Overriding need for social justice

The nation is now in the midst of celebrations of the 40th year of its independence. Delight and exuberance characterised the 16th December, the red-letter day marking the liberation of the country following a bloody war for nine months in 1971. Fittingly, the "Victory day" had all the aroma of the occasion and the same will continue for the current month as December is considered the period of great achievement for Bangladesh. Countless people sacrificed their lives for this rare accomplishment while many others commit them selves in many forms and without their invaluable contributions at the altar of the motherland, today's sovereign country would not have appeared on the world map. Indeed, we owe it to the indomitable sons of the soil, who demonstrated extraordinary courage and valour in snatching the "Red Sun" of freedom from the forces, who were bent upon subjugating us. No doubt, the political leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman served as the beacon of inspiration all thorough the difficult path in the attainment of the hard-fought independence. December 16, 1971 made us aware that we are a proud independent country in the comity of nations and Bangladesh has traversed 40 long years since achieving the distinct identity. It has received its rightful place for itself on the global scene and as expected, Bangladeshis at home and elsewhere in the world are observing the four decades of the country's existence with pageantry and gaiety only seldom witnessed. The occasion, along with celebration, is one of soul-searching too, whether we have been able to materialise the dreams of the Father of the Nation and the freedom fighters. For, political independence, needless to say, becomes largely insignificant when the economic freedom remains a distant goal. A happy and healthy society in Bangladesh, where the minimum needs of the people have been met, unfortunately remains a mirage much to our shock and dismay. It is not meant to say that milk and honey would flow within forty years of the attainment of independence and Bangladesh would be transformed into a nation of Western standards in terms of social welfare that is witnessed in many countries. Arguably, this would be a folly to expect given the ground realities of economic and other constraints. But the question is, why are things not better for the masses forty years after independence? Are the people satisfied with the economic and social conditions? One does not need any research or careful study for the answer, which is obviously a straight "No." And the tragedy is that while the masses continue to slog under multi-faceted economic and social problems, a small but highly fortunate group continues to prosper. The yawning gap between the "haves" and the "have-nots" is widening alarmingly and this is so pronounced that at times common people take this as fait-accompli! Because, those at the helm in successive periods, have one thing in common and that is turning a blind eye to the miseries of the masses. It is quite likely that the politically biased persons would not feel comfortable with such observations as they seek to watch matter from a prism that is mostly murky. Regardless of such parochial approach, one would definitely not hesitate to agree that economic plight of the people continues to worsen no matter which particular party is in power. When the government and the opposition swap their positions, they accuse each other of corruption, self-aggrandisement and what not! But many people believe that they are two sides of the same coin. Probably, one speaks little more about independence or the other talk little more about religion and other matters. There is also a discernible difference in their attitude towards regional countries, especially the immediate big neighbour. They talk big about "noble" subjects like "international peace and stability" or "the climate change" and such issues. Undeniably, all these are important, but what is more important is the condition of the people, which unfortunately receives the least attention and hardly admitted by the government in power. This denial refuses them the opportunity of looking dispassionately at their own performances. A particularly worrying aspect is the ever increasing economic and social gap between the vast majority and a small number of "Lucky" people who are enjoying the fruits of independence. Corruption and other menaces are eating up people's wealth. Most people are in dire straits, while the "fortunate" are not only thriving, but taking the rest for a ride in Bangladesh. Ob the one side, there is so much of grandeur and glitter, on the other, gloom and darkness. Maybe, some people will argue that so much has been achieved for the common people. These arguments hardly carry any weight. How long can society remain subdued, if such tendency goes unabated? Whether it is Marx or Engel's "socialism" or Islamic concept of "equality" or Bangabandhu's "socialism" as enshrined in the four pillars of our state principles, Bangladesh must have social justice. Any failure on this score will bring inexorable disaster of colossal magnitude. The classic song of our liberation war "Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy" rightly mentions "Anna" (food), Bastra (clothes) "Chikitsha" (medicare) and other basic necessities for the people. Have we been able to achieve any of these? We owe it to our people and the martyrs. Will we move in that direction or continue to remain engrossed in narrow interpretations of our independence? The freedom has to be made fruitful for all and this was the dream of the Father of the Nation and the countless freedom fighters. ....................................... zaglulbss@yahoo.com