A fictional story with realities

Mohd Siddiqur Rahman

. Mohd Siddiqur Rahman 

Around Bangladesh's Mascreateds Revolution of July 2024, a fictional story and a beautiful song were  by a renowned musical artist. Although a few aspects may not fully reflect reality, the composer appears to have portrayed the general characteristics of the majority of our people in a thoughtful and engaging manner.

The story begins with two young imaginary foreigners, Tony and Lora, who set out to explore the world. Their first destination was Bangladesh. Unfortunately, their maiden trip was filled with unexpected difficulties. Their sightseeing started with rides on rickshaws, and they were fascinated by the countless rickshaws and buses moving through the busy streets of Dhaka.

However, while walking through Gulistan, Lora became a victim of pickpocketing. Shortly afterward, Tony was also pickpocketed at Sadarghat.  Being penniless,  became destitute, even  they could not express  the situation to anybody with their  own language.   Walking aimlessly a few minutes,  they   managed  to reach thei country's embassy by hanging on a very old rejectable bus. 

The  Embassy  officials were surprised and remarked, "How could you choose Bangladesh as your very first foreign destination without having sufficient knowledge about the country?" Nevertheless, the embassy extended all possible assistance to them.

Afterward, Tony and Lora continued their travels to many other countries and eventually returned home safely. Surprisingly, despite their unpleasant experiences, they developed a strong attachment to Bangladesh.   After staying a few years in the home country ,they became determined to return to Bangladesh  and settle here permanently. 

Accordingly, they came back to Bangladesh. Although they encountered various challenges, they were no longer troubled by pickpockets. Over time, they discovered that ordinary people were generally simple, kind-hearted, hospitable, and compassionate. This realization deepened their affection for the country and its people.

On the other hand, they gradually formed a negative impression of certain leaders and influential  whom they perceived to be engaged in corruption, abuse of power, and unethical practices. They felt that some elements within the administration had allowed a culture of wrongdoing to flourish under the banner of democracy. They also observed divisions, jealousy, and unhealthy competition among sections -qq the elite class, which they believed contributed to maexperienceny of the nation's problems.groups

Tony and Lora had no personal  of the Liberation War of 1971. However, they witnessed the Mass Revolution of July 2024, which erupted like a volcanic explosion after years of accumulated grievances, injustice, oppression, enforced disappearances, unlawful detentions, torture, and the notorious "Aynaghar" phenomenon.

Nevertheless, the country has now returned to a democratic environment. A successful general election has been held, and the current Parliament has attached due importance to the reform proposals submitted by the interim government. Efforts are underway to strengthen democratic institutions, uphold the rule of law, and ensure greater accountability in public life.

Sincere attempts are being made to eliminate corruption and other unethical practices from society. While such transformation cannot happen overnight, we remain optimistic. If we stay united, respect one another, perform our civic duties responsibly, and extend our cooperation to positive initiatives, the administration and the people together can build a new Bangladesh—one that is more just, prosperous, transparent, and free from corruption.

The journey may be long, but with unity, integrity, and determination, a brighter future is certainly within our reach.

Writer: Mohd Siddiqur Rahman. Ex Country Manager (Germany)  of Biman Bangladesh Airlines.