35th Victory Day:
From with a different angle

Sarawath Mehjabeen (Tilottwoma)

In the smoky December sky the resplendent sun blows the trumpet of victory. To quote Tagore, “She comes! Comes! Ever comes!” The whole nation awaits the glorious arrival of the day - 16th December. The victory was achieved 34 years ago after a bloody war, untold miseries and bereavement suffered by the millions of peace-loving people of Bangladesh in 1971.

At the advent of the 21st Century time has come to ask questions, what is our achievement? Or is this the day only for celebration? These questions prick our conscience. Today let us pause and have a look at the answers.

In this age of globalisation all nations have become neighbours through the international relations. The world has become closer. Economic upliftment, alleviation of poverty, good governance, education for all, emancipation and empowerment of women are some of the major fronts for a nation to put emphasis on for achieving freedom in real sense.

As a student of International Relations I cannot but draw a dismal picture of my country. In the late 1980s the cold war chapter was closed with the disintegration of the Communist Soviet Union. The bipolar power balance was destroyed. Now in the unipolar World Power the United States has become the only supreme authority to determine our future. In the political and economic front a small but strategically important country like Bangladesh has to follow the prescriptions of the IMF, the World Bank, the ADB and many other foreign agencies.

Good governance is a far cry in Bangladesh. Politicians care a fig for the betterment of the people. Government machinery including the bureaucracy and administration has been beset with corruption and corrupt practices. Even the judiciary has not been spared.

But all is not that bleak in Bangladesh. An illustrious son of the soil Dr.Mohammad Yunus has won the Nobel Prize for Peace this year. The Nobel Laureate aspires to send poverty to the museum. His optimism illuminates the dark realities of our existence.

There are other 'well-spring' of inspirations for us. Another man of caliber, a diplomat of the soil Mr.Anwar Chowdhury serves the U.K Govt as the British High Commissioner to Bangladesh.

Besides, in the field of sports, culture, science and education Bangladesh has achieved a glorious seat in the World Auditorium.

On this august 35th anniversary of Independence we have many positive angles to look forward to. Because we know “Oh wind! If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”

4th year Hons. Dept.of International Relations University of Dhaka.

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