Thank you for bringing Bangabandhu closer to us with Mujib Graphic Novel
March 17 is an important day engraved in the minds of all Bangalees. It is the birthday of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and it falls among handful of significant dates concerning our nation.
He is a figure looked upon by all the civilians of my country which is why his birthday is so hugely acknowledged. Say, if he weren't born, our lives as Bangalees would be so different to how it is now.
We would have lingered around for freedom for ages longer.
He caused so many changes, granted us so many opportunities, helped us earn our lingual independence and paved the path to our nation becoming what it is now. One of the major historical milestones which he contributed in setting, as previously mentioned was with the issue of our lingual independence.
February 21 marks victory against the forced law of the undesired Urdu language set upon the country by the Pakistani government.
In the early 2000s, our honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, found her father's old diaries and autobiographies from when he was in jail. It unlocked heaps of undiscovered information from that time that concerned Bangabandhu.
This was shared, bound in books and thousands of copies were sold to interested readers. Of course, the vast majority were adults with the capability to understand the comparatively intricate vocabulary used, which limited the option for children like me to explore those at least in my eyes unturned chapters of history, until the Mujib Graphic Novel series was created.
A comic book that contained these untold events in seemingly simple language, easy enough for a youngster like me to understand and read with bated breath. To be able to enlighten me on such details in such a fun and engaging way wasn't even in my group of thoughts. But, now that I have learnt the completed chronicle of this time, I am passing the knowledge forward in my own words for all the other children deeply committed to knowing these stories as I was.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the one and only Father of the Nation. His name carries the feeling of pride and courage in the hearts of all Bangalees. His life demonstrates one of a life-long legend and a hero set out to help those in need. But, to those who complete the greatest of tasks, the hardest of responsibilities and obstacles are given.
In his youth, he was a fun-loving and well-mannered boy. The type to help out with plain household chores, share their umbrella with a friend who forgot to bring one, wrap a warm cloth around a stranger for their comfort while sacrificing his own.
He had a pure heart and an ambitious driving spirit. At a young age, his thirst for justice grew as his eyes opened to the cruelty of the world, awakening his desire to pave that path himself.
Of course, along his way to becoming the political benchmark he was seen as by most came many calamities and challenges. Yet the fire lit inside him never dimmed regardless of the harsh terrain he went through, and while inspiring himself he led the way for all those who followed him.
During the Language Movement in 1952, he had many significant acts which added to the large efforts put in by many others. Although when the march itself took place, Bangabandhu was imprisoned, he still helped with strategising, uplifting morale and much more through the little contact he maintained with the outside world.
The rallies raged outside with justice-seeking students fighting for our lingual independence, facing the Pakistani military junta while under intense shoot downs with bravery and pure blood-boiling fury.
Gaining back the freedom of speaking Bangla was one of the most honourable victories our nation has. Bangabandhu touched the souls of the entire land leading them to the victory we rejoice today.
His determination for making his dream a reality is why we can live in an independent Bangladesh today.
The writer is a class five student at Scholastica.