The New Nation - Internet Edition

On horse trading

Farida Majid

Folks!

Have you never heard of "horse-trading"? From the dawn of civilization all politics in all places have been about "horse-trading." An exchange of 'koti taka' under the table merely smacks of crooked politics. Unless 'horses' are a part of a political deal it is not authentic politics, or economics, for that matter. American local politicians and statesmen knew a thing or two about 'horse-trading' from early 20th century on, which is why they prospered both domestically and worldwide to establish Pax Americana.

We could use some horse sense too in our regional politics. The problem is that this component of "horse-trading" has been missing in the relationship between Bangladesh and India due mainly to the shrill propaganda of the Jamaati political clout here and that of BJP over in India. So much of Jamaati anti-Indian cry is crass communalism that when India is seriously at fault in breaching a pact (Farakka Dam) or violating human rights (border patrol) the issues remain unresolved year after year.

Relentless India-bashing drummed up by Jamaat and other hues of Islamists depend heavily on communalism; both communalism and fundamentalism are founded upon dumbed-down versions of the world, society and religions. Somehow or other we MUST believe that India is equal to Hindu, and all good Muslims should hate Hindus (the flip side being all good Hindus must hate Muslims). You'd think that the strings of identity politics are still in the hands of the British colonial puppeteers, and we are all frozen in a time capsule, circa 1947, poised on the brink of a bloody communal riot.

The fact that India is the home of the largest single country Muslim population in the world is to be ignored. The fact that Muslims of Bangladesh, and also of Pakistan, are generically and culturally Indian Muslims is not to be taken into account. If, to a culturally knowledgeable person's ear, the anti-India talks of some of the Bangladeshis sound like a four-year-old child's babble, then that is what it is in most cases.

It is silly and totally wrong to believe that Bangladesh is a 'beggar' because it is a smaller country in size. With its huge population, BD is a lucrative market for Indian manufacturers, traders and investors. Similarly, India is to be treated as an eager customer for what BD has to offer for sale or barter for its manufactured goods, produce of natural resources and strategic geographic location. A little bit of 'horse-trading' could trot a long way towards a profitable trading partnership for both countries.

General Moeen U. Ahmed's visit to India in February 2008 is an interesting one and I do not much want to speculate on its political implications. The gift of the expensive horses by the Indian Armed Forces to the Bangladeshi General caught my attention. I must say that I was smitten by the beauty of the horses and their impressive pedigree! Hope the Deshi Army has enough stable-hands and experienced trainers to maintain and up-keep these splendid animals.

Speaking of the General's 'koti takar ghoRa', amidst the sniggers, chuckles, and party jokes, I want to share with people a little known fact of Bengal's history. Literally, not just figuratively, horse trading was of tremendous significance in the economic history of Bengal and, I imagine, of other Eastern states of India as well.

All historical accounts, aside from the imperialist history-writing of 19th century, give glowing description of the riches of India, and of the wealth of Bengal in particular. From at least the 3rd millennium BC up until the last quarter of 18th century, after the death of Siraj-ud-Dawla, we get a rosy picture of Bengal's economy. Alexander Dow, a Company man held East India Company wholly responsible for the devastating famine of 1770 and wrote in his Enquiry into the State of Bengal, 1772, that "it was one of the richest, most populous, and the best cultivated Kingdoms in the world."

Earlier, pilgrims, merchants and diplomats from China, in the 14th, 15th, and 16th centuries give accounts of Bengal's exports of fine rice, fine cottons, famous muslin, and other luxury handicrafts. "Clearly," writes Richard M. Eaton in TheRise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier: 1206-1760 (1993), p-97, "Bengal had become a major center of Asian trade and manufacture."

Trade means both export and import. Since precious metals were not mined in Bengal, silver and gold were imported from Burma and China to keep the Indo-Turkish rulers of Bengal happy with an abundant supply of coins. Some treasures were imported like brocade, silk and porcelain. Bengal's trade surplus would still be unaccounted for.

What else came from abroad that was very important and which Bengal did not have? Several years ago I picked up the telephone and asked Dick Eaton the question. "Horses," he replied.

They are not indigenous animals and did not thrive well in Bengal's climate. Yet horses were essential to trade, swiftness of transport and the maintenance of army and royalty. Performance of an engine -a political or economic engine - could be measured in horsepower back then long before James Watt invented the term.

Let us hope Moeen's horses, gifts themselves, are not bearing any untoward gifts. We will wait for the 'trade' part of the horse-trading to materialize in not too distant a future.

A homage to Abu Zafor

Takir Hossain

Professor Abu Zafor was born at Murshidabad District of West Bengal in 1937. He passed Honours in Bangla from Dhaka University in 1958 and completed his MA in 1960. He first joined B L College as lecturer. After that he shifted to Jaganath College and worked there for more than a decade. After retirement from teaching, he served in many important posts in the Education Ministry. He is one of our notable Bangla litterateurs, whose name is categorised with those who, though they wrote the least, shone the best. His four outstanding books are Anwishta Jiban (A collection of essays), Shahitte Samaj Bhabna, Hasan Azizul Huquer Galper Samajbastobata (Hasan Azizul Huque: A Critical Perspective) and Rabindranather Rajnoitik Chintadhara (Political Thought Process of Rabindranath).

Professor Abu Zafor, was a brilliant student, who secured position in all examinations in his life, and authored a large number of very original research papers in national and international journals. He also contributed regularly to a number of daily newspapers in our country. Professor Abu Zafor is also a prolific author, essayist and distinguished government high official. He attended several international conferences and seminars.

Poet Mahadev Saha comments, "Abu Zafor, highly educated and learned, was, therefore, not surprisingly a progressive and liberal minded personage. His proficient and thought-provoking writing has enlightened our literary world. It is befitting, consequently, that as a human being, he was very well-behaved."

Once renowned sculptor Hamiduzzaman Khan was very intimate with Professor Abu Zafor. When Hamiduzzaman first organised his solo sculpture exhibition at Fine Arts; Abu Zafor, despite being an introvert, enthusiastically visited the exhibition, his shyness being conquered by his passion for art. Professor Abu Zafor was very close to Hamiduzzaman Khan also. Hamiduzzaman expressed his feelings this, "Abu Zafor was individualistic and shied away from the atmosphere of humans occupied with fame, money, wealth and domination.

When the nation was faced by any critical situation, he came forward and helped us with his intelligence and advice. We always remember him with great respect. At present, we greatly miss his absence."

Abu Zafor is known for his iconoclastic views that brought the ugly umbrage of religious fundamentalists. He is known for speaking his mind. His books are popular and widely read.

Two books were published from Bangla Academy. But the books have not found the popular market, being more for the readers who are intellectually sound. These category of readers always like to read his works. Zafor was never seen to be hankering after name and fame. As one of our well-known essayist and critic, Abu Zafor always handled his work with a much meticulous thought and plan. In every essay, he articulates innovation in both form and content. Without novelty in thought and contemplation, in technique and narration he never ventured for an essay. With brilliant exposition, Abu Zafor has enriched our literature. It is obvious that Abu Zafor has selected such personalities, who are very close to our mind and soul.

It is true that research-oriented works are very limited in our literary field compared to other kinds of writings; but this is a truth that holds the world over. That is why though lots of novels, fiction works and even travelogues are seen in the book fair, the research-oriented books are rare. Abu Zafor was definitely a contemplative and admirable essayist in our country. From the beginning of his career, his illuminated writings added a new dimension to our literature. He died in 1999.

Last 22nd February, we observed his 9th death anniversary. It is very unfortunate indeed that only his keen adherents paid homage to this soil of the son, at the national level there was little or nothing done to observe the occasion.

My first study tour

Md. Rahber-E-Alam (Raafa)

Experiencing something for the first time in life is always fun and memorable. However, everyone does not feel the same level of extraordinary excitement which comes after experiencing something different. Here I am going to describe a study tour and my feelings.

After my admission in Sunnydale, this was the first time we were taken on a study tour. In the month of noble Language Movement our school wanted us to study about the history of our language in an interesting way. We studied about the history of our Language Movement in the classes, through books.

We were supposed to visit four different places. Each one had some history behind it. In the morning of 15th February, all the Sunnydalians gathered at the school premises. Our teachers divided all of us and made us sit in two different buses.

I wondered how the whole day would be. Just after I arrived at the school that morning, I got to hear that sneakers were not allowed to be worn and I was wearing a black one. Immediately, I rushed towards my home and wore a Bata shoe and entered the school for the second time.

Finally, our tour began. Our first stop was Central Shaheed Minar (Martyrs' Memorial). We all took off our shoes as well as socks, and stepped on the cold floor of Shaheed Minar. Standing in front of it in a queue, we showed our respect to the language martyrs by keeping silence for one minute.

Then, we left for the historical city Sonargaon. It took a long and exhausting journey to reach Narayanganj.

At one point the bus had to stop to let some of us go to the toilet. However, we finally reached in front of Sonargaon's gate, we made another queue and followed our teachers inside.

The place was almost 500 years old, and indeed, it looked ancient. It was Isa Khan's capital, built in the sixteenth century. It was mainly a port for trade, as the place was situated beside Meghna, Sitalakkhya and Brahmaputra river. We were supposed to see the 'Lok Shilpa Jadughar' there.

We entered the first building through a huge iron gate, which was carved with designs.

Inside, at the centre, was a huge iron bed, perhaps, Isa Khan's. We knew the history of that place through a guide, and he took all of us in a line and told the details of each and every historical item present there. I was trying to copy his speech as fast as possible, as I thought it would help me in any assignment.

Even I tried to draw the panels, but the drawing was so horrible that I soon gave up. Each time our guide described us about something, our eyes widened and our jaws fell with wonder. There were ancient guitars, drums, toothbrushes, clothes and fabrics, models of wooden boats, etc. We had a note with us, telling brief history about each location.

Our next destination was the Balda Garden situated at Wari, Dhaka. We visited the whole garden in a line, which followed our teachers. I found flowers which I never saw before. It was just a botanical garden, with collection of different species of plant life.

The places we were visiting were related with history of emergence of Bangladesh. Our next and final destination was the Liberation War Museum. We were taken to a small hallroom, where we saw videos of the Liberation War of 1971. It showed the mass killing, the injustice and the torture, which the Bangladeshi people had to face during the war. Surviving through all these obstacles, we were the winners and the prize was an Independent country, named Bangladesh.

The video automatically brought sympathy in our mind for our people, as well as raised anger against our enemies who tortured us inhumanly. It made us feel what we have been through during the war. Each time the video showed a dead body, we yelled out, 'awwwww !!!' Even a child of 5 years became the victim of the Pakistani soldiers.

Eventually, we visited six different galleries inside the museum, which told about the history from the 17th century till the Liberation War of 1971. Once again, our jaws began to fall by what we saw and heard. The museum had several weapons of that time, used by the martyrs.

We found skulls taken out from several killing fields excavated by the museum authority. They gave us information to that extent that we forgot most of it. However, to me, seeing and hearing those things became the utmost priority.

Later, the museum authority arranged a quiz game for us, which made us shout with excitement as well. The winners were awarded with caps and with books about the Liberation War. We were provided with cupcakes and ships there, and finally, we left the museum.

After some time, I found our bus in front of the school gate. The tour was over. Very soon, I began to miss the excitement that I have been through in the tour.

However, I am glad that the school authority took the decision to arrange such a tour for us. I thank all the teachers who were with us to guide us on the tour. It's only for them, I have realised that to be a good citizen we need to know about our history. This tour is a success for me as it has raised my patriotism to some level, which would not have been possible without this.

Book Review: The absent poet & other essays

Anisur Rahman

Published by Biddya Prokash

Anisur Rahman, a passionate fervent poet, is basically more a poet than an essayist in his temperament, expression and above all his style. Writing poetry from the mid nineties, he has graduated more to cerebral compositions writings that have been published in various newspapers, magazines and little magazines - with his own unique and remarkable style of weaving compositions of extraordinary skill.

The contents of his wordings and the analytical power he unleashes have enabled him to win readers' admiration. His distinct art of language is quite surely the first thing about him and, in fact, this is his specialty. At this year's Ekushey book fair, Anis gave us a sheaf of essays in various moods. Most of the essays are discussions on poetry and its various aspects in terms of modern and contemporary themes. Poetry has a power that is its own. It opens up the varying facets of civilisation and humanity. That is why poetry is very closely associated with time and situation. In earlier times, Anis gave us two worthy contributions - Ibsen's poetry and Franz Kafka's The Metamorphosis. He translated Ibsen's poetry and play, The Lady from the Sea, into Bengali. He adapted The Metamorphosis for the Centre for Asian Theatre.

In this book there are a total of 40 essays that can give readers a feeling of novelty as Anis appears with quite a new approach in many senses. First of all, as one goes through his writings, one must feel a world swinging between a variety of immense emotions and expressions.

Anis is a very conscious writer. His gaze is always on all the stages in our society. He

has written on some burning issues such as poverty, Monga, women's harassment, land rights, lack of proper education, political instability, religious zealotry and ethnic issues. These issues have come into his writing significantly and strongly.

His open and unbiased expressions help us make out the perfect picture of our society. His observations are very clear and guide us into peering intently into our souls.

Anis has identified himself inextricably with the cultural heritage of the soil.

His central philosophy is that he is a Bengali by birth; has grown up and developed in an environment shaped by the wind and water of Bengal.

He is a true narrator of our social, cultural, political and economic conditions. He is among those few dedicated writers of Bangladesh with a distinctly individual inventive style.

He always tries to focus on the desires, pains and mental state of the underprivileged in our society. A number of his essays are very touching and expressive. He writes the essays from very close observations. Some of his heart-rending essays are Parlours, Factories and Harassed women, Sex Workers - The Issue we Look Away From, Monga: The Hunger Grip, Our Poor, Our Rich - And Points to Note, The Jongis, the Monga and the NGOs and some other articles.

In this book, Anis recollects two legendary figures in our country - eminent writer Humayun Azad and veteran journalist Enayetullah Khan (widely known as Mintu Bhai).

Both were very unique, innovative and played important roles in their respective fields.Khan gave a distinct and innovative look to our journalism. Without him, our journalism seems barren and poor. Mintu Bhai is always remembered for his thought-provoking and cerebral creations.

Anis is a journalist by profession, a very risky and uncertain profession in our country. The possibility of one's losing one's job and irregular remuneration are the common features in this field.

In Defence of Journalism as a Career and Plight of the Journalist are the two essays where Anis has tried to draw a picture of this profession for readers.

An essay is a success only when it leads readers towards enjoying the beauty and message of writing. Definitely a book worth reading.

-A Critic

Poem

O strange lovely boy

Nazrul Islam Khan

Manna, O Manna! You could bring surge of love

Through compassion in common means' heart,

For commoners' cause as a triumph of art;

Of which curiosity blocked rail lines, avenues

And collapsed the function of FDC, seen and heard!

Manna, O Manna! You could create confluence of

Social standards in your own style and arts,

Many like 'Ammajan', Conquering destitute hearts,

By achieving excellence of a courageous prince

For a far-making society of fairness and justice!

Now, you have summarily concluded life to incarnate

The stars into nebula in the world of heavenly joys,

And take rest by the side of your father,

Once a glamorous player, Sana Bhai, I remember!

O lovely boy! you are strange and beautiful,

Whom I had seen in the golden boyhood!

Bengal Tigers

Mohammad Shahidul Islam

Tigers trigger extinction

From forest and field

Anesthesia and radio-collaring

Around gloves, hands, bowls and necks

Siddons and Sidr are not the same source

of falling wickets of lives

Tigers need what:

Green jungle or lockup for loosing biodiversity

or being fool with research or Ashraful!

Nowadays I am

I can't weep nowadays

Cann't remove the big stone

From my chest at all stays.

Like the swatch of no ground

My minds cry-rotating around

Like the eddy-turbulence deeper

Mighty Padma-Meghna-Dakatia river.

Sometimes some huge attraction

Revolving me like destruction.

Like the spring low water ebbing

Can't cry at the death of relatives

Only rotating within my duties.

My wahed brother expired today

Theyself weeping in the frost of Sundarban

Having so much blessing of Almighty

How much could sacrifice for duty.

Recently I am being helpless

Gradually my environment attaching

No peace-no where

Life struggle going on there

Will go on ever.

Mind's picture

All the rare pictures focuses on

In the mind's eye of mine gone.

That picture thy searched for

From the beginning to date or

By the camera telescope and binocular

For long time in many ways also

Sonar

In the squint eyes of sextant

In the daylight of sun tent

In the warm fine stars of night

And the pole star so bright.

On the volcano's high fire

Also in the dark bright tyre.

The picture which thy searching

At the highest force of dying

That picture is focused in the

Mind's eye of thy camera lee.

Automatic sextant angle of

V (victory)

With the heavenly blessing of Thee.

That is my life-liking question

Which has given me the solution.

Emdadul Haque Badsha

Grandmother

Ali Inan

Sitting down,

In a rocking chair

Beside the fire place.

Fire crackles,

A warm,

Toasty,

And cozy place

To sit by,

And relax.

My grandmother,

Is reading there.

A book in her hands.

Her heavy glasses

Drooping down.

Her hands slowly turning,

The page.

Still reading,

Sometimes squinting her eyes,

To focus on,

The miniscule text.

Her skin is soft,

And wrinkled,

But filled

With love.

Ali Iman, aged 10, is a student in a city School