The Echoes of 1971: Bangladesh’s Path from Victory to Recent Strife

Pic: PTI

“Jung hai jurrat toh mohabbat kya hai

Kaid parinde ki hasrat kya hai

Aazadi ke naam pe kitne hai maatam

insaan pe insaan hai aakhir kya haakam”

“If war is audacity, then what is love?

What is the desire of a caged bird?

How many mourning’s are there in the name of freedom?

What is the right of man over man.”

Pippa, a 2023 Hindi-language biographical war film, concludes with these lyrics by Shellee set to music by A.R. Rahman, reflecting the inevitable loss of conflict despite the euphoria of victory.

 On December 16, 1971, Bangladeshis overthrew the brutal authoritarian West Pakistani regime that seemed unstoppable and had the support of the United States. I believe they could because they were pushed to the limit with no means of self-expression. When you’re treated like you do not matter and your way of life is under attack, leading you to lose all hope, you will be driven to fight. However, that victory came at a tremendous cost: millions were killed, around 400,000 women were raped, and in desperation, the regime murdered intellectuals and potential leaders.

 US leaders Nixon and Kissinger ignores the genocide despite US Consul General in Dhaka, Arthur Blood’s “Blood telegrams,” urging action. Instead, they supported the regime with arms and sent a naval fleet. While India provided political and military assistance, the victory was unequivocally that of the Bangladeshi people.

J. Krishnamurthy, the philosopher, said all conflict comes from ownership. Thus, when a few individuals attempt to hoard resources while alienating the majority, conflict becomes inevitable.

 During the making of Pippa and on previous trips to Bangladesh, I was fortunate to meet with diverse people-intellectuals, artists, musicians, businesspeople, and students. I noticed one common characteristic: their incredible cultural capital: a deep value for their tradition, music, and way of life. To me, it seems like this unity is what empowers them to rise in revolt whenever necessary.

 With Sheikh Hasina at the helm for 15 years, Bangladesh prospered economically, and social indicators improved. So, I wonder, why did we witness these recent events? How are the two rebellions similar? And what lessons can we learn from these situations?

I am neither a political scientist nor well-versed in Bangladesh’s politics. However, as a filmmaker I observed that in historical and recent conflicts, people in power seemed disconnected from ordinary people, believing they could be subdued by force.

 The events of 1971 demonstrated that no force can stand against the human need for self-determination and expression. There is no comparison to the brutality or issues that drove 1971. However, when people are pushed into despair, it triggers a need to express themselves. They will stand up for their rights.

 Propaganda and curated truth do not change reality. Suppressing dissent does not eliminate it. Without room for debate, conversation, or credibility for opposing points of view, the festering angst, even over minor issues can spiral into something much deeper. The need to be released from subjugation gives rise to rebellion, with a new beginning being the only acceptable solution.

 Instability only benefits bad actors who use it for their political gain. I hope that through the next few months, all political parties will find solutions to ensure Bangladesh’s stability. I hope, that the future is not taken for granted.

The writer is a film maker. Views personal.