From: raza@ee.umr.edu (Md Ishfaqur Raza)
Subject: Re: Victory Day in Bangladesh!!!
Date: Sat, 19 Dec 1992 21:36:10 GMT
Organization: University of Missouri - Rolla

In article <1992Dec19.180659.13132@topaz.ucq.edu.au> salama@topaz.ucq.edu.au writes:
>In article <1992Dec17.085136.6352@umr.edu>, raza@ee.umr.edu (Md Ishfaqur Raza) writes:
>> 
>> Md Ishfaqur Raza
>> .
>
>
>Dear Ishfaqaur Raza,
>
>   I have no intention of flaming any hatred but it annoys me when the people
>ignore the other side of the coin.
>   Salam.
>


Mr Salam ;

Let me speak here for myself.


It was a very sad event in the history of the subcontinent. Events that took 
place that led to the separation of the state of Pakistan was insulting, 
particularly to Islam which savors the creation of a state without 
frontiers. I only can understand your true feelings if only I could have been
in your shoes.

The question of how much I know of the history of the independence is a bit 
personal is'nt it. 

 Being a Bangladeshi, It concerns me 
when the nation, its citizens or its interests are hurt. It is barbaric for me
to suggest that I will want anything that is good for Bangladesh at the cost
of other nations or states. But naturally I cannot accept the ideology of 
sacrificing when and still I am being hurt. Let me enlighten you with an e.g.

A devout Malaysian guy here in my univ. was baffled at the history that why was
Bangladesh so mad at the Jamaat party when they were championing the cause of
Islam. People swallow info only which that interests them. I told him the facts
(none fabricated or manipulated) about the killing of Muslims and Hindus.He knew
nothing. Pakistan army fought the war in the name of Islam(quote me a line from
Quran which justified their action). 

You have mentioned aboutkilling and atrocities
by forces on our side. We are and were no angels. We had definitely committed
lots of errors ( even before the decalration of independence). But what would
you expect a nation deprived of their rights, their resources and dignity.
Did you expect that we sit down and wait for good people to come to power ???
Did you expect the Bangalees to swallow and tolerate ? Some people do get 
emotionally involved and do commit grave error while trying to vent their
feelings. Some do take advantage of the situation. A lot of bangladeshis did
take advantage. I am sorry if that did hurt(which ofcourse had)you or any 
pakistanis. But you can never justify what pakistan did to a nation so rich and
peaceful to a nation so desperate and handicapped. Events leading to 1971 was
the result of decades of unfair and partisan distribution. Some of you I know
uphold the fact that how come Bangladesh is not prospering now after 21 years
of independence. Be practical, don't be cynical, don't be pathetic. 
Give me a break. After 1947 Bangladesh had gone through a state of
transition ,most of its vital organs were taken away. And as 1971 strolled
by we found ourselves without the life supporting machinery. A nation of naive
and genteel breed has been striving to get started. As as long as the pain is
here we will curse the ones who did it to us. It is very hard to have Ihsan
( forgiveness) in the heart when you have so much pain. We are not that cynical
that we want Insan ( justice), because we are forgiving. But when we go to
sleep every night or when we are pushed to wall with reality, nightmares haunt 
us.

People of Bangladesh, with its land and culture, have always been naive but 
critical of outsiders, their culture and their influence. We have always 
reacted when our heritage and egos are hurt ( Bangla Lang Movement), but we are
the last people who want to impose on anybody else. Bangladesh today symbolises
equality (though not apprehended by all). Pakistan tried to impose . We cannot
forget so easily. We cannot overlook the past because of improper or even 
heinous behaviour by some other bangladeshis. The picture has to be seen at  
greater  dimensions. Do not localize yourself to some particular corners.
History painted the canvass .History is not blind like justice.

My sincerest understanding for what you are going through. I for myself would
like to have those criminals pay for their crimes. Their are limits to crimes
even during war. Even if Pakistan wishes to overlook its follies, I will not
compromise the wrong done by our side. But beware do not confuse between war 
and criminal casualty. We have made our leaders pay for their errors. But they
did not cause the independence to take place out of their own interest. Time was
the hostage of Pakistan, we had to release it at any cost. Thank Allah that it
did not last a day more. 

Islam is more than just the shahada and namaz. Islam
preaches brotherhood and fraternity. My hands out to you, let us join hands. But
we cannot erase the past. We cannot disregard the past. If that is the price
than Bangladesh and Pakistan has a long way to go. 

 Md Ishfaqur Raza
.