Monday, November 3, 2008

Razakar: A true story [Dec 20, 2001]

Date: Thu Dec 20, 2001 9:43 am
Subject: Razakar: A true story


Dear Alochoks,

Let me tell you a true story. About a razakar in my own village closely
known to me. He is Abdul Aleem. A poor helpless and landless guy. He never
have a chance to go to school. So he dont know even how to sign his name. He
is literally a "shorbo hara". He lived with his mother and a younger brother
in a small bamboo-made house. Basically he was jobless and only sometimes he
works as a daily laborer. He was only 18 during the liberation war of 1971.

Abdul Aleem joined the war as a member of razakar force led by the local
peace commetee chairman. No ideal or philosophy works for this participation
except his appetite. Yes, this an occupation for him during the war and he
could earn Tk.15.00/month. He was happy to get this job, because he was able
to buy food for his family everyday.

The war is over and Abdul Aleem returned home from the war field and again
jobless days. No, the war didnt change his life at all. His life remains as
before. Now he is about 50. Yet he is struggling to buy food for his family.
Before last eid he came to me for some help. I try to do as much I am able
to do. I hate razakars true, but when I met Abdul Aleem, I cant think that
he is a razakar. Because his first identity is a Struggling Human Being. He
always shy about his role in 1971 even though he was forced to be a razakar
to meet his appetite. I can forgive them easily. I think there are thousands
of Abdul Aleem in Bangladesh. Sheikh Mujib declared general amnesty for
these peoples only.

But who still didnt accept the liberation war positively and continuing
their activities against all pro-liberation people, how can we forgive them.
Why should we do? Why they shouldnt be shy for their role in 1971 like
Abdul Aleem? Why they keep trying to spread out the wrong concept of
liberation war among the youths of this age?

Speaking to the young people like Mr Arif Joarder. Brother, can you forgive
a killer who murdered your father or mother or brother with a cool plan? I
am sure you will not forgive. But what do you feel if other people of your
city forgive and forget about the killings? Because other family didnt loose
any member and because you are minority victim among them. Will you accept
that? I am sure NO. So, please think same way for the families who had to
sacrifice their relatives life in 1971 and their feelings.

Or, can you justify the Israeli killings of Palestinian people for the sake
of majority or minority? All western powers are majority in Security Council
who directly or indirectly supporting these killings. Because they are
majority so UN cant take any step against Israel. Is that OK? Do you think
that US and allies attacks are right action in Afghanistan?

No brother, you cant justify everything just by majority. It shouldnt be.
Bangladeshi peoples are basically emotional. So their spirit doesnt survive
for a long time and they can forget anything very easily.

Forgive or forget the razakars doesn't have that much relation with our
development. Yes we must look forward instead look back. But that doesn't
mean to forget our history, our pains. We can forgive a person if he ask for
it. But why should we cry for the forgiveness what is not asked yet? Even
who feel proud to be a razakar? Didn't you hear (or read in the newspaper)
the slogan "amra sobai razakar, mukti joddhara bangla chhar" in last
October? I heard it. So for the honor of those who sacrificed their only
life for the sake of the independence, I cant forgive. I cant forgive him
who still proud to be a razakar or who don't feel shame for his role in
1971.

I am not asking for the punishment, but for the general amnesty they must
apologize to the martyrs for their wrong activities in 1971. Until that
nobody have the ETHICAL RIGHT to FORGIVE them.

Peace for all,

No comments: