The Unfinished Memoirs - Book Review

Bangabandhu's unfinished autobiography is one of the most-read books published in Bengali. Apart from Bengali, the book has been translated into many languages including English, Urdu, Spanish, German, Chinese and Japanese. Initiatives have also been taken to translate into many more languages. 

Book Review of the Unfinished Memoirs

Bangabandhu started writing this book in 1967 (while in prison). This book is basically written about the events from his birth (1920) to 1954. The Father of the Nation in Bangladesh is not a hero in his autobiography. The hero is Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy. Throughout the book, Bangabandhu wants to talk about his political mentor and guru. The extent of Suhrawardy's influence in his political life will become clear as soon as you read the book. 

The author has explained his different personal, political and economic events and struggle in 'The Unfinished Memoir' from his practical experience. These include the introduction of his family (birth, genealogy, childhood, marriage), school and college education as well as social and political activities, Bengal famine of 1943, riots in Bihar and Calcutta, partition, politics of Muslim League, politics of East Bengal from partition to 1954, oppression of Muslim League government, language movement, the establishment of Awami League, the formation of the United Front & its election-winning, Adamjee riots, discriminatory rule of the central government of Pakistan. 

Bangabandhu used to play good football in his school life and he was the captain of the team. As a student, he was also talented and attentive. Sheikh Mujib was incredibly popular in student politics. He gained this popularity from his childhood. He had a deep respect for poet Kazi Nazrul Islam. He was an honest politician and when he needed money, he simply asked his father, the sister, and even from his wife Renu. The account of his travels to China, India and West Pakistan has given the book a special dimension. Bangabandhu's parents, children and above all his enduring wife stood by him in all difficult times as a supporting force in his political life and imprisonment. 

Suhrawardy, Sher-e-Bangla, Bhasani and many more! 

This book introduces us to the role of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq (popularly known as Sher-e-Bangla), Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani (Maulana Bhashani) and some other leaders and individuals. Moreover, the outstanding contributions of many heroes like Manik Mia and Shamsul Haque who are still underestimated have been revealed. 

The most talked-about person in this book is Suhrawardy. Throughout the book, the author has addressed him as Shaheed Sahib. Suhrawardy was simultaneously the author's inspiration to enter politics, a political advisor and a man of absolute respect. The review of this book can be completed only by writing about him! 

In the book, the author addresses Abul Kasem Fazlul Huq as Haq Saheb. The popularity of Sher-e-Bangla was so high at that time. One day, Bongobondhu’s parents told him not to make any personal attack against Sher-e-Bangla A.K. Fazlul Haque. He did not become 'Sher-e-Bangla' without reasons and the soil of Bengal fell in love with him. Mr Haque was friends of the poor. 

Some quotes from Bangabandhu - 

‘There is no need to work together with incompetent leadership, unprincipled leaders and cowardly politicians in the country. In that, the destruction of the country and the people is more than that of the service.’ (P. 273) 

‘If you love people, people love you too, if you accept a little sacrifice, people can give their lives for you.’ (P. 257) 

‘If leaders make the mistake in leading, the people have to pay the price. We voluntarily gave up the Calcutta that was built with the money of East Bengal.' (P. 79) 

Bangabandhu wrote in his autobiography (page 48), “Jealousy and betrayal are in our blood. Probably no other language in the world has this word, ‘Parashrikatarata’ (maybe - envy). ‘Parashrikatarata’ - one brother is not happy to see the improvement of his brother. That is why the Bengali nation, in spite of all its virtues, has had to endure the oppression of others all its life. The country is filled with so many resources and there are very few such fertile lands in the world. Yet they are poor for ages because they have been exploited on their own fault. They do not know themselves, and they will not be released until they know and understand themselves.” People go blind for the sake of self-interest. 

Summary of the Unfinished Memoirs (Oshomapto Attojiboni) - An autobiography by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman

The period of Bangabandhu's autobiography described in the book can be divided into three sections. First Episode (1920-1942), starting from his birth to passing Matriculation examination from Gopalganj Mission School in 1942. The second episode (1942-1947), from admission to Calcutta Islamia College at Intermediate level and stayed at Baker Hostel to leaving Kalkata and returning to Dhaka after the partition of India in 1947. Part III (1947-1954), from after the partition of India and the creation of Pakistan in 1947, the arrival of Bangabandhu at Dhaka in September 1947 towards the end of the year 1954, Suhrawardy joined as the law minister at the "Cabinet of Talents" formed under the leadership of Mohammad Ali of Bogra and a motion of no confidence was raised against Sher-e-Bangla AK Fazlul Haque as the leader of the United Front. 

Conclusion 

Due to the political conspiracies against Bangabandhu (by the then Pakistani government), he was so separated from his family and it makes him unknown to his own children. What could be more painful for a father than this! In that pain, he said, ‘Even your own son forgets if he doesn’t see you for a long time! Who knows what a heinous act it would be to imprison a person without trial for political reasons and to keep his children and relatives away? Sheikh Mujibur Rahman sacrificed himself for the country, for the people of the country and for an independent country. He didn't think about his life, he didn't think about his family, he didn't think about his relatives. He thought of this country, thought of the soil and the people of this country. I didn't know how much a person could sacrifice for politics until I read the book. 

This book (the life of Bangabandhu's political activists) can be considered a must-read for students of all political parties in the country. There are examples of what an ideal student leader should be like. The notes at the end of the book, (1955-1975) enrich the book with an introduction to the author's political life, biographical notes on the persons mentioned in the text. 

After reading it, it seemed if there was a way to know more events in his writing, how much better it would be! So dissatisfaction remains at the end of reading! It would be the objective history of the birth of Bangladesh.

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Karagarer Rojnamcha - A Jail Diary: Book Review

Karagarer Rojnamcha is one of the books which demonstrate Bangabandhu’s continuous thought and love toward the nation. The Bengali book has 332 pages in which 240 pages (from 27 to 267) contain the great leader's words and his prison life from the diary. The way Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman narrates his day to day events in the jail have already caught the attention to readers. Bangabandhu is not a poet but a ‘Poet of Politics’. In any situation, he always thinks about his people and the land even while living behind the bars. 

It's quite different from 'Unfinished Memories'. This is a personal description of the prison. What life is like, how difficult it is to go to jail, the 'hell of the world'. 

Karagarer Rojnamcha – A Book Review 

'Karagarer Rojnamcha' is the second autobiography of Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. In English, it is called the prison diary. In the book, one can know the historical description of his political life and struggle during the Pakistan regime from 1966 to 1968. The name of the book has been given by his daughter Sheikh Rehana. 

The dramatic beginning: 

He starts his book by introducing the jail to the public- 

Those who have not gone to the prison or not experienced life in prison do not understand what the prison is. There are smaller jails in the jail. All kinds of criminals as well as innocent people live in jail. Furthermore, he gives a comprehensive description of customs and conventions of the prison. 

From the very beginning of his prison life, Bangabandhu had developed very cordial relations with the sepoys and prisoners. That is why everyone treated him with courtesy. He also obeyed prison laws, but protested against the unjust treatment of ordinary prisoners by prison authorities. 

Politics 

Because of believing good politics and dreaming an independent country with justice, Bangabandhu was being punished by the elite rulers of Pakistan. But living in jail could not stop him from think about the nation and the people and the book is a proof for Bangladeshi people. 

Regarding the suppression of the opposition ideology, Sheikh Mujib said, "There can be differences of opinion in politics. For this, it is dangerous path to conspire and kill the people of the opposition party. Many people have to suffer the consequences of this sin." Sitting in his jail room, Sheikh Mujib was watching his party workers being put in jail one by one. He then said, "Eight more activists have been arrested in different places. The government is pursuing a policy of repression. People's demands cannot be suppressed through torture. The democratic movement should be dealt with in a democratic way." 

When the true news is stopped, many weird rumors spread in the villages; it does not benefit the government without harm. (Page 69) 

Forgiveness is a sign of greatness, but forgiving the wrongdoer is a sign of weakness. (Page 152) 

Society 

Knowing and watching prisoners closely, you can understand their lifestyle and why they commit crimes. Bangabandhu has always looked at the common man with affection and sympathy. The respect he has shown to Ludu alias Lutfar Rahman is unprecedented. Ludu is a professional thief. Bangabandhu's kind behaviour towards Ludu seemed to suggest that he literally believed in 'hate crime, not criminals'. He wrote from the events of Ludu’s life to get a picture of our society, the human character. People fall into the misery and disorder of our society; they become robbers, thieves and pickpockets. God does not create man to be a thief. 

Betrayal, Corruption and Ethics 

Animal cannot betray with its own species but human does. This prosperous Bangladesh is so fertile that gold is harvested here and parasites and weeds also grow more. Some Bengali is opportunists who are ready to sell their country for petty personal gains. These Bengalis have harmed themselves by forgetting their own people, joining hands with foreigners for personal gain. Bangladesh has suffered all its life only for some traitors. We usually speak of Mir Zafar Ali Khan. But they are more who have betrayed us. They have quarreled with each other and summoned foreign lords out of greed. Mir Jafar brought the English and Sirajuddaula was killed by betrayal. There were no shortages of people to help the British. So the people of this country have hanged the boys of this land for a little money or promotion. Even after becoming Pakistan, there was no shortage of agents or brokers - who were willing to give everything to West Pakistan for rewards. There is no shortage of these traitors in this country to shoot in the chest or imprison those who are fighting for the interests of Bengal. How can the golden country be saved from traitors? 

There is a long discussion about the quality of treatment in prison hospitals. Some doctors are good and some are evil. There are also examples of hypocrite people. A Maulana Sahib raped his student. 

Hobby and works 

Bangabandhu even plays the chef. He is seen cooking what he feels is a khichuri (hotchpotch dish). He used to feed chickens for a small yellow bird to wait, to alleviate his loneliness. 

He did gardening (decorating flower garden), planted rose plants and took care of it. Flower trees have got new life. He even wrote about yellow birds, pigeons, crows living inside the jail. These everyday works of the leader are depicted in the book. 

International Affairs & Foreign Policy 

In the diary, Bangabandhu commented on international politics, foreign relations of different countries with Pakistan, loans, aid, etc. He said the Kashmir issue should be resolved peacefully in the interest of the people of both India and Pakistan. He further blamed India, saying: "India should have reached a peace agreement between the two countries through a referendum recognizing the right of the people of Kashmir to self-determination." 

Bangabandhu was shocked at the disrespectful process of seeking US aid after the Pakistan-India war and wrote: it has insulted the people and the country and the beggar has no respect. ” He was rather inclined to establish relations with Soviet Russia. He voted for the establishment of socialism in the interest of the people. However, he was dissatisfied with China's role. 

Health & Illness 

He was in solitary confinement (living alone); no one is allowed to mingle with him. Those who are not victims do not realize how difficult it is to spend time alone. Sometimes, he broke down in the pain of loneliness. He also became physically weak, but by capitalizing on his mental strength, he wrote. Moreover, he had gastric, eye problems and piles 

Summary of the book that you will find: the prison-life of Bangabandhu, prison-torture, the unknown words of the prisoners, the words of the criminals, why they set foot in this criminal world. Similarly, the political situation at that time, dictatorship of Pakistani government and their ruthless repression, the misery of the Awami League leaders and workers in jail, the condition of the press & media, the brutal torture of the ruling group, the attempt to divert the 6-point passion, conspiracy, betrayal, father-mother affection, the emotional state of prisoners meeting their children, happiness of the insane in prison. Laughter-tears are presented with absolute compassion and sensitivity. 

Conclusion 

The writer of this book is not a novelist or columnist but he is a pure politician. He talks and writes from his heart. While in jail, Banga-mata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa (Bangabandhu called her Renu) inspired him to write about his imprisonment. These writings were later collected and preserved with great effort and they became a unique document of history. The book is basically a printed version of those writings. 

This is a rare opportunity to see Bangabandhu's handwriting in the book. Besides, at the end of the book, the political life of Bangabandhu from 1955-1975, a brief biography of Bangabandhu, brief descriptions of various personalities in the annotations, some rare pictures of Bangabandhu family and 6 points are given in detail. 

One can understood by reading the book how many conspiracies and betrayals; how many thorny paths and how much pain & bleeding Bangabandhu has tolerated to give us a country and, a national flag. The great self-sacrifice has been shown by sacrificing his life and youth for the betterment of the destiny of the Bengalis. 

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The University of Dhaka has become not only a place for the most meritorious students but also a brand in Bangladesh. The university has a big role in the creation of Bangladesh. This university always takes lead in almost every political, social and economic matters of Bangladesh. Foreign students also come to Bangladesh to study at the university. 

The Significance of the University of Dhaka 

The University of Dhaka, famously known as Dhaka University in Bangladesh, is the top-ranking university in Bangladesh and abroad. The short version of Dhaka University is DU. Founded on the first day of July 1921, the oldest university in Bangladesh creates human resources that hold top positions in every sector. They are the leaders in education as well as in corporate business. 

The DU alumni include: Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (1st President and Father of the country); Dr Muhammad Younus (only Nobel prize winner in Bangladesh, 2006); Tajuddin Ahmad (1st Prime Minister of Bangladesh); Satyendra Nath Bose, FRS (known for his work on quantum statistics); Dr Muhammad Shahidullah (educator); Anisuzzaman (academic); Samson H. Chowdhury (former chairman of Square), Abdullah Abu Sayeed and so on. The ink of a pen can be emptied but the number of notable alumni members of the University of Dhaka will not be ended. So I have mentioned a few names. Being a student of this public research university means a huge network and more opportunities. The public and private jobs, scholarships, business opportunities are more when you study at the highest-ranking public institution in a country. The fame, quality and the alumni members keep the public university run with pride. 

A Place of Revolution: The contribution of DU at the birth of Bangladesh 

Student leaders of Dhaka University (DU) have contributed immensely to the creation of Pakistan (1947) and Bangladesh (1971). After the independence of Pakistan, the Bengali leaders have taken bold initiatives (language movement, six-point movement, 1969 Mass uprising etc.) to seek justice from the oppressive government Pakistan. They have led and participated in the movement so that the success must come. The university has emerged as the centre of the movements of the mass people. 

When the operation searchlight began in 1971, Pakistani military targeted and raided at the University of Dhaka (main hub for all political struggles & subsequent movements) and its dormitories at first (1971 Dhaka University massacre). The Pakistani prime leaders and its military knew that most directions and movements of the former East Pakistan that went against them were coming from the teachers and students of the university. 

After the nine-month of liberation war, a child was born in 1971. We have named the child as (officially) the People's Republic of Bangladesh. A developing country (Bangladesh) in South Asia is now trying to develop its condition from the bottomless basket to a developed nation. The University of Dhaka is always a part of the country.

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