We were never as a whole, we were being fed a lie back home. We cannot be blamed as a people, bureaucrats and politicians screwed us up.
Ah, the dichotomy between the people and the government. It'll always be there, but one where there's dynamism. Not something where people feel trapped.
You know, it is very interesting how we South Asians are so cocooned to our views such that we become so biased that it becomes a systematic habit. And that leads to making mistakes. And that in turn leads to suffering. I admit though that this phenomenon is extremely steep among Bangladeshis. They are are in essence trapped in a space they are not even remotely aware of. I would say the same to the Indians (though, they do have a functional democracy). Even though South Asian society is very complicated and diverse, there are reasons why South Asia had always consistently lagged behind their other Asian counterparts on nearly all metrics. Do you similarly feel trapped? That more could have been done for a better world so that we don't feel propelled to migrate abroad?
Like I said before, there is one establishment outside the government and any political party that does seek to undermine Pakistan and overestimate Bangladesh's achievements. It is this soft power that is being exploited. This is not to say that they are evil. Just misinformed, and perhaps weak. Not to mention, a society that makes people feel warm and fuzzy and make them feel closer to one another. It is perhaps the only thing they have left within their sociopolitical spectrum.
The Cold War is long over. 1971 is long over. It shouldn't cast any shadow not just on your country, but nobody. Everyone should be happy, advancing and prosperous and yet we fret over who's version of history is correct. So much so, that some are availing it (a very evil thing to do) just to make themselves look more powerful.
During my recent trip to Malaysia, I went to Kinokuniya - A global bookstore chain containing all sorts of books. I couldn't resist the urge to visit the War Section. So much knowledge out there ranging from the middle ages till the military conflicts of today. Yet, virtually nothing on Indo-Pak wars - let alone 71'. Not a single book of a theater of war that killed three million Bengali people. Is it not strange? And here we are in Bangladesh today along with their Indian friends hounding their opponents and enemies over the most minute matters.
I believe that it is high time to open the books. Let's read about the actual experiences of Pakistani soldiers and their commanders. The failures, and how those lead to the result that is now Bangladesh. How can such failures be prevented for commanders in this day and age (an age presenting a unique set of challenges)? These could be done through academic work and publishing books through world-class publishers. A guide for any modern-day commander and even politicians. It may even force people to rethink of the future.
Your country has the actual experience here from a perceptive different of that of Indians. A perspective seemingly world-wide accepted view, but they are not facts and only what they view (thanks to soft power and their participation in journalism around the world). The Indians don't have that experience from your experiences. It is unique. To them, East Pakistan was just a land they can exploit for a strategically advantageous position. Wouldn't it prudent to use that experience rather than just sticking to old ways? I believe it is high time now.
The past should not pose as a cloud for anybody, nor should it be misused by some greedy potbellies.
. Karma is a bitch.
