Editorial
Textbook Board rewrites history of Bangladesh
Travesty of truth to end
The government decision to give Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman his rightful place in the nation's history has been duly reflected in the National Curriculum and Textbook Board's initiative to incorporate the necessary changes in the textbook. In the new editions of books for classes 1 to 5 and 6 to 10 for the year 2008, due recognition will be given to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the Father of the Nation and the contribution of other national leaders in the liberation war in 1971. Due place will be given to former president Ziaur Rahman for proclamation of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu at the outset of the liberation war. The steps will no doubt lend authenticity to the history of Bangladesh, which has been distorted many times over in the past. No nation can earn the respect of other nations if its history continues to remain in a haze of deception. Bengalees had earned the respect and support of the entire world when they rose as one against the oppressive rule of the West Pakistani military junta. The liberation war in 1971 culminated in the creation of Bangladesh, the first ever independent nation-state of the Bengali speaking people in the world. But its euphoria was cut short when in 1975 Bangabandhu was brutally assassinated. It was since then that attempts were made to obliterate his role and that of other national leaders in the creation of Bangladesh and rewrite history from a partisan point of view. The name of late Ziaur Rahman, who made signal contribution to the liberation war in his own right, was used in the game of placing him at a higher level than that of Bangabandhu. In the sordid affair it was the truth that became the casualty. The historical decision taken by an interim, non-elected government concerning the rightful place of Bangabandhu in the nation's history has amply exposed the blatant partisanship and moral and intellectual bankruptcy of the politicians who endeavoured to reap benefits from a divided nation. We feel that when in last March chief of army staff Gen. Moeen U Ahmed said that Bangabandhu's rightful place could not be established in 36 years, he in fact spoke for the majority of the people and brought the issue on to the centre stage of discourse. We commend him for it. The people also need to be made aware of the roles played by the Razakar, Al-Badar and Al-Shams who collaborated with the occupation forces to deny the Bengalees their coveted dream -- Bangladesh. We once again welcome the decision to rewrite the textbooks, which should end the travesty of our national history.
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