A 10-year-old’s memory of Bangabandhu’s speech
My father late Barrister Kazi Zahurul Alam, was one of the lawyers defending Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman during the Agartala Conspiracy Case. He was also very involved in the mass movement to remove the dictator Ayub Khan, and the infamous governor of erstwhile East Pakistan Monem Khan.
Even as a 10-year-old, I remember the excitement and tensions of that time. During the mass movement, the country was almost under constant curfew. On March 7, my father along with a few friends headed towards the Race Course. There were thousands of people present, the mood was jubilant, almost festive. There was also an air of rebellion, optimism and purpose. We could hear Bangabandhu's charismatic voice on the loudspeaker. Despite the thousands present, the crowd was organised without even a hint of chaos or disorder. My father was a young man at the time, barely in his early 30s. I was quite surprised to see the respect he commanded.
I felt proud and honoured to be present at that historic occasion. Overall, in my young memory, the thing that I mostly remember is Bangabandhu's charisma and his almost hypnotic command over the people present. Everyone was hungry to hear his words and instructions for the coming days. I consider myself lucky to be present at the most important day, perhaps in the history of our nation.
Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu!
Arif Alam, Dhaka
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