KOLKATA, Jan 17: While Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s revolution gave Bangladesh its freedom in 1971, it was his daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who wrought a “second revolution” by defeating dictatorship and re-establishing democracy, eminent thinker M J Akbar has said, describing her as a Bangla ‘braveheart’.
Akbar, veteran journalist and former Union minister, also said that Bangladesh is moving along the path to be a “modern” nation.
He was in conversation with Syed Badrul Ahsan, Dhaka-based author and journalist, on India-Bangladesh relations, at a function organised by an organisation, India Narrative, in Kolkata on Monday.
“The 1971 war was not only a war for liberation. It was also a war of ideology,” said Akbar, a former Rajya Sabha MP.
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led a revolt to free East Pakistan and create Bangladesh in 1971, Akbar said, adding that his daughter “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina led a second revolution by defeating dictatorship and re-establishing democracy”.
She can be described as “Banga beer” (Bangla braveheart), he said.
From the time of the French Revolution, people hear about Liberty, Equality and Fraternity, the veteran journalist said.
“Now, another important element must be added to that – Modernity. Modernity is democracy, modernity is religious freedom, and most importantly, elimination of poverty. Bangladesh is moving towards modernity,” he said.
Bangladesh is a strong state, Ahsan said, adding that it adopted its constitution within a year of getting liberated and held its first general election within two years. (PTI)
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