Md. Nurul Haque

Ernesto "Che" Guevara, the Argentine revolutionary, Marxist, doctor, and guerrilla leader, is most famously known for his role alongside Fidel Castro in the Cuban Revolution. Born in 1928, Guevara became a symbol of defiance, resistance to imperialism, and the fight for social equality. Marxism profoundly influenced his political ideology, leading him to believe that armed struggle was the only means to dismantle capitalist and socialist systems. According to Che, for a true revolution, the oppressed classes must unite and wage war for their freedom in Latin America and worldwide.

“Hasta la victoria siempre,” or “Until victory, always,” was one of Che's central political maxims. It reflected his revolutionary zeal, where he advocated unwavering commitment to the cause of justice and equality. This motto has since become a global symbol for revolutionaries, a constant reminder of continuing the struggle until the ultimate goal is achieved. She believed that tyranny and oppression were global problems, transcending geographical boundaries, and so should the revolution. In modern-day Bangladesh, the ongoing student-led revolution against systemic injustice, inequality, and corruption resonates with Che’s ideals. Just as Che sought to overthrow oppressive systems, the students in Bangladesh sought a society where honesty, fairness, and truth reign supreme.

On our soil, Abu Syeed stands as a similar symbol of resistance, embodying the essence of defiance and the relentless pursuit of justice. His fight was not just against corruption or a specific political regime but against the fabric of inequality that shackles the commoner. His philosophy was grounded in the principles of fairness, equality, and collective progress. Just like Che, Abu Syeed became an emblem for the youth, urging them to rise and reclaim what was rightfully theirs. His unwavering dedication to his country’s well-being, tireless advocacy for the commoner’s rights, and deep love for justice made him a potent figure for the youth to rally behind.

Abu Syeed and Che Guevara’s revolutionary philosophies bear stark similarities. While Che’s battle was against imperialism across Latin America, Abu Syeed’s fight was local, aimed at addressing the systemic injustices suffered by the people of Bangladesh. However, their paths converged on core principles – resistance against oppression, the pursuit of equality, and the desire to build a just and fair society. Both men stood against deeply entrenched systems of exploitation. The difference between them was not in their ultimate goal but in the method of their struggle. Che embraced armed revolution and guerrilla warfare, believing change could only be achieved through force. Abu Syeed, on the other hand, fought for a revolution of ideas, education, and awareness. His path was through political consciousness, urging the people to resist authoritarianism and corruption through structured civil disobedience and relentless demand for justice.

The youth played a critical role in both men’s visions. She emphasized the role of students and young revolutionaries in leading societal transformation. He believed that the youth possessed the energy and idealism necessary to challenge the status quo and build a more just society. Similarly, Abu Syeed placed immense trust in the youth of Bangladesh. He saw them as the country's future and the torchbearers of the nation’s moral and ethical compass. For Che and Abu Syeed, the youth were not merely supporters but active participants in shaping the future, key players in the movement for justice and equality.

Today, in Bangladesh, where inequality, political corruption, and systemic injustices persist, Abu Sayeed’s legacy serves as a beacon for the younger generation. Just as Che’s name is revered globally among revolutionaries, Abu Sayeed’s legacy can ignite a renewed sense of purpose and defiance in the hearts of Bangladesh’s youth. His life is a testament that change does not come quickly but is within reach when fought for with persistence, integrity, and unity. Both leaders left behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire and motivate, showing that resistance to tyranny, in all its forms, is not only possible but necessary.

Nowhere is this spirit more alive than in the people of North Bengal. Like Che Guevara’s Latin American revolution, Abu Syeed’s fight against oppression found deep roots in North Bengal, a region long overlooked and marginalized. The people of North Bengal are known for their resilience, humility, and unwavering self-respect. Despite facing natural calamities like floods and droughts and the often vindictive actions of neighboring countries, they continue to endure without complaint. Yet, their suffering is usually ignored by the media and the government.

When the people of North Bengal took to the streets during the recent mass uprisings, Abu Syeed stood at the forefront. He opened his chest to the bullets of the regime’s blood-thirsty police, fueled by the greed for power of the then-autocrat Sheikh Hasina and her corrupt regime. Abu Syeed’s sacrifice became the catalyst for the downfall of that brutal regime. Yet, despite their immense contributions and sacrifices, the government continues ignoring North Bengal's people. Not a single advisor from North Bengal was selected for the interim government. Are no competent or qualified individuals in North Bengal representing this vital region in the halls of power? Or is it simply a continuation of the discrimination they have always faced?

Development projects and new infrastructure flourish in other parts of the country, while North Bengal remains neglected. Renowned educational institutes, healthcare centers, and industries are established elsewhere, leaving North Bengal in the dust. Despite successive governments coming and going, the fate of North Bengal remains unchanged. The people of Chittagong, Sylhet, Comilla, and the southern parts of the country enjoy modern amenities like air-conditioned trains, buses, highways, and bridges. Meanwhile, the people of North Bengal travel on the roofs of outdated buses and trucks, enduring ridicule and hardship.

Even during the reign of General Ershad, another autocratic ruler who held immense power, North Bengal remained overlooked. While President Ziaur Rahman took some initiatives to develop the region, his vision remained unrealized. Despite being Prime Minister three times, Begum Zia did little to alleviate the suffering of the people in this region. Sheikh Hasina, who is by marriage connected to this region through her late husband, Mr. Wazed, also ignored the plight of North Bengal.

The fall of the previous regime, a regime tainted with the blood of the innocent, gives us hope that justice will finally be served. The new anti-discrimination movement must ensure that the people of North Bengal, who have sacrificed so much, are no longer ignored. Their contributions to the fight for freedom and justice must be recognized, and their voices must be heard in the new government.

Finally, just as Che Guevara and Abu Syeed stood as symbols of defiance against oppression, the people of North Bengal stood as a symbol of resilience and perseverance. Like Che and Abu Syeed, their struggle should not go in vain. It is time for North Bengal to finally receive the justice, recognition, and development it has long been denied.

The writer is an assistant professor of English at IUBAT and a PhD candidate at UPM.