H. M. Nazmul Alam

In Bangladesh’s history, few days stand as significant as November 7th—National Revolution and Solidarity Day. This day symbolizes a profound unity between soldiers and citizens alike, who came together to protect the sovereignty of their nation in the face of serious threats. The day holds a unique place in our hearts as a reminder of the power of unity, courage, and loyalty to our country—a spirit that echoes across generations.

The events that led to November 7th are rooted in one of the most turbulent times in Bangladesh’s history. Following the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975, and the killing of four national leaders on November 3, the nation found itself in chaos. As Bangladesh struggled through these dark times, a hidden struggle for power emerged. It was in this storm of uncertainty that Major General Ziaur Rahman, a revered freedom fighter and military leader, found himself imprisoned within Dhaka Cantonment. The situation seemed dire. But in a powerful moment, the people of Bangladesh—alongside soldiers who understood the stakes—rose up, freeing Zia in what became a symbolic victory for Bangladesh.

The rise of Ziaur Rahman on November 7 signaled more than just a shift in leadership; it was a turning point for Bangladesh’s journey toward stability. Zia’s release sparked a movement in Dhaka that was filled with the same passion and unity felt during the Liberation War in 1971. It reminded many of historic moments when imprisoned or exiled leaders came back to guide their nations through challenging times, like Napoleon’s return from Elba or Mandela’s rise in South Africa. For Bangladesh, Zia’s release was a beacon of hope and a call for national unity—a moment that brought together civilians and military alike to protect the nation’s freedom.

What makes National Revolution and Solidarity Day so unique is its reflection of civilian-military unity. It wasn’t just a single leader or group; it was ordinary citizens, soldiers, workers, and students standing together. As American revolutionary Thomas Paine once said, “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” This day wasn’t led by elite politicians or a specific class—it was fueled by the common people’s enduring love for their country, echoing the dedication that had burned bright since the Liberation War.

Much like the people who fought for independence in 1971, the citizens and soldiers who came together on November 7 recognized the value of their hard-won freedom. They understood that if Bangladesh was to survive, they had to stand as one. Just as the soldiers and citizens of 1975 rallied together to protect their sovereignty, the recent 2024 revolution saw a similar spirit, where the military’s refusal to side with an oppressive regime became a turning point. When the military stood with the people in 2024, it toppled Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year autocratic rule, echoing the powerful legacy of National Revolution and Solidarity Day. This unity between military and common citizens showcases the true strength of Bangladesh: a nation that, when united, can overcome even the most entrenched regimes in pursuit of justice and freedom.

Bangladesh’s November 7 revolution draws comparisons to other historical movements where ordinary people, united by a common cause, brought significant change. Think of the American Revolution, where people risked everything for independence, or the French Revolution, where the oppressed fought to overthrow the monarchy. Just as these movements were built on the strength of unity and a desire for a fairer society, Bangladesh’s November 7 represented a refusal to accept authoritarianism and a firm stance to protect its independence.

Ziaur Rahman, representing this spirit of unity, became a symbol of the people’s desire to safeguard their nation’s future. Like the French commoners who lifted leaders to power with their own hands, the people of Bangladesh held Zia as a reflection of their collective will to defend Bangladesh’s independence and progress.

In Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, we see how patriotism brought together the Russian people to defend their land against Napoleon’s invasion, illustrating that true patriotism is born not out of duty but from the shared bond between people. This same bond united Bangladeshis on November 7—not out of obligation to any leader but from a commitment to each other and the country.

The unspoken opposition among soldiers to Brigadier Khaled Musharraf’s attempt to seize power sparked the November 7 revolution. Stories like Les Misérables remind us of this kind of unity, where revolutionaries from all backgrounds come together for a shared purpose. Similarly, on November 7, Bangladesh’s people rose not because they were forced but because they genuinely wanted to protect their country’s future, showing the world that when people unite, they are unstoppable.

The November 7 revolution set the stage for a new direction, with Ziaur Rahman emerging as a leader who was determined to rebuild Bangladesh. Taking on the role of Chief Martial Law Administrator, he faced the difficult task of leading a nation still in recovery from war and political instability. Like leaders such as Winston Churchill during World War II or Nelson Mandela in post-apartheid South Africa, Zia was focused on guiding his country through its most challenging times.

Zia’s leadership aimed at bringing unity and rebuilding the foundations of the nation. He once urged the people to “be united and work hard to take the country forward,” a message that vibrated with a nation hungry for stability and progress. His approach to development was practical, focusing on improving rural life, enhancing literacy, and preparing Bangladesh’s economy for the pressures of a rapidly changing world. His policies, aimed at creating a strong and resilient nation, were fundamental in setting Bangladesh on the path to modernization.

The impact of this unity echoes William Faulkner’s famous words in Light in August: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” The legacy of the Liberation War is alive, woven into the fabric of society, and reflected in the country’s resilience and growth. National Revolution and Solidarity Day reminds us that patriotism is a living value, strengthened by the unity and courage that have protected Bangladesh from threats to its sovereignty.

The message of November 7 is as crucial today as it was in 1975. Though Bangladesh has evolved over the decades, the need for unity and commitment to democratic values is ever-present. Drawing on Zia’s vision, today’s leaders and citizens have a responsibility to continue building a peaceful, inclusive society that thrives on resilience and respect. By embracing this vision, we honor the foundation of our independence and strengthen the future of Bangladesh for generations to come. On this day, we remember Ziaur Rahman and the everyday patriots who turned November 7 into a powerful symbol of unity and hope.

The writer is a, Lecturer, Department of English and Modern Languages, International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology.