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Can our past political history be erased?

Published : Sunday, 23 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 428
Arnab Ashraf
Bangladesh's political landscape has been shaped by a complex history of deep-rooted divisions and power struggles. The scars of the past conflicts continue to influence the present. The country's journey has been defined by its War of Liberation in 1971, the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and the political evolution of parties that have since risen to power.

One of the contentious aspects of that political evolution is the role of Jamaat-e-Islami, a group whose involvement during the liberation war has remained an issue of controversy and its transformation from an isolated organization into a full-fledged political party has also been a subject of discussion. This transformation continues to evoke questions about the politics of memory and justice in Bangladesh.

In the immediate aftermath of the 1971 war, the founder of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, sought to build a new nation based on the ideals of independence, democracy, and justice. His vision was clear: Bangladesh must forge a new path, free from colonial oppression and internal conflicts. But, as history unfolded, different political actors over the years took divergent paths. General Zia, who took power after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, responded to internal pressures that increasingly differed from Sheikh Mujib's vision. Despite facing pressures to erase the legacy of Sheikh Mujib, Zia came up with the resolute declaration: "History can't be erased."

Fast forwards to the present day, and that declaration seems even more poignant as the political situation in Bangladesh becomes increasingly polarized. Jamaat-e-Islami, despite being accused of collaborating with Pakistani forces during the 1971 war has managed to maintain a strong political presence. It has even managed to transform from being a banned entity into a legitimate political force, able to participate in elections. This transformation raises important questions about accountability, justice, and the possibility of erasing a dark chapter from the nation's past.
At the same time, political players like BNP have been involved in ongoing debates about the legitimacy of political parties and leadership in the country. Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, a senior leader (Joint Secretary General) of the BNP, reportedly asked why AL should not be allowed to conduct politics under what he described as "clean leadership." This statement hints at AL's return to Bangladesh politics.

The question arises-can AL, a party so deeply entrenched in the history of Bangladesh's liberation struggle, really be erased from the political landscape? The past has shown that attempts to erase or diminish the legacies of political figures, whether it's Sheikh Mujibur Rahman or General Zia, were not successful. As General Zia's response indicated, history cannot simply be erased, no matter how much political forces may wish it to do.

In the context of current political tensions, especially under the interim government of Dr Muhammad Yunus, there are those who feel that reform should start with the elimination of AL. These critics argue that the AL's political dominance and historical legacy are detrimental to the progress of the country. Is it true?

The desire to start anew with fresh leadership, however, fails to consider the deep, emotional ties that the people of Bangladesh have to the AL's role in their country's independence. This is not simply about party politics. It is about national identity, memory, and the ideals of liberation.

The tension between the factions is becoming increasingly visible, and with political violence often erupting in the streets, the question remains: can Bangladesh survive another civil conflict? The resolve of the people to protect AL what they see as the legacy of their nation's liberation is immense.

The calls for reform cannot be ignored the weight of history, nor the immense challenges in attempting to "erase" the past. As one political observer put it, if Jamaat could not be brought to account properly for its wartime role, if General Ershad, despite his dictatorial regime, could not be held accountable for his actions then should it be justified to put in efforts to erase AL?

Perhaps the true challenge lies not in the erasure of past political legacies but in the creation of a more inclusive and just future. Bangladesh's history is etched in the collective consciousness of its people, and as history teaches us, it is not easily erased.

The writer is a journalist with The Daily Observer


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