This article was first published in the now-defunct daily Bangla newspaper on the occasion of the first independence anniversary in 1972. Later, on Independence Day in 1974, the article was reprinted in the weekly Bichitra, an associate publication of the same newspaper.
Tomorrow is the 45th martyrdom anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. On this occasion, discussions are being held about his life, work, and his extraordinary contributions to the liberation war and nation-building. Among these, eminent persons are suggesting adding his article 'The Birth of a Nation' as an 'historical document' of the liberation war to textbooks.
President of Bangla Academy and eminent educationist Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque has described the article as an historical document. He said, it is an excellent piece of writing and an historical document. It should be included in the curriculum.
Historian Professor Syed Anwar Hossain also agreed with Fazlul Haque's statement, saying, definitely, it needs to be included. The correct history of the liberation war is fading day by day. To preserve the history of 1971, this article should be part of the textbook.
Several other renowned educationists said that if the essay is included in textbooks, the future generation will be able to learn about various historical aspects of the liberation war and the emergence of Bangladesh.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University and Ambassador Dr. Anwarullah Chowdhury said, 'I have read the article. It is a very informative piece of writing. There is nothing misleading in it. It can be included in any subject related to Bangladesh Studies.'
Founding Vice-Chancellor of Thakurgaon University Dr. Md. Israfeel said, 'After the article was published, it garnered widespread praise for beautifully portraying the background of the start of the great liberation war.' He said, irrespective of religion, caste, or ethnicity, the new generation should know about this history.
Shortly after the Pakistani military began the infamous 'Operation Searchlight' on the night of March 25, 1971, then-army officer Major Ziaur Rahman organized the Bengali soldiers under his command in the port city of Chittagong and declared rebellion. At that time, he was the Second-in-Command of the 8th East Bengal Regiment.
When the article titled 'The Birth of a Nation' was published, Ziaur Rahman was serving as the Deputy Chief of Army Staff. His rank at that time was Major General. As a senior veteran army officer of 1971 and a brave freedom fighter, he had been promoted to this position.
March 26 is Bangladesh's Independence Day. Ziaur Rahman described this day in his memoir article as 'a day written in the hearts of Bengalis in letters of blood'. In the article, Ziaur Rahman wrote, 'Time was very precious. I called the battalion officers, JCOs, and soldiers. I addressed them. They knew everything. I told them briefly and ordered them to engage in armed struggle. They unanimously and cheerfully accepted this order.'
Ziaur Rahman mentioned that afterwards, he moved with the soldiers to the Kalurghat area on the outskirts of the port city.
Meanwhile, Bengali radio workers had set up a temporary and secret 'Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra' (Independent Bengal Radio Centre) there. From there, he declared the independence of Bangladesh.
In the memoir article, Ziaur Rahman also highlighted the cultural oppression of Bengalis and their political marginalization during the Pakistan era, based on his student life and early soldier life experiences. He particularly described the horrors of prolonged military rule. He wrote, 'After the creation of Pakistan, Mr. Jinnah (the founder of Pakistan) during his historic visit to Dhaka declared, "Urdu and only Urdu will be the sole state language of Pakistan." In my opinion, from that day, the seed of Bengali nationalism was sown in the hearts of Bengalis.'
In his writing, Ziaur Rahman further said, 'The founder of Pakistan himself sowed the seeds of destruction of this abnormal country in Dhaka that day.' According to him, the actions of the Pakistani junta made the armed resistance of Bengalis essential and inevitable.
In the article, Ziaur Rahman sequentially described the major political events that left a deep impression on his mind. Among these were the 1952 language movement; the 1954 general election; Ayub Khan's military rule; the 1965 Indo-Pak war; the nationalist movement of the sixties; and the 1970 general election.
Zia specifically mentioned that the deliberate obstruction of East Pakistan's development by Pakistani rulers, their demeaning attitude towards Bengalis, and steps to suppress the nationalist movement ultimately drove Bengalis towards the great liberation war. The 1969 mass uprising and the Agartala Conspiracy Case, filed with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the main accused, further consolidated the desire for independence.
Ziaur Rahman wrote, 'The outcome of that case (Sheikh Mujib's unconditional release) fostered unity among Bengali army, navy, and air force members... they also expressed solidarity with the Bengali (civilian) population.
'The Awami League's absolute victory in the 1970 election was a major shock for the Pakistani rulers. Their procrastination and conspiracy in transferring power further heated up the political situation. As a result, a nationwide non-cooperation movement began in March 1971.'
Ziaur Rahman wrote that the Pakistani army then began secretly strengthening preparations for a military operation. And it was in this context that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman delivered the historic speech of March 7.
The article further states, 'Sheikh Mujib's historic speech of March 7 at the Racecourse Maidan came to us as a "green signal". After that, we finalized our plans... then came the dark night of March 25 and 26.'
Zia mentioned that on the night of March 25, Pakistani forces carried out brutal genocide on unarmed Bengalis in Dhaka and other major cities. Those horrific moments became the final turning point for Bengalis to take the 'right decision' to plunge into the liberation war.
During the liberation war, Zia was first a sector commander and later his unit transformed into a brigade-sized force named 'Z Force'.
Ziaur Rahman, one of the bravest freedom fighters and military generals of 1971, later emerged as a statesman. Taking on the responsibility of running the country as President, he brought a new turn in politics and introduced 'Bangladeshi nationalism', which encompasses territorial sovereignty, religious identity, and multi-cultural citizenship. After coming to power, he introduced multi-party and parliamentary democracy, abolished the one-party BAKSAL rule, and ensured freedom of expression so that the country could progress through the collective efforts of people of all classes, professions, castes, and religions.
