping Operation with Bangladesh Battalion in Kuwait (UNIKOM) and Ivory Coast (UNOCI). Presently he is serving at National Defence College, Bangladesh as Directing Staff of Armed Forces War Course.

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BANGABANDHU AND HIS DREAM FOR BANGLADESH

Colonel Humayun Quyum, afwc, psc

Introduction

Bangabandhu and Bangladesh are two synonymous words in the same root. Father of the nation, Bangabandhu had his strong vision for Bangladesh and Bengali nationalism. The Bengali achieved their motherland through long struggle, bloodshed and supreme sacrifice. Under his leadership, the Bengali nation became inspired and united to obtain freedom from Pakistani domination and the vicinity of communalism.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the architect of Bangladesh. He was the fearless mentor of the Language Movement of 1952; the pioneer of the Democratic Movement of 1962; the architect of the Six-Point Movement of 1966; the life- force of the Mass Movement of 1969; the enviable victor of the Election of 1970 and above all, the greatest hero of the Liberation War of 1971.

“Sheikh Mujibur Rahman” used to dream for a peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. He united the people from all walks of life for the War of Liberation and finally snatched the independence. He exactly knew the minds of his people. So, since the independence, he focused on building the country, set him apart for the country to materialize his dreams and vision. Now, in his absence, his true successor, competent daughter Honorable Prime Minister of Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has devoted her life to make Bangabandhu’s vision into a reality.

Political Journey and Transformation

Father of the nation “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman” was a people’s leader. Because of his sacrificing political traits, people used

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Bangladesh As A Global Footwear Sourcing Hub By 2030: Strategic Options

to love and respect him from their heart. This gratitude was vividly demonstrated through people’s relentless processions and strikes over highways demanding his release. In recognition, on 23rd February 1969, the then VP of DUCSU, Tofail Ahmed awarded him with the title “BANGABANDHU” in a huge assembly held at the historic Race Course, Dhaka.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman used to always think for the development and the progress for the country. On 05 December 1969, He renamed East Pakistan to “Bangladesh”, which placed him at a new dimension in the history of our country. Later on 3rd March 1971, in Paltan Moydan, ASM Abdur Rab titled him as “Jatir Pita” meaning -Father of the Nation.

In 1970’s National Assembly Election, Bangabandhu was elected as the leader of parliamentary committee with lion’s share of the votes. However, Yahiya khan refused to hand over the power, which initiated political dispute and instability between East and West Pakistan. Finally, that led us to Liberation War.

Bangabandhu and Liberation War

Vision of an Independent State. Bangabandhu kept on rebelling against the Pakistani oppression and vicious discriminations over Bengali population right from the beginning. He was confined inside jail during most of his youth. But, nothing could divert him from his ultimate vision. Bangabandhu could prudently anticipate the inequitable vicious planning of west Pakistani military leaders right from 1947, so he kept on visualizing for a liberated Bangladesh. In February 1966, Bangabandhu declared the famous “6 Point Proclamation”, which triggered the threshold towards the liberation of suppressed Bengali nation.

70’s Election. In 70’s general election, Awami League led by Bangabandhu achieved the majority seats to form the Government. But, Yahiya khan and

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Julfikar Ali Bhutto denied handing over the power, which ultimately fuelled the political unrest. Yahiya khan was procrastinating to call for the national assembly during the unrest. Therefore, Bangabandhu realized that under Pakistani treacherous government, his people would never get their rights.

The Historical Speech of 07 March. 07 March 1971 was a memorable day for the history of Bengali nation. Bangabandhu called upon the people for liberation and gave direction in his 23 minutes long speech held at Race Course. He voiced, “Since we have learnt to give blood, we shall give more, and however, we shall liberate our country - Insha Allah! This is the struggle for our freedom; this is the struggle of liberation”. This speech actually waged the bloody war and he denounced the independence at the eve of his detention on 25 March. There he also proclaimed, “Probably this is my last message, Bangladesh is liberated from today. I am asking the people of Bangladesh, wherever you are, keep on fighting the occupying force, unleash them till their last soldier withdraw from our land, and fight until the victory comes on our side”. Bangabandhu also said “You cannot suppress even billion people” and “don’t try to shoot my people”. In fact, those were not just some scripted words; those were the instant words of his heart, formulated inside out of compassion for the nation.

Proclamation of 07 March. In his speech, Bangabandhu said “I don’t want to be the Prime Minister; I want the rights of my people”. In that historic speech, Bangabandhu raised four points demand. Those were:

• Marshall law must be abrogated. • Military would return to their respective barracks.• Inquiry must be conducted for killing the innocent people.• Power must be handed over to representatives of the people.

Recognition of 07 March Speech. Bangabandhu’s speech of 07 March is one of the most epoch making speeches in the history of mankind. And, this speech drew a guideline to the path to the victory. It was full of direction for the freedom fighters and creed for the nation. To recognize it, on 30 October 2017, UNESCO added the speech in the Memory of

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the World Register as a documentary heritage4. This fabulous speech was translated into 12 different languages.

Father of the Nation during Liberation War. West Pakistan government accepted the speech of Bangabandhu as a threat to their treachery. So, they planned a Bengali mass killing at Dhaka on 25 March midnight 1971. At the same night, they apprehended Bangabandhu from his house and flew him to West Pakistan. He was detained till the end of the liberation war in a small cell at Faisalabad in West Pakistan while he was threatened to death number of times. His detention and indiscriminate atrocities of Pakistan Army over East Pakistani people infused entire Bengali nation to join the Liberation War with the best of their effort. The main driving force was his 07 March speech. At the end of long 09 months bloody war, Pakistani Forces finally surrendered on 16 December 1971 to the Muktibahini.

Return to Liberated Bangladesh

Since the birth of the Independent Bangladesh, the Bengali nation had been demanding the release of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. As a result, the President and the Chief Military Administrator of Pakistan, Zulfiker Ali Bhutto released Bangabandhu on January 8, 1972. Being released, Mujib traveled from London to New Delhi and met the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to appreciate her outstanding assistance while liberating Bangladesh1.On that occasion, Sheikh Mujib was tilled as ‘Best Friend’ before the Indian people by Indira Gandhi. Then, on 10 January 1972, Bangabandhu returned to independent Bangladesh. From the airport, he rushed to the Race Course and appeared once again in front of about five lakh people.

Bangabandhu in World Assembly

In 1974, Bangabandhu delivered his speech in Bangla at UN General Assembly, which was for the first time in history. He was awarded with “Julio

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Curie Award” in 1974. Furthermore, Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations arranged a discussion at the UN Headquarters on 16 August 2019 marking the 44th martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu, where he was recognized as “Friend of the World”. On 30 October 2017, UNESCO added the speech of 07 March in the Memory of the World Register as a documentary heritage.

Unique Leadership Traits

Bangabandhu never deviated from his goal during the long struggle. Instead, he had earnest conviction, wisdom and foresight, acceptance at the grassroots, wonderful organizational power and confidence on history-culture-rural economy of Bengali nation. Being an ideological political leader of simple faith, he had a strong sense of consciousness, love and affection.

Amid his vision, he only sought for the companionship and independence of this country - this soil and the people of this country. Ailment could not suppress him. His mother, father, and wife Renu had given him every step of the way- with love, affection, money and support.

As a humanbeing, he thought of the entire human race. As a Bengali, he thought deeply about anything related to Bengali. The source of this constant contentment is endless love of his people, which makes his politics and existence meaningful. It was because of such mentality that Shekh Mujib could touch the heart of the people. With this power, Bangabandhu was able to rise seven crore people of Bengal that day for the cause of independence.

Mujib stood before - where there was crisis, where there was struggle and where he saw conflict. He was never scared the death. Sheikh Mujib had gone through every period of his life with a signature of honesty, devotion, sacrifice and commitment.

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Bangabandhu’s Dream Endeavors in Building the Nation

Eternal Thoughts. Examples of some remarkable words from the life of a struggling Bengali leader along with his sincere efforts are illustrated below:

• Farsightedness. “Never be united with the incompetent leadership, unscrupulous leaders, and cowardice politicians to work for the country. Doing so, would only bring disaster both for the country and the people instead of serving for the nation.”

• Patriotism. “Traitors must know that, soil of Bengal is the defenders’ paradise.”

• Kindness. “Government employees have to be associated with the people. They are the people’s servants, menials and brothers. They are the father of the people, the son of the people and the children of the people. They have to work with this spirit.”

• Transparency. “In order to eliminate all forms of inequity, injustice, and exploitation from the country, if needed, I shall sacrifice my life.”

• Humanity. “If you love the people, in turn they will love you. If you endure bare minimal sacrifice, then the public would deliver their life for you.”

Endeavour by the Father of the Nation to Materialize his Eternal Thoughts

• Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a dynamic and an exceptional leader. To establish the sovereignty of this Country, he sent back all the Indian soldiers within shortest possible time. He reissued the administrative posts, established constitution, crore refugees, developed freedom fighter trustee, adorned gallantry award to the valiant freedom fighters. He pioneered the women

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rehabilitation centers, factories, Bank and Bima. With his sincere initiative, he restructured the Armed Forces. Bangladesh became the member of UN, Common wealth, and OIC.

• When Bangabandhu became the president, it was impossible to pay the salary of government officers from the state fund. Yet, the supreme leader made the 10 folds salary scheme and assured peoples pay.

• To save the country from any external intervention, he reorganized the Army. He dismantled the ‘Mukti Bahini’ and from the 3 Brigades& 11 Sectors of Mukti Bahini, he introduced fresh 2 Brigade Force stationed in Dhaka, Chattogram, Jashore and Rangpur respectively. After the Liberation War, from 1971 to 1972, new infantry units- 13 to 19 East Bengal Regiments were born and gradual inclusion were continued.

• Considering the geographical position of the country, the great leader had vision for a modern, strong and professional Air Force. By the direct guidance of Bangabandhu, many drastic efforts were taken to ensure the task. In 1973, with the inclusion of radars and making the Air force a modern fighting force was indeed the tangible outcome of the distant & courageous vision of the Father of the nation.

• To give recognition to the defiant action of Naval force, Father of the Nation started rebuilding the Bangladesh Navy as well. As a result, two Frigates named BNS Omar Farooque & BNS Ali Haider were commissioned in Navy in 1976 & 1978. Later, BNS Abu Bakar was added in the year 1982.

• In fact, Armed Forces development was the direct result of Father of the Nation’s vision to the future. Realizing the importance of sovereignty, at the very novice stage of this nation, Bangabandhu established Bangladesh Military Academy in Cumilla in 1974.

Self-Dependency. “A beggar nation cannot withhold its dignity. Nation cannot be built through begging. A nation has to thrive with its own strength and economy’’.

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Father of the Nation’s Efforts while Building Self Dependent Nation

• By the year 1974, he could arrange a number of donating countries for the development of the country. To develop the rural areas, Bangabandhu emphasized on rural development and established ‘’Rural Development Academy’’ in Bogura.

• After the independence, Bangabandhu reopened the closed factories such as Ghorashal fertilizer factory & Ashugoanj complex and led the nation towards prosperity. Looking to humanity, he provided ration to the poorest farmer with bare minimum price.

• Addressing the needy farmers, he arranged agricultural loan and withdraw of farmers’ certificate case. He also distributed government lands for agriculture and reduced the price of agricultural products.

Creativity. “Political and economic freedom is meaningless without the cultural freedom. Hence, a cultural evolution would develop on the basis of its geography, vision, peace and happiness, hope, and through the desire of its men”.

Father of the Nations’ Initiative while Building a Creative Nation

• In order to promote ethical values, he disbanded liquor, gambling & horse race within three days of his government and announced the Dhaka Race Course track as ‘Sarhawardy Uddan’. Displaying the supreme respect to the intellectuals, he brought back the national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam to Dhaka on 24 May 1974.

• He founded the Dhaka Shilpokola Academy, on the basis of the motto “to be secular is not to be atheist”. He directed to establish “Islamic Foundation” on 20 March 1975. He also founded Madrasha Education Board and expanded Kakrail Mosque, which is the center of Bangladesh Tablig Jamat and founded “Bangabandhu kriramodi kalyan Foundation’’ on 07 August 1975 to promote the sports.

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Decisiveness. “My country is an independent country. Be it India, Russia, America or England there is no such country or power that will interfere with the internal issue of my country”.

Efforts of the Father of the Nation

• Within 35 days of his leadership, he ensured that Indian soldiers were back to their country. It is only for his diplomatic achievement that, USA granted Bangladesh as an independent country on 4 April 1972.

• Bangabandhu’s Government obtained the membership of International Currency Fund by 10 May 1972. Notably, his Japan visit was a milestone on matter of diplomatic relationship.

• He received the Julio Curie award on 23 May 1973 on Asia Peace Conference with the help of world peace council. Under his guidance, Bangladesh achieved UN membership on 14 September 1974.

• To be mentioned, Bangabandhu delivered a speech in Bangla on 25 September 1974 at UN GeneralCouncil and elevated the language on an international level. Because of his prudent diplomacy, 121 countries recognized Bangladesh and the country became the member of OIC, Common Wealth and 14 other international organizations.

Efforts by ‘Bongo konna’ to Materialize the Dream of Bangabandhu. Bangabandhu had high aspirations for his country. His unfinished work has been left for us, so we have to materialize his dream for the future generation. Only this would enable us to pay honest tribute to our Father of the Nation. In that note, we are still fortunate to have his worthy daughter amongst us as our leader who had been trying to materialize the dream of her father. Still sincere efforts are on to make the dream true; as such we can hope to be a glorified nation under the guidance of Honorable Prime Minister- Sheikh Hasina. The year 2020 is being observed as “Mujib Borsho” on the occasion of the Birth centenary celebrations of Bangabandhu.

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Our Hope

“Red-Green” Bangladesh is the literal synonym of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But, unfortunately, he with his whole family was assassinated in 15 August 1975 by few aberrant officers. That to Almighty’s will, his two Daughters especially the honorable prime minister was spared of her life and thus the prosperity of this nation continued.

A leader like Bangabandhu is rare in history. He could meet the economic independence of humanity to one point while creating the harmony. He is the supreme leader and the unique Bengali Hero ever in a thousand years. The Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is his worthy successor.

Heroes never die, they live through their work. His deep political wisdom and love for his people would keep him immortal forever. Bangalis gave him the title ‘Bangabandhu’ and ‘Father of the Nation’ out of sheer love and emotion. His lifestyle was like a simple and ordinary Bengali; that is why he could so intensely connect with the ordinary people and their communities. He used to say: “My greatest strength is that, I love my people and my greatest weakness is that, I love them too much.”

Bibliography

1. Ahmed, Tofail, 2011, Bangabandhur Chetona-Amor, Abinoshor.

2. Ali, S.M. 2019, Sheikh Mujib: The Evolution of a Great Leader.

3. Bangabandhu, Bangladesh Awami League, 2011. Itihasher Mahanayak.

4. Hasina, Sheikh, 2014-2017. Nirbachito 100 Bhashon.

5. Hasina, Sheikh, Democracy Poverty Elimination and Peace, 1st Edition.

6. Imam, Neamat, April 2013. The Black Coat.

7. Nahid, Nurul Islam, 2011. Itihasher Mohanayek Bangabandhu. Bangabandhur Adorsho, Lokho, Ebong Shongram.

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8. Rashid, Dr. Harunur, 2011. Itihasher Mohanayek Bangabandhu, Jatir Pitar Mrittu Nai.

9. Thorp, John P. 1987, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman-A Cyclone and the Emergence Bangladesh.

10. www.en.m.wikipedia.org

11. www.journals.sagepub.com

12. www.opac.ulab.edu.bd

Author

Colonel Humayun Quyum, afwc, psc was commissioned in the East Bengal Regiment in June 1993. He attended a good number of courses both at home and abroad. He is a Graduate from the Defence Services Command and Staff College, and National Defence College Mirpur and attained Master of Defence Studies Degree from the National University, Dhaka. Besides serving in three infantry regiments he also served as ‘General Staff Officer-3(Operations), General Staff Officer-2(Intelligence) and Brigade Major’ in Infantry Brigades and General Staff Officer-1(Operations) in an Infantry Division. He served as Instructor Class B in Tactics Wing and as Instructor Class A in UCC Wing of SI&T. He served as a contingent member in United Nations Peacekeeping Mission both in Sierra Leone and DRC. He also served as Chief of Staff at Ituri Brigade in DRC. As Commanding Officer he served in Ideal Twenty One. He served as Deputy President at ISSB. He also served as 403 Battle Group Commander under ARTDOC. Presently he is serving as Chief Instructor in Weapon Wing of SI&T. He can be reached at [email protected]

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BANGABANDHU’S LEADERSHIP: LESSONS LEARNT FOR THE LONGING LEADERS

Colonel M A Saadi, afwc, psc

Introduction

A review of the history of great leaders is a process of analyzing the leader’s characteristics in order to understand and imitate them. This type of study was coined as “Great Man Theory” and “Trait Theory” later on. The Great Man or Trait theories suggest that leaders are born. Individuals develop certain features and characteristics that enhance them that are suited for leadership. There are some inherent characteristics that inspire individuals to be and become leaders. Historian Thomas Carlyle, who wrote on the great men or heroes of history said that “the history of the world is but the biography of great men” (Carlyle, 1888, p.21). A leader, according to him, is the one with unique characteristics that attract the masses’ imaginative minds.

Various definition of leadership, leadership theories and styles exist. Authors such as Georgia Sorensen (Sorensen 2000, p1) suggest that “human beings have been deeply involved in leaders and leadership,” which has been grappling for centuries with this interpretation by great thinkers and philosophers. Sorensen provides an insight into the roots of the word “leader,” which first appeared in the English language in the 1300s, meaning “to travel” or “to show the way.” So, clearly, leaders need to demonstrate a new direction toward a shared goal at least.

A glimpse of the world history, specially the history of Bangladesh shows that the greatest leaders of all time, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a born leader who exhibited leadership attributes right from his adolescent. The birth history of Bangladesh is but the biography of Bangabandhu. He is the one gifted with unique qualities that capture the imagination of the masses- the birth of a new nation, Bangladesh. In this article, an endeavor is taken to analyze the few significant leadership traits of the father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with a view to drawing lessons learnt for the future leaders.

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Early Sign of Being a People’s Leader

Even during his early and full-blown youth, Bangabandhu’s distinctive style was well rooted in his leadership traits (Rahman, 2020). Among many others, he exhibited two key leadership qualities from his early life, making him an unquestionable and indispensable leader of Bangladesh. Proactive social consciousness was one of them, and the other one was supreme political commitment, which earned him the reputation of becoming a leader of the people (Rahman and Islam, 2014, p.1).

In the year 1941, he displayed the first sign of becoming the leader of a people. Some Hindu students were found to have beaten up a Muslim student at “Gopalganj Public School”. Even after the students protested, the teachers took no action and then went to Mujib (a 21-year-old young student leader) for assistance. Mujib went to school and called for the Muslim students to boycott classes and assemble in the field after evaluating the situation. Once the students had left their classes and gathered peacefully, he went to the headmaster to demand that, there would be a new school for Muslim students from next day because they did not feel safe. The headmaster was astounded to see how they could be mobilized within such a short span of time by Mujib, a student from another school (Talukder, 2011, p. 122).

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a young football player Front row, third from the left (1940)

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Bangabandhu’s Leadership: Lessons Learnt for the Longing Leaders

In 1943, he donated rice to the famine wracked people from his father’s reserve, without informing the latter. He joined the Muslim Welfare Association, a social volunteer group to help humble students in Gopalganj. The young Sheikh Mujib along with the enlisted volunteers, would go door-to-door every Friday after Jummah, collected donations from the Muslim inhabitant of the town for this reason. They used to help students buy books and meet examination and other expenses (Rahman, 2013, p. 8).

In 1938 when Young Mujib was a student at “Gopalganj Missionary School”, he appeared to be politically active. He was hardly at the age of 20 when he first met Sher-e-Bangla A K Fazlul Huq, and more significantly Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, during their visit to Gopalganj for a public meeting. The young Mujib led a student’s group to them for demanding repair work for damaged roof of the school (Rahman, 2013, pp. 9-10).

The young student leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Mahatma Gandhi and his political mentor Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, 1947

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During the communal riots of Kolkata known as “The Great Calcutta Killing” on August 16, 1946, he involved himself in upholding peace and communal harmony, protecting lives of countless people of both Hindu and Muslim societies even at the risk of his own life (Rahman, 2013, pp. 67-72).

Upright and Uncompromising Attitude

In his ‘The Unfinished Memoirs’ Bangabandhu narrated (Rahman, 2013, pp. 119-122) the events of the strike by the University’s 4th class workers. Along with him, 27 students were expelled from the university on charges of organizing the protest. However, with the exception of four students, they would be able to regain their student status if they signed a bond and paid a fine. Among these twenty-three students was Bangabandhu. He did not, however, sign the bond or pay the fine because he knew he was not doing anything wrong and he remained firm on his moral grounds. We may learn from this incident that whenever Bangabandhu saw individuals facing oppression and exploitation, no matter who they were, he went to their support. And he was still determined to maintain his principles and morals. That’s why he didn’t do it, even though he got the opportunity to return to university. He was distinguished from others by this uprightness and firmness, making him a great leader. Even in the face of such situations, not everyone can remain so firmly virtuous. He was still happy for the greater public benefit to make a personal sacrifice.

Even during the Rawalpindi Round Table Conference in 1969, President Ayub Khan suggested that Bangabandhu take over as Pakistan’s Prime Minister. Bangabandhu spurned the offer and said, “If mass agitation is to be terminated, there is no alternative to regional autonomy given on the basis of 6 points and 11 points” (Rahman, 2018, p. 305). It was a normal gesture on the part of a man who had defied the winds and trends of the times to come forward with the Six Points in 1966. Bengal was what mattered to him. Nothing else was, or would have been.

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Father of the Nation reached Dhaka on 10 January 1972, millions of jubilant citizens of the newest country in the world welcomed him with open arms

On his heroic return on 10th January 1972, he gave a very emotional speech where he said, “I did not know I was sentenced to death by hanging. A grave was dug for me beside my cell. I prepared myself, I said I’m a Bangalee, I’m a man, I’m a Muslim—who dies once not twice. I said, if death comes to me, I’ll die laughing. I will not die dishonouring my Bengali nation, I’ll not beg your pardon. And will shout out while dying, Joy Bangla, Free Bangla, Bengali is my nation, Bangla is my language, the land of Bangla is my place” (Askari, 2020). Bangabandhu, thus, will remain as unique symbol of uprightness to the people of Bangladesh.

Voice of the Oppressed and Love for Bangalees

At the conference of None Alliant Movement, Algiers, 6 September 1973, Bangabandhu said that “The world is divided into two halves, the oppressed and the oppressors. I am with the oppressed” (7th March Foundation, 2020). In 29th UN General Assembly, he addressed the most powerful countries about the increasing inequality and the rich-poor gap. He even talked about the lack of employment opportunities and the high price of importing goods was a struggle for a country like Bangladesh (Voice of Millions, 2020). In the light of his speech at UN General Assembly on

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25 September 1974, it can be said that Bangabandhu is the right example of speaking truth to the power and the voice of the oppressors. He was equally vocal nationally and internationally.

Bangabandhu at UN General Assembly on 25 September 1974

His affection and true love for the Bengal can be imagined from his speech after returning from Pakistan on 10 January 1972. He said “I did not know I would return to you. I told just one thing, I have no objection if you kill me. Please return my dead body to my Bangalees, this is my only request to you” (Askari, 2020).

In the same speech he said, “Today I saw the people of Bangladesh, saw the land of Bangladesh, saw the sky of Bangladesh, felt the weather of Bangladesh, I greet Bengal with salaam. My Bengal of gold I love you so much, this is perhaps the reason why I have been called back” (Askari, 2020).

David Frost in a press conference with Bangabandhu asked him “Mr. Prime Minister, what is your qualification?” He replied with a smile, “I love my people.” Then David asked him again, “What is your disqualification?” Putting off his spectacles and wiping his eyes, he answered, “I love them too much!” (Roy, 2020). Later David Frost observed that he took

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interviews of many international leaders, but none of them had that guts and boldness to respond in such a way like Bangabandhu. He said during another interview with David Frost that he loved his countrymen more than his immediate family (Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with David Frost, 2020). This was the reality; this is why he was willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for the people of his country.

Famous British TV personality David Frost interviewed Bangabandhu on 18 January 1972

Personal Sacrifices and Working under Difficult Situations

He spent 4682 days in prison to lead the country to gain liberation. Besides the confinement in jail, Bangabandhu was also ready to make crucial sacrifices for our nation. In his speech on 7th March, 1971, he said “if I cannot give orders later…”. Why did he say that? He expected that he might be arrested and taken away or even exterminated. This is why he addressed the nation telling the people what to do in his absence. When he declared independence, his speech began with the words “This may be my last message, from today Bangladesh is independent. I call upon the people of Bangladesh wherever you might be and with whatever you have, to resist the army of occupation to the last. Your fight must go on until the

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last soldier of the Pakistan occupation army is expelled from the soil of Bangladesh and final victory is achieved’’ (Declaration of Independence - Banglapedia, 2016).

Bangabandhu’s historic speech on 7th March 1971

He was ready to make the ultimate self-sacrifice. Politics is all about finding what is wrong in our society and taking initiative to fix it. Leadership is not about walking red carpets or sitting comfortably in a public event. Being able to face obstacles and having the courage to face any backlash is a part of political leadership. Leaders like Bangabandhu, Nelson Mandela or Mahatma Ghandi could not achieve what they did, if they did not have the capacity to work under extremely difficult situations.

Organizing Capacity and Maker of the Leaders

Bangabandhu became the undisputed leader of the nation because he understood the importance of an organization and its supporters. Captain Muhammad Mansur Ali, Abul Hasnat Muhammad Qamaruzzaman, Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad who were confidants of Bangabandhu all started their political career as local level leaders not as national leaders. It was Bangabandhu who picked them and supported them in becoming

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national leaders. At that time, there already were many national leaders. But Bangabandhu picked those in whom he saw courage, strength and the potential to become leaders.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with the four national leaders and supporters

He picked academics and scholars to support him to create the six point demands. With their support, he formulated the six point demands, and clarified to the people factors like the economic disparity between East and West Pakistan (Islam, N, 2003). When setting up their organization, it cannot be focused on the leader alone. We need to create successors and train those who will carry on our work. The success of a leader also depends on his capacity to plan for the future and the sustainability of an organization.

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Idealized Influence

As the best transformational leader, Bangabandhu displayed a sense of power with idealized characteristics and self-confidence. He was able to appease others, that they can stunned all obstructions if they want from heart. He believed that trusting one another is very important and he inclined to talk about our most important morals and principles. He always highlighted on the importance of having a strong sense of determination and emphasized on united work. Idealized inspiration implants pride in followers for being allied with the leader which is identical to charisma. Bangabandhu cherished the dream of independent Bangladesh and through his charismatic and visionary leadership crafted the independence of Bangladesh. Idealized Influence indicates that a leader will go beyond their specific self-interest for the betterment of the group and make personal sacrifices for others’ profit, and our Bangabandhu proved that by his supreme sacrifices.

Intellectual Stimulation

Leaders are always encouraging new ways and methods of thinking, and constantly inspiring new concepts and imaginative ideas. It indicates that a transformational leader seeks differing standpoints when solving difficulties and they get others to look at those problems from a diverse angle as well. Bangabandhu exploited intellectual stimulation and encouraged non-traditional thinking and proposed new ways of looking at how to complete the aspiration. Bangabandhu inspired the people by his fascinating headship skill and vast political acquaintance. His struggle for independence and his ability to unite the nation under one umbrella made him the transformational leader of the country.

Conclusion: Turbulent Times Build Great Leaders

The true measure of leadership can be displayed only during the crisis. Brian Tracy said that “the true test of leadership is how well you function in a crisis” (Tracy, 2020). His words haven’t echoed more than they do to

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the time of Bangabandhu. There is a widespread English axiom that says “cometh the hour, cometh the man” – the true leaders will appear to the front in times of crisis. So Bangabandhu really did his worth as leadership by leading through crisis not by leading through ordinary time. According to John C. Maxwell, “leadership is a verb not a noun” (Austin, 2020). It means that leadership is the act of doing, it’s not a static entity. Leadership is taking the followers through the crisis. Making them believe that they can overcome all hurdles and achieved the desired goal. And most of the leaders that we mention of or who got a place in the history have proved their worth in the time of crisis, they have emerged during the crisis. Our Bangabandhu is not an exception to that.

Bibliography

1. Askari, R., 2020. Bangabandhu’s January 10, 1972 Speech in Translation. [online] unb.com.bd. Available at: <https://unb.com.bd/category/Opinion/bangabandhus-january-10-1972-speech-in-translation/40793> [Accessed 22 September 2020].

2. Austin, D., 2020. Leadership Lessons Learned From John C. Maxwell - Deborah Angel Austin. [online] Deborah Angel Austin. Available at: <http://deborahangelaustin.com/leadership-lessons-learned-john-c-maxwell/> [Accessed 23 September 2020].

3. Carlyle, Thomas, 1888. On Heroes, Hero-Worship and the Heroic in History, Fredrick A. Stokes & Brother, New York.

4. En.banglapedia.org. 2016. Declaration Of Independence - Banglapedia. [online] Available at: <http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Declaration_of_Independence> [Accessed 24 September 2020].

5. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with David Frost. 2020. [video] Directed by D. Frost. Youtube: Zunaid Ahmed Palak.

6. Islam, Nurul, 2003, Making of a Nation Bangladesh: An Economist’s Tale, The University Press Limited, Dhaka.

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7. Rahman, A., 2020. A Transformational Leader in the Making | Daily Sun. [online] Daily Sun. Available at: <https://www.daily-sun.com/post/476171/A-transformational-leader-in-the-making> [Accessed 23 September 2020].

8. Rahman, M. and Islam, A., 2014. Evaluation of Charismatic Leader of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 4(5).

9. Roy, R., 2020. A Leader Born out of Adversity | Daily Sun. [online] Daily Sun. Available at: <https://www.daily-sun.com/printversion/details/212659/A-Leader-Born-Out-Of-Adversity> [Accessed 24 September 2020].

10. Rahman, S Mujibur, 2018, Prison Diaries, Bangla Academy, Dhaka.

11. Rahman, S Mujibur, 2013, The Unfinished Memories, University Press Limited, Dhaka.

12. Sorenson, G & Goethals, G, 2004, ‘Leadership theories: overview’, in Goethals, GR, Sorenson, GJ & Burns, JM (eds), Encyclopedia of leadership, SAGE Publications, Inc., Thousand Oaks, CA, pp. 868-874, viewed 23 September 2020, doi: 10.4135/9781412952392.n201.

13. Sorenson, Georgia, 2000, ‘An intellectual history of leadership studies: The role of James MacGregor Burns.’ Annual meeting of the American Political Science Association, Washington DC.

14. Talukder, Alam, 2011, Bangabandhu Ajana Addhay, “Unknown facts about Bangabandhu’, Janata Prokash, Dhaka, page 122.

15. Tracy, B., 2020. 20 Brian Tracy Leadership Quotes for Inspiration. [online] Briantracy.com. Available at: <https://www.briantracy.com/blog/leadership-success/leadership-quotes-for-inspiration/> [Accessed 24 September 2020].

16. Voice of Millions, 2020, Commemorative Publication on the Occasion of the Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

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17. 7th March Foundation, Sheikh Mujib’s Quotations, https://www.7thmarch.com/quotations/, [Accessed 24 September 2020].

Author

Colonel M A Saadi, afwc, psc was commissioned in the Corp of Infantry on 07 June 1996. He served in many Infantry Units and commanded one Infantry Battalion. Besides, he also served as Brigade Major of an Infantry Brigade. His instructional capacity includes serving as Instructor of Tactics Wing in the School of Infantry and Tactics. He was also a proud member of the prestigious President Guard Regiment. He served as a contingent member in United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and Military Observer in Liberia (UNMIL).

He is a graduate of Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur and obtained his Master of Science in Defence Studies from Bangladesh University of Professionals. He is also a graduate of Armed Forces War Course from National Defence College and currently perusing Master of Philosophy in Security and Development under Bangladesh University of Professionals. He is now working as Director, Research & Academic Wing, National Defence College, Bangladesh.

E-mail: [email protected]

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AN ANALYSIS ON BANGABANDHU SHEIKH MUJIBUR RAHMAN ON SECURITY OF

STATE

Lieutenant Colonel Bhuiyan Mohammad Golam Kibria, SGP, afwc, psc, Engrs

Introduction

The great liberator, Bangabandhu became the “Father of the Nation” after independence and took all endeavors to establish a state free from poverty, hunger and injustice. He is one of the greatest leaders of the world whose dream was to establish a peaceful world free from exploitation.

Bangladesh (BD) Forces fought liberation war with the help of Indian Armed Forces and accelerated independence in 1971. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came back home on 10th January 1972 from Pakistan after almost ten months of solitary confinement. By then, Bangladesh was a war wrecked country having both victorious Indian and defeated Pakistani troops along with armed freedom fighters. Moreover, there had been also local political and armed group who were against the independence of Bangladesh. Bangladesh was born in the midst of Cold War between capitalism and socialism. Many countries, including some of the major global powers, were against the independence. Bangabandhu was very concerned to secure the independence of the new born state against threats likely to be emerged both from internal and external affairs.

Bangladesh had been exploited for centuries by colonial powers. Pakistani political and military leaders continued these exploitations after the partition of Indian sub-continent in 1947. Virtually, Bangladesh became another colonial state of West Pakistan. Pakistan regime failed to develop a viable security mechanism for East Pakistan. Existence of a state depends on both external and internal affairs i.e security of

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An Analysis on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on Security of State

state from external threat and human security of citizen. According to ‘Multi-Sum Theory Principal’, global security is dependent on five interdependent dimensions. These are national, transnational, human, cultural and environmental security (Al-Rodhan, 2007). Declaring Urdu as state language was a direct threat to cultural security of Bengali culture. It was found during Indo-Pak War-1965 that the East Pakistan was totally unprotected against any external threat and there was no security mechanism to protect East Pakistan. Political suppression and economic disparity between two wings of Pakistan as well as unprotected East Pakistan led Bangabandhu to proclaim Six Point Movement. The Six Point of Bangabandhu can be viewed as unique manifestation of traditional and non-traditional security of a state. After independence, Bangabandhu developed all security mechanism to consolidate the sovereignty and protect territorial integrity. His foreign policy to develop international relations, diplomatic affairs established Bangladesh in global platform. Defence Policy-1974, approved by Bangabandhu, were the guiding principles for national defence and development of Armed Forces.

This paper will discuss security of a state in international system. It will also discuss the roles of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on security of East Pakistan as a political leader and his roles in developing security mechanisms of Bangladesh as Father of the Nation.

Security and State

Security is derived from the Latin word Securitas, which is a variation of securas, meaning, ‘Without care’. Narottam Gaan (2016) explains security that implies a sense of fear wherein a person lives or hopes to live without being distressed by forces inside or outside that threatens or decimates his/her physical existence as human being. It also means physical and spiritual distancing away the danger of threat seems absent. Living as a human being without fears of extinction distinguished from others’ similar survival instinct is what comes within the domain of security and to live

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distinguishably and in a dignified way from that of others is what is called identity (Narottam Gaan, 2016). The pursuit for security is to secure identity that ultimately culminates in a state. The state provides security to its citizen by establishing law and order and ensuring the human rights as agreed upon by the state. These two functions of ‘security’ are very much concerned with the protection of identity of individual by establishing sovereignty of the state and flourishing of that identity by ensuring human rights to flourish the identity (Narottam Gaan, 2016).

States enjoys unlimited sovereignty in the international system. The primary function of the state is to survive and enhance power in the anarchical and conflicting international system. State maximize its power even at the expense of others widely known as ‘Zero Sum Theory’ and develop military and other capabilities to survive. The focus of the traditional security is usually on the state military capacity.

During “Cold War” era, the security was viewed to create the balance of power among the states and state’s security usually means protection against invasion of any kind. After ‘Cold War’, the focus is shifted to human security. Human security was threatened by civil wars, poverty, violence, disease, drugs and human rights abuses by both state and non-state actors. Existence of a nation was also threatened from internal factors emanating from human security. Human security and national security should be mutually reinforcing for establishing sustainable peace as shown in Figure 1. Al-Rodhan (2007) describes the ‘Multi-sum Security Principal’ where he advocated that in globalized world security cannot be viewed based on the ‘Zero Sum Theory involving the state only. In idealist theoryi, global security is dependent on five inter-dependent dimensions. These are national, transnational, human, cultural and environmental security. Therefore, global security and the security of any state or culture can be achieved through good governance to ensure security through justice for all individuals, states and cultures (Al-Rodhan, 2007; Kukeyeva

i. Idealism in foreign policy holds that a state should make its internal political philosophy the goal of its foreign policy. For example, an idealist might believe that ending poverty at home should be coupled with tackling poverty abroad.

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and Zharylgasova, 2012). The five dimensions of the global security has different set of sub-sets. The national security is the state’s monopoly over using force in a given territory and a substrate that emphasizes the military and policing component of the security. The transnational security deals with the organized crime, terrorism and human trafficking in between states. The transcultural security is the freedom of diverse culture and language. Human security refers to the security of the individual not the states. Environmental security includes global warming, climate change and access to resources. All these five dimensions need to be addressed for a sustainable global security according to the multi-faceted security framework. The concept therefore advocates cooperative interaction and peaceful existence between states, cultural groups and civilizations (Al-Rodhan, 2007).

Figure 1: Sphere of Peace

NATIONALHUMANSECURITY

DIMENSIONS

SPHERE OF PEACE

DEEFENCESECURITY

SECURITYINTERNAL(HOMELAND)SECURITY

Bangabandhu on Security of Provincial State

The creation of State of Pakistan on two wings separated by 2200 km basing on religion failed to ensure political and economic freedom of East Pakistan. The democratic process was hindered by martial law a number of times. Political leaders in both wings were engaged in numerous conspiracies which was exploited by the military junta and ultimately general

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people suffered. The West Pakistan rulers were reluctant to recognize the historical and cultural identity of East Pakistan. Bangla was recognized as a state language after the great Language Movement in 1952. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was at the forefront of Language Movement since 1948 while he was a student leader (Rahman, 2012). The great Language Movement cannot be viewed only from the language point of view rather it was a movement to ensure cultural freedom of the Bengali people.

After the Indo-Pak War-1965, it was revealed that East Pakistan was unprotected from external threat. All economic indicators also exhibited economic disparity between two wings. The disparity of budget allocation of the then Pakistan is shown in Table 1. Bangabandhu realized the importance of physical security of East Pakistan from external threat as well as economic and political security of its citizen. Major shares of the defence budget were spent to defend West Pakistan. Bangabandhu proclaimed Six Point Plan at national conference of opposition political parties in 1966 at Lahore (Harun-or Rashid, 2012). This Six Point Plan was titled ‘Our Charter of Survival’ (Rashiduzzaman, 2006) in which he demanded self-government and considerable political, economic and defence autonomy for East Pakistan. The Six Point is the manifestation of traditional and human security for the then East Pakistan. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman demanded separate para-military forces to protect East Pakistan border. East Pakistan is a riverine country and a good number of people of East Pakistan were engaged in maritime economy mostly fishing. He demanded Naval Headquarters of Pakistan to be located in East Pakistan.

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Table 1: Utilization of Budget during Pakistan Regime

yearSpending on West

Pakistan (in millions of Pakistani rupees)

Spending on East Pakistan (in millions of

Pakistani rupees)

Amount spent on East as

percentage of West

1950–55 11,290 5,240 46.41955–60 16,550 5,240 31.71960–65 33,550 14,040 41.81965–70 51,950 21,410 41.2Total 113,340 45,930 40.5Source: Reports of the Advisory Panels for the Fourth Five Year Plan 1970–75, Vol. I, published by the planning commission of Pakistan.

Bangabandhu on the Security of Independent Bangladesh

Withdrawal of Indian Troops. Pakistan Army was defeated by the Allied Forces on 16th December 1971. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to Bangladesh on 10 January 1972. He took over the office as Prime Minister on 12 January 1972. Though Indian Armed Forces fought hand in hand with Bangladesh Forces but Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not hesitate to request Indian Government to withdraw Indian Forces from Bangladesh. He ensured the withdrawal of Indian troops at the very outset to safe guard the sovereignty of new born state. Indian troops were withdrawn within 87 days after the end of war which was very rare in any military conflict. The allied forces of World War-2 still have their military bases in many overseas countries to influence regional and global politics. The sovereignty of host countries are also affected by the presence of foreign military bases.

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Figure 2: Withdrawal Parade of Indian Troops from Bangladesh

Security Context Created by Bangabandhu on National Security. The security of a state is guided by its defence policy. Defence Policy outlines necessary guidance for force generation and employment of national assets to ensure the security of the state during peace and war. Armed Forces are responsible to safeguard the sovereignty of the state from external threat and their employment are influenced by international relations and Foreign Policy. The hierarchy of policy guidelines for national security is shown in Figure 3. The constitution provides the base for international relations and national security. Chapter Two of the 1972 constitution expressed how the nation will promote international peace, security and solidarity. According to Bangladesh Constitution-1972, “The state shall base its international relations on the principles of national sovereignty and equality, non-interference in the internal affairs of the other countries, peaceful settlement of international disputes and respect for international law and the principles enunciated in the United Nations Charter” (BD Constitution, 1972).

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Figure 3: Hierarchy of National Security Context

Constitution

Foreign Policy

Defence Policy

Development of Armed Forces

Foreign Policy of Bangabandhu. International relations and diplomacy provide the first line of national defence. The foremost responsibility of the Government is to ensure the security of the state from external threats. Bangladesh was liberated during the ‘Cold War’ between capitalist USA and socialist Soviet Union. Bangabandhu exhibited his wisdom by adopting non-partisan policy to cold war and joined Non-aligned Movement (NAM). It was required to ensure security of a small state like Bangladesh. He adopted independent and neutral foreign policy for peaceful co-existence in world peace. After the independence, he visited USA, UK, Russia and several European Countries to strengthen diplomatic relations. BD achieved recognition from major powers and became the member of United Nations (UN), Common wealth and Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC). Bangabandhu realized that regional peace and stability is very important for national security. In Delhi Agreement of 1974, Bangladesh, India and Pakistan assured to work for regional stability and peace. The agreement paved the way for the return of interned Bengali officials and their families in Pakistan, as well as the establishing diplomatic relations between Dhaka and Islamabad. Within a very short time after independence, Bangladesh established its importance in global platform under the leadership of Father of the Nation.

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Figure 4: Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addresses the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit Conference in Algeria (September, 1973)

Defence Policy of Bangabandhu. Defence Policy of a country expresses how a nation should ensure its security from all types of threats and protects national interest. Armed Forces and other security instruments of the state are built up basing on the defence policy. Bangabandhu approved the Defence Policy in 1974 which clearly defined the size of the force, preferred tactics and self-sustainment taking the sectorial configuration of the Bangladesh geography (Defence Policy, 1974). Following the constitution and foreign policy, Bangladesh Armed Forces do not participate in alliance and respect all international laws for global solidarity. Bangladesh supports all peace initiatives under UN and actively participates all peace process. Bangladesh Armed Forces are one of the largest contributors of UN peacekeepers.

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Development of Armed Forces. No nation can ensure security from external threat without having credible armed forces. Within three years of independence, Bangabandhu organized credible Armed Forces including major platforms for Navy and Air Force to protect national sovereignty. He rehabilitated the repatriated armed forces personnel from Pakistan into the armed forces. Bangabandhu managed military hardware including fighter aircrafts, tanks and signal equipment from former Soviet Union, Yugoslavia and Egypt (Hasina, 2015). He established Bangladesh Military Academy (BMA) to implement cadet training for army and witnessed the passing out parade of the first batch.

Figure 5: Bangabandhu Reviewing the Parade of BMA Passing Out Parade

Bangabandhu delivered a speech on the passing out parade of 1st BMA Short Course. Strategic, operational and tactical military leaders of all times can draw lessons from his speech. Bangabandhu emphasized that discipline is a pre-requisite for national development. Bangabandhu asked for discipline, honesty, patriotism and character from the future leaders and to bear pro-people attitude for national development. Armed Forces are very well part of the society and must contribute for national development. Now, Bangladesh Armed Forces achieved national confidence as savior to all man-made and natural disaster.

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Conclusion

Bangabandhu was one of the few leaders in this sub-continent who understood the traditional and non-traditional security of state. A nation cannot prosper without ensuring security both from external and internal threats. He included separate para-military force for East Pakistan in his six point movement. He also demanded that Naval Headquarters of Pakistan should be located in the then East Pakistan. Bangabandhu realized that sovereignty of the state cannot be ensured keeping foreign troops in own soil. He ensured withdrawal of Indian troops while building his own armed forces immediately after independence.

The employment of Armed Forces at home and abroad is always guided by Foreign and Defence Policies. The great leader understood the geo-political importance of Bangladesh and adopted “Friendship to All and Malice to None” as foreign policy and joined Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to maintain neutrality of the new born state. His foreign policy was based on peaceful coexistence, respect sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states as well as to work together for global peace and prosperity. It allows deployment of troops under United Nation (UN) Charter for World Peace. Now, Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors of peacekeepers. The Defence Policy-1974, approved by the Father of the Nation, adequately addressed the geographical challenges and opportunities, the nature of warfare and employment of armed forces (Defence Policy, 1974).

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman organized reliable army, navy and air forces within a very short time by rehabilitating repatriated armed forces personnel from West Pakistan and managing hardware from friendly countries. Bangabandhu desired that his armed forces will not only protect national sovereignty but will also contribute in national development. Following his directives, Bangladesh Armed Forces achieved national confidence as savior in all disasters and are also effectively contributing in national development.

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Author

Lieutenant Colonel Bhuiyan Mohammad Golam Kibria, SGP, afwc, psc, Engrs was commissioned on 12 June 1997 in Corps of Engineers. Apart from the compulsory courses, he did Junior Staff Course from Bangladesh Navy. He did Bomb Disposal course from School of Military Engineering, Quadirabad. He did Post Graduate Diploma on Controlled Demolition from PLA University, China. He is graduated from Military Institute of Science and Technology (MIST), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), American International University, Bangladesh (AIUB) and Bangladesh University of Professionals. He is also alumni of Defence Services Command and Staff College and National Defence College, Mirpur. Besides all regimental appointments, he served as staff officer of Independent Engineer Brigade, Infantry Division, Force and Army Headquarters. He was a founder Commanding officer of a Division Engineer Battalion. He achieved ‘Sena Gourab Padak’ for his contribution in development of a newly raised infantry division. He was deployed twice under UN umbrella in UNMIL, Liberia and UNAMID, Sudan. Presently, he is serving as GSO-1 at Army War Game Centre.

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