Distorted history
On 10th April 1971, the formal proclamation of independence was made terming Bangladesh as a Sovereign People's Republic and it was resolved that the order would be deemed to have come into effect from 26th March 1971. There is a dispute over whose message of declaring independence was first broadcast and this is one of the issues for our political parties to be at loggerheads. What is important is whoever read out the message he just represented Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib as he was then imprisoned by the Pakistani army. Recently, the government reprinted the 'Bangladesher Swadhinota Juddho -- Dolilpatro' and branded Ziaur Rahman as the declarer of independence as part of their well orchestrated plan to distort history. Our liberation war harks back on a series of turmoil and a sense of unity was implanted among the Bengali people who treasured a dream of political emancipation from Pakistan. The seed of our independence was sown in the Language Movement in 1952 and through various upheavals in the 60's, including the six points programme, the nation achieved freedom.
Ziaur Rahman was a valiant freedom fighter but branding him as the hero of our war is an outright shroud over the truth. The pathways to the real history can be camouflaged for the time being but history always takes its own course. The revolution cannot take place by a sudden mouthpiece from an army officer, but it is an aftermath of a great movement.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.