As we celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh we also are observing 50 years of genocide in Bangladesh. The two realities are intrinsically linked and one can’t have one without the other. If the formal independence is an issue of the institutions, the informal world, remembers the genocide more. However, it’s only in an independent state that one can discuss and seek resolution. Yet we have not progressed.
There is no shortage of memories but collection, categorization and preservation of such records are not orderly. Individuals have done so, a few institutions and universities may have also tried but all have a shortage of that necessary credibility that a state seeking initiative needs. To this has been added the problem of politics and sadly at the party level.
While the present Government has claimed 3 million dead, the present opposition has said the number is bloated up. But this conflict is about politics and not history. And like so many things in Bangladesh, many historians also take sides with one claiming more than 3 million were killed and the others saying the claimants are manufacturing facts.
If any serious history of genocide was the objective, we perhaps would not have had such a debate but since our objectives are not academic or a search for evidence, we end taking political positions and turning that debate into ugly mudslinging marches or worse. And since Facebook is the best space possible for this kind of activities and it’s so naturally friendly for the conflict dominated Bangladeshis mind, the rage and mudslinging has grown even if we don’t know significantly more about the issue. But then we must ask how sincere were our efforts to reach that objective ?
This year the big push is for a trial of the Pakistani war criminals and insisting Pakistan tender formal apology for its genocidal acts in 1971. However, going by the international environment and the lack of interest globally in the issue, we may be facing an uphill task. It does seem that we are fifty years too late. Why now we may be asked ? Are we only serious now after all these years when Covid pandemic is on ?
Nevertheless attempts can be made to document genocide methodologically and professionally. While everyone demands ”correct history” few demand correct methodology. The result is the current confusion and opportunity to create more conflict.
However, documenting genocide is the responsibility of all and before all memories are swept away by political conflict and acrimony not to mention death of witnesses, they must be preserved. While that is being done, the responsible authorities should start preparing a case that would be evidence and procedure wise sufficient to make it successful internationally. Meanwhile everyone should be made aware of these proven cases of genocide instead of just numbers of people killed.
It has to be a multi-pronged activity and taken as seriously as political objectives are taken by the state. Otherwise , it all will start sounding like just a lot of talk.
