A 'Bangladeshi foreigner' reminisces
I also remember some of those days, for, as a young man, I was working in Bihar, India, with a Gandhian village development project. As soon as the Pakistan crackdown of 25/26 March 1971 took place and refugees started flooding across the border into India, I was asked by my organisation, OXFAM, to be based in Kolkata and run a huge refugee relief programme from there.
I remember digging graves for cholera victims in a refugee camp in Jalpaiguri, North Bengal.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. I remember hearing the harrowing accounts from some families who while fleeing their homes to come to India had lost some family members as a result of the cruelty of the Pakistan soldiers.
I remember asking OXFAM to airlift huge quantities-about one million doses- of anti-cholera vaccine and arranging mass vaccination at the border crossings with new intra-dermal jet sprays under high pressure via 'Panjet' and 'Pedojet' appliances. The fear was that Kolkata would be overtaken by a cholera epidemic.
I remember the pride with which the refugees kept their camps neat and clean despite the very heavy monsoon of that year which flooded many areas and forced OXFAM to use amphibious vehicles. I remember that to keep the spirits of the refugees high and full of hope for the future many refugee camps organised cultural activities, particularly singing.
I remember that most of the 36 staff I had at that time were refugees who had come across the border, some losing family members with heart attacks etc. on the way. Others were from West Bengal with Bangladeshi family links.
I remember buying 100,000 sarees, 100,000 lungis and ganjis and 300,000 sets of children's clothing. It was a commercial nightmare but it was achieved!
I remember the visit of Edward Kennedy to the camps where OXFAM was working and what an impact his visit had.
I remember being worried about the cold winter of 1971/72 in some border areas and the campaign we had to supply blankets and clothing to the refugees.
Whether the refugees in the camps or the people I met inside independent Bangladesh, I have felt that I had shared a history with these "Children of the Fire". I saw in their eyes, and felt in their handshake, an excitement and hope for the future.
It has been a privilege to share the struggles and the successes of my many Bangladeshi friends. It is always important to remember and not forget but it is even more important to look forward to future greater achievements for Bangladesh and Bangladeshis.