| Spotlight
The True Freedom!
Abu Tayub Mohammed Farhad
 THE Independence Day has come back to our lives once again. But are we worthy of it? Have we been able to keep up the true spirit of liberation war instilled by our forefathers?
Why did our forefathers fight against the Pakistani occupation force? It was to resist tyranny. History tells us the story of economic, political, social discrimination in the form of oppression done by the West Pakistani forces against the East Pakistanis. Our valiant freedom fighters dreamt of a country where people would enjoy utmost social safety, political rights and where people would not face any sort of economic discrimination in the society.
But many people of this country go to bed at night without having food. Many live under poverty line. Is this the liberation war that we are proud of? Is this the freedom for which our forefathers sacrificed themselves and their valuable possessions?
After the BDR massacre of February 25, 2009, the liberty and sovereignty of Bangladesh is at stake. But our political leaders have failed to come on the same platform because of their narrow political outlook. Even in this crisis the blame-game is going on in full swing. Their activities have marred the achievements of February and March of this nation. We can now understand how fragile the sprit of our liberation war is! I implore the young blood of this nation to uplift the true spirit of freedom by establishing a society free from religious barriers, social discrimination, political conflicts and influence of the Western imperialist lords. It is only us who can lead the nation forward. We might have political and ideological differences but there are no differences when it comes to loving our country. We may appear to be an independent nation. But, true freedom is still a far cry.
Do Young Minds Think Alike?
Tasneema Rahman Shejuty
“HISTORY has its own way of repeating itself and ours is not an exception. If you tell me that it's all over, I would have to ask you to think again.” No, I am not the owner of this speech. It came from an ordinary boy who may not be that special but has inherited a distinct boldness from his freedom - fighter father.
I may not have been friends with this person for a long time but we share the common spirit of patriotism. We both are impartial about one thing, that we love our country. But there is one difference between us I could never be as bold as him and I have always secretly envied him for that. It is not that I am a coward, but fighting is something only a fighter can handle. So when one day he asked me about what I thought we should do about the war criminals, I acted stupidly. I said, 'Nothing.' I obviously hate them, but what can I do about the war criminals? After all the war is over, the country is free, and it's not possible to be a warrior without a war. For a moment I thought I was right.
Then it appears to me that, war never ends actually. What ends is an episode. If ending it had been that easy, it would have never been started. Sometimes the war is against the armed military, sometimes against the shameless war criminals and sometimes against our own protector. Although its always the young people who has to fight the war, the young generation perhaps no longer feels the same way as the youngsters of this country felt 38 years back. They do not share the same spirit. Except for a few people we all are too reluctant to fight for our country. Yes, we are sovereign. But what is the advantage of such sovereignty when the country is still struggling alone to protect herself. Is not it the time for the young to stand by her, to be united both in thought and action like their ancestors?
I believe our country has the pride of breeding brave young bloods that protected her 38 years ago and can protect her now. It is only a matter of time before they all started to think alike. We have achieved our independence years ago but now is the time we establish it. I thank my friend for making me feel this way.
(Mymensingh Medical College)
|
