I had the opportunity to read in the newspaper some of the write-ups included in this recently published book 'Reflections at Twilight'. Retiring after about 35 years' yeoman service to the nation Prof. Sarwar Md. Saifullah Khaled has done a similar, nay, a greater service to the posterity by the hard labour he has put in to give his thoughts a concrete shape. As I read the book, above all other aspects, what has charmed me the most is the patriotic and philanthropic zeal which permeates the 304 pages of the book. "End justifies the means", the writer quotes from Machiavelli. The time and background of the book reminds me of the Italy during Machiavelli's times; and I have often found a strange 'communion' between Prof. Khaled and Machiavelli at least in the objective of their writings. It is difficult to explain, but a sort of similarity in thoughts certainly exists between them. I would rather choose to leave it to the readers for them to identify it.
Prof. Khaled has within him a surge of spirit that remains undaunted. Such people are not always popular. He is a man of great courage, never afraid of criticism, disfavour or displeasure. He always calls a spade a spade. Such men in society are not liked by many. He goes his own way. And his is the way of his conscience.
Shakespeare says, "In the fatness of these pursy times virtue itself of vice must pardon beg". Prof. Khaled's reflections may please some, and displease many. About a section of bureaucrats he says: "They in their life enjoyed the sweet fruits that were both hanging from the branches and the ones that had fallen underneath the tree."
The author has touched upon multiple subjects. There are crucial issues of cultural, religious and national importance. Governments have come and have gone, but our problems go on forever. The 'doctrine of necessity' has multiplied problems for the nation. People attuned to earthly, shallow issues never ponder the serious subjects, i.e. the fundamental state policies in the Constitution.
While reading the author's Reflections, one can easily feel how his heart aches when an OSD (officer on special duty) commits suicide; or when a lady computer operator loses her job just for the police report that some of her family members support the opposition party.
The author has dealt with varieties of issues, ranging from cultural, agricultural, social and political to those religious, national, international, etc. Bangladesh in its current state, compared to its near and distant past, has been viewed with the eyes of an economist. A careful study portrays the writer as a mystic, a spiritualist and, above all, as a true patriot. He has referred to many illustrious philosophers, political writers, economists et al. Greco-Roman classical thinkers like Aristotle, Plato are also there. Oriental philosophers like Allama Iqbal are there. Bertrand Russell, Schopenhauer have also been mentioned. Prof Saifullah Khaled has alluded to many economists - from Amartya Sen to Paul Samuelson.
The book is well written, the language is lucid, and words are spontaneously, but carefully, chosen. When it comes to style, the author has attained the clarity of a seasoned writer. His vocabulary is quite rich. Sometimes he betrays a liking for unfamiliar words as do a number of 'modern poets'. Apart from a few structural lapses, common among journalists, Prof. Khaled's English is neat, pleasant and easy to understand.
Some incongruity might be noticed by the reader. Since the pieces have been arranged according to their dates, an international issue seems to follow a local one abruptly. From local issues the writer has skipped over to global ones. From Sonar Bangla he has shifted to Palestine; with the Middle East, the PLO, Arafat and his DNA test etc. becoming his topics. RMG, SAARC, BIMSTEC, TICFA - these issues have also been discussed with their backgrounds and objectives.
Prof. Saifullah Khaled has made full use of his wide study, long experience and sagacity.
In spite of some minor lapses, the book deserves to be read and re-read by curious people of all ages.
The reviewer is former professor and Head of the Department of English, Comilla Victoria College. [email protected]
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