Bangabandhu’s dream of a graft-free Bangladesh

, by Voice For Institutional Democracy

Bangabandhu’s dream of a graft-free Bangladesh

Bangabandhu strongly condemned corruption and irregularities, including smuggling, bribery, the black market and hoarding in several of his speeches which still stand relevant through the test of time

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Courtesy

Mamun Abdullah

Published: August 13, 2022 11:30 PM | Last updated: August 13, 2022 11:05 PM

Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman identified corruption as the number one priority for a nascent Bangladesh even before the country was born. Over four decades after his death, his daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, continues the struggle to realise his dream of a corruption-free country.

Bangabandhu strongly condemned corruption and irregularities, including smuggling, bribery, the black market and hoarding in several of his speeches. Many of his warnings and suggestions still stand relevant through the test of time.

‘Mail names of corrupt people on postcards’

In 1956, Bangabandhu entered the provincial coalition government as minister of industries, commerce, labour, anti-corruption, and village aid. The undisputed leader of Bengal declared his clear stand against corruption almost immediately.

During a public meeting organized by Pirojpur Awami League at the Gopalakrishna Town Club in September the same year, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said: “If there is corruption in any office or court and if anyone wants a bribe from you, immediately let me know by writing to me on a postcard, the price of which is about three paisa. I will take stern action against the corrupt people so that corruption will be stopped forever.”

He added that bribes would not be forgiven.

After the emergence of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu again placed the focus on corruption in his speech after returning to the country on January 10, 1972.

He said: “From today I have one request, from today one command, from today one order, given as a brother—not as a leader, nor as the president or as the prime minister. I am your brother, you are my brother.

“This independence of mine will be futile if the people of my Bengal are not fully fed on rice. This independence of mine will be futile if the mothers and sisters of Bengal do not get clothes. This independence of mine will be futile if the mothers and sisters of this country do not get clothes for the protection of their modesty. This independence of mine will be futile if the people of this country, the youth, do not find employment or get jobs.”

“My brothers, you know, we have a lot of work to do. I want all my people to begin work on the construction of the roads where they are broken. I want you all to go back to the field and cultivate paddy.”

“I want to tell employees, do not take bribes, not even a single person. Remember, it was an opportune moment then, but now I will not forgive bribes,” he further said.

Corruption has no place on Bangladesh soil

In his address to young army officers at a graduation parade at the temporary Bangladesh Military Academy premises at Comilla Cantonment on January 11, 1975, Bangabandhu again declared his struggle against the corrupt and promised to win.

He said: “Our independence has cost us so much blood, but character has not changed much. Bribe-mongers, corrupt, black marketeers, thieves, and rent-seekers have made the lives of the distressed people unbearable. For three long years, I have requested, pleaded, threatened, but the devil would not listen to the scriptures. But no more.

“I promise that if I can continue to struggle against the Pakistani oppressors Jinnah, Ghulam Mohammad, Chowdhury Mohammed Ali, Ayub Khan, Yahya Khan for twenty-five years, and If I can achieve independence for 75 million people, then can I not [root out corruption]? Surely I can, Insha’Allah. The smugglers, the extortionists, and the profiteers have to be eliminated from the soil of this Bengal. I make this promise, and you, the people of Bengal, too make this promise.

“The martyrs did not shed their blood for this. Thousands of smugglers, profiteers, and bribe-mongers are laundering national wealth out of the country and killing people by depriving them of food. They have to be uprooted from the chest of Bengal. Let’s see how far they can survive. Whether the power of the thief or the power of the believer is greater will be proven.”

Second revolution against corruption

Bangabandhu addressed the last public meeting of his life on March 26, 1975, at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan on the fourth anniversary of independence. The advertisement for that historic speech, which was published in the newspapers, mentioned that Bangabandhu would explain the “second revolution.”

In his speech, he indicated that a change in the system of governance was necessary to eradicate corruption.

“Who is corrupt today? He who cheats is corrupt. He who takes bribes is corrupt. The person who smuggles is corrupt. Anyone who does black marketing is corrupt. The hoarder is corrupt. Those who do not perform their duties are corrupt. Those who work against conscience are also corrupt. Those who sell out the country to foreigners are also corrupt. We have to begin our struggle against these corrupt people,” he said.

He added that it would not be possible to stop corruption through law alone, and the support of the people was needed.

“I called upon you [in 1971] to transform every house into a fort. The number one priority today is to root out corruption from Bangladesh’s soil. I need your help. I will enforce the law and I will not spare anybody. There has to be a people's movement to socially boycott bribe-takers and the corrupt”

“Who can do it? My student brothers can do it. The youth can. Intellectuals can. The people can. You have to convert each house into a fort, but this time against corruption, so that we can alleviate the sufferings of the toiling masses of Bangladesh.”

At the conclusion of the speech, he said: “When a nation begs, begging for food or money, that nation cannot have dignity. I do not want to be the leader of a beggar nation. The number one priority is to eliminate corruption. Number two is to increase production at factories and farms. Number three is population planning, and number four is national unity. . A party has been formed to build national unity. Those who love Bangla, believe in its ideals, respect the four state ideals, walk on the right path, they will all be members of this party. Foreign agents who take money from the external enemy have no place in it.

Presented By- Dhaka Tribune

Published: August 13, 2022 11:30 PM | Last updated: August 13, 2022 11:05 PM

Endless gratified thanks for reading / watching /listening

About Me:

My philosophical stance revolves around the belief that the ultimate outcome of faith is love, and that love leads to service, which in turn leads to peace, as articulated by the wise words of Mother Teresa. I hold a strong conviction that dedication to individuals suffering from adversity is a vital component of a meaningful existence. As for my interpersonal relationships, I value my innermost being that embodies a harmonious blend of passion, confidence, equilibrium, empathy, generosity, communication skills, amiability, sensitivity, inventiveness, respect for all individuals, dependability, and a steadfast adherence to ethical principles. Additionally, I have made a conscious decision to abstain from any form of violent behaviour. In my capacity as an independent HR Defender, I am committed to advocating for human rights and safeguarding the welfare of those who have experienced marginalization or injustice. -Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Independent HR Defender

Vision and Mission:

My overarching aspirations are reflected in my vision and mission statements. Firstly, I envision a world where the next generation of children can thrive in a united global community that embraces a single identity and curriculum through my initiative titled "One World, One Identity, One Curriculum." Secondly, my mission involves advocating for the establishment of institutional democracy and good governance as a means of laying a robust foundation for the progress and development of our nation. Furthermore, I am committed to ensuring the safety and protection of minority communities in Bangladesh by creating a permanent protection system. Additionally, I harbor the ambitious vision of reuniting Great India by 2050, which represents a grand undertaking. As an independent HR Defender, my mission is to promote human rights protection and uphold institutional democracy and good governance to foster a strong and equitable society. Through our "One World, One Identity, One Curriculum" initiative, we aim to provide all children with equal access to high-quality education regardless of their social backgrounds. We are determined to establish a permanent protection system that safeguards the well-being of minority communities in Bangladesh. -Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Independent HR Defender

The Reunification of Great India is an Ambitious Initiative: A Vision of 2050

The Indian subcontinent has a long and complex history, with various empires and kingdoms ruling the land for centuries. However, with the arrival of colonialism, the region became divided and fragmented, leading to the creation of modern-day India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. This partition caused significant conflicts and divisions between the people of the region. Today, there is a call for a bold and courageous step towards reunification, an initiative that can only be achieved through education. The power of education can build a sense of shared identity and purpose among the people of the subcontinent, with a one-world, one-identity, one-curriculum based education system. This can create a generation of young people who appreciate and respect the diversity of the region and promote harmony and unity. The government must take this initiative seriously and invest in building a world-class education system that can bring the nation together. Citizens must support this initiative and work towards a brighter and more prosperous future. Learning from the mistakes of the past, the people of the subcontinent can draw inspiration from the reunification of Germany in 1990 and work towards a similar outcome. However, building a strong foundation for the country requires more than just education. Good governance and institutional democracy are two key factors that play a significant role in building a strong foundation for any country. Good governance and democracy ensure accountability, transparency, and equal representation of citizens in the political process. Good governance is crucial for any country to maintain stability, growth, and development. It ensures that the government functions in a transparent and accountable manner, and all the decisions are made in the best interest of the people. A government that practices good governance encourages civic participation, promotes human rights, and fosters economic growth. Institutional democracy is a system that allows citizens to participate in the political process through elections, referendums, and other forms of civic engagement. It promotes equal representation of all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background, ethnicity, or gender. Institutional democracy encourages transparency and accountability in the political process, which fosters public trust in the government. To build a strong foundation, the establishment of a legal framework is required, outlining the rights and responsibilities of citizens and the government. This framework should ensure that all citizens have equal access to the political process and that the government is accountable to its citizens. In conclusion, the reunification of Great India is an ambitious initiative, requiring education, good governance, and institutional democracy. Building a strong foundation for the country is crucial to maintain stability, growth, and development. The establishment of a legal framework that promotes transparency, accountability, and equal representation of citizens in the political process is essential for citizens to trust their government, participate in the political process, and contribute to the development of their country. By prioritizing education, good governance, and institutional democracy, countries can build a strong foundation for a prosperous and sustainable future. Minhaz Samad Chowdhury Independent HR Defender

An Appeal for Permanent Protection System for Minorities of Bangladesh

Honorable Prime Minister, I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent attacks on minority communities in Bangladesh, and to urge your government to take immediate action to establish a protection system permanently for these communities. As you are aware, attacks on minority communities have been on the rise in Bangladesh in recent years, and the situation has become more urgent with the recent attacks in many places of Bangladesh. These attacks have caused significant harm and trauma to the affected communities, and it is crucial that your government takes steps to ensure their safety and security. To this end, I strongly recommend the establishment of a protection system for minority communities in Bangladesh, which could include the following measures: 1. Establishing a Constitutional Commission to oversee and monitor the protection of minority communities, and to ensure that their rights are fully respected. 2. Establishing Special Tribunals for speedy trial as a requirement in area basis, to ensure that any cases of violence or discrimination against minority communities are promptly and fairly addressed. 3. Establishing a special police force for the protection of minority communities, with a focus on preventing violence and discrimination, and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals. These measures, if implemented effectively, would go a long way in addressing the root causes of discrimination and violence against minority communities in Bangladesh, and would provide much-needed protection to those who are most vulnerable. I urge you to take immediate action to establish a protection system for minority communities in Bangladesh, and to ensure that the human rights of all individuals are fully respected and protected. Your leadership and commitment to these issues are critical in ensuring a more inclusive and tolerant society, where all individuals can live without fear of discrimination or violence. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Sincerely, --Minhaz Samad Chowdhury, Independent HR Defender

One World, One Identity, One Curriculum: A Vision for the Children of Tomorrow

As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and globalized, it is more important than ever for our children to have a shared understanding of what it means to be a citizen of the world. This vision of a unified world, with one syllabus, one curriculum, and one identity, is not only a dream for the future, but a necessary step towards building a better tomorrow. The idea of a unified world is not new, but it has never been more pressing than it is today. With the rise of nationalism and division, it is crucial that we provide our children with the tools and knowledge they need to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures, religions, and traditions that make up our world. A shared curriculum, with a focus on global citizenship and intercultural understanding, can help to break down barriers and foster a sense of unity and belonging among all people. A unified curriculum would also provide our children with a common foundation of knowledge and skills, allowing them to work together towards shared goals and aspirations. It would provide them with a sense of purpose and direction, and give them the tools they need to make a positive impact on the world. In order to achieve this vision, it is essential that we work together as a global community. Governments, educators, and organizations must come together to create a curriculum that is inclusive, accessible, and relevant to all. This curriculum must be grounded in the principles of equality, justice, and respect for all people, and must provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking skills, creativity, and empathy. Ultimately, the goal of a unified world, with one syllabus, one curriculum, and one identity, is to create a future where all children can thrive. It is a future where they can be proud of their unique heritage and culture, while also embracing the diversity of others. It is a future where they can work together to solve the challenges of our time and build a better world for all. In conclusion, let us strive to make this vision a reality for the children of tomorrow. Let us work together to create a world where all people are valued, respected, and have the opportunity to reach their full potential. Together, we can build a better future for the children of tomorrow. Minhaz Samad Chowdhury Independent HR Defender