Mahmudur Rahman
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's oratory has been etched in history. As it stands few leaders and speakers came anywhere near to the man in terms of brim and fire. His image, connection with the general public and the ability to call a spade a spade, brought a refreshing change to political rhetoric. His reference to re-establish Sonar Bangla (The golden era of Bengal) was visionary in that it was forward looking built on a base of eons ago. Disappointed by the unwillingness of bureaucracy and businesses to change their outlook in an independent country, he launched repeated tirades against profiteering and red-Taoism that prevented welfare from etching the people who served it the most.
Through the years the 'Sonar Bangla" concept continues to be the catch-phrase but the forward looking aspect has got a little muddled up. A sterling movie from the mid-seventies catapulted our leading actor Abdur Razzaq to a new Avatar. Rongbaj broke some crucial social barriers. It humanised thug-ism to the silver screen and introduced a new concept in filming brawls both of which are followed and copied todate. It was something the then young generation could identify with and receive the message that the culture of thuggery isn't worth it. Then there is the case of member of parliament talking informally about sports and cultural activities decrying the gap created between youngsters and libraries or theatres. That's the problem.
The new generation can't identify with the past and its up to the movieindustry and theatre federations to modernise they appeal and the experience. Along with the original version of Shakespeare's plays, the modern, experimental versions have been introduced even to the extent of converting such plays into ballets. The works of Rabindranath Tagore and Kazi Nazrul Islam aren't presented well enough in the modern concept. To those not initiated in the Bangla of a century and a half ago, Tagore and Nazrul's literature and poetry will not resonate. And peoples' representatives have to be aware that the devices through which digitalisation will be beneficial for the public have taken the lead in providing the entertainment.
Theatre Groups had a major impact in the eighties, their platform used to create awareness about democracy and values. The traits have continued along similar lines though there have been sparkling changes in technology and the use of sound and light. These media are pivotal in connecting the past with the present. The true trial of creative persons comes in making our yesterdays, relevant today. A technology and knowledge based society is as successful as its inclusiveness. The Padma Bridge will open to traffic some day as will the Metro Rail. How these can be pillars of disseminating historical elements delivered for the present day as experience rather than just reading up about, requires input of those for whom it is intended. News cannot be just of improvement, the quality of implementation and the utility thereof has to be relevant.
Multinational businesses have yearly brain storming sessions to try and crystal-gaze the future. The political arena is no different. With strategic goals to be achieved older strategies have to be refined. New approaches aren't luxuries; they are essential. Reinvention has to be a conscious effort even when going times are tough. Bengal will be of gold similar but different to the past and the shimmer will change.
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