The way forward

Forty five years after independence, the revolutionary dreams for which our forefathers fought are still at issue. We are the heirs of that revolution against oppression and injustice. The torch has been passed to a new generation of Bangladeshis - born in a free country, proud of an ancient heritage, set to conquer the world. Let us stand guard and be ready to pay any price, bear any burden and meet any hardship to assure the survival and the success of the freedom that was a gift to us from men and women who gave their lives and honour for it. Let all countries know that we intend to remain the master of our own house.

We do not have two futures but one. A future where the strong are just, the weak secure, and the peace and harmony preserved. We may not see this realised in our lifetime. But let us begin.

In our hands lies the success or failure of that endeavour. The freedom fighters who answered the call to duty dreamed that freedom would improve our lives and give us dignity. Now the trumpet summons us again -- not a call to bear arms; but a call to bear the burden of a longer struggle -- a struggle against our common enemies: corruption, social injustice, disregard for discipline, bigotry. The faith, the devotion and the energy which we bring to this endeavour will light our country and all who serve it.

So let all sides begin anew -- keeping in mind that civility is not a sign of weakness. Let all sides seek to invoke the best in us instead of the worst. For about two hundred years British and French politicians talked about constructing a tunnel under the English Channel. Once the politicians came to an agreement, engineers built it in six years.

United, there is little we cannot do. Split asunder, there is little we can do. If we are to move forward, we must regenerate the sense of national unity and forge a consensus on national values and goals, as well as ways to attain these goals.  

This is not the time for cynicism and despair. The only way out is all in.

The writer is a member of the Editorial Team.