Hiren Pandit

Congratulations to politician, writer, and columnist Monayem Sarkar on his 80th birthday. We share the hope that he will continue to journey forward towards the remarkable milestone of a century. His vitality transcends age; he embodies the essence of being evergreen and young. Indeed, for him, 80 is merely a number and not a reflection of ageing.

Monaem Sarker is a committed and principled politician representing Bangladesh, known for his integrity and dedication to public service. He is a distinguished politician, writer, and columnist who embodies a timeless spirit transcending age. For him, reaching eighty is simply a milestone, not a reflection of his vitality. Born on March 30, 1945, he remains deeply committed to the welfare of the Bengali nation, consistently engaging in activities that advance this cause. Remarkably, there are no indications of ageing in his thoughts, intellect, or actions, and he approaches life with an admirable sense of purpose and diligence. His organisation is akin to a large family, reflecting the depth of his commitment.

My journey with his writings began in late 1986, coinciding with my arrival in Dhaka as a newly enrolled student at Dhaka University. Although I had been involved with writing for some time, it wasn’t until later that I had the privilege of engaging directly with him through social media. After visiting the Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research (BFDR), my admiration for his insights has only intensified. I find his perspectives on the nation, thoughtful political analysis, and dedication to illuminating the new generation with the principles of the Liberation War inspiring.

He had demonstrated commendable leadership, guiding the nation with courage and vigour during challenging times when the country faced adversity. His pivotal role in facilitating the return of the AL President and former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on May 17, 1981, stands out. By assuming the leadership of the Bangladesh Awami League following the tragic assassination of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and his family on August 15, 1975, he played an essential part in the country’s political landscape.

After the dark period following Bangabandhu's assassination by anti-independence forces, he emerged as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward recovery and renewal. Despite the initial challenges, this enduring light has been crucial in guiding the Bengali people's journey toward liberation.

We have always appreciated Monaem Sarker's organisational acumen. He possesses a remarkable ability to inspire and lead effectively. A noteworthy example was the protest meeting organised by cultural activists in response to the attacks on poet Shamsur Rahman by fundamentalist militants. His dedication to fostering unity and resilience within the community is commendable.

Ramu felt a profound sense of sorrow regarding the recent incidents that have occurred in various locations, including Cox's Bazar, Nasirnagar in Brahmanbaria, Shalla in Sunamganj, Cumilla city, Santhia in Pabna, Gangachara in Rangpur, and Rishipara in Jashore. He yearns for a more prosperous and unified Bangladesh and holds a hopeful belief in the leadership, trusting that, under her guidance, the challenges the nation faces will be addressed and that extremism will be overcome. In light of these events, he has taken the initiative to organise protests and demonstrations in collaboration with others who share similar values.

Monaem Sarker has been instrumental in facilitating thoughtful discussions during these gatherings. His skills in organising programs and distributing responsibilities have contributed significantly to their success. Many noteworthy protests and rallies have occurred at Shaheed Minar, a symbolically significant venue for such actions. Monaem Sarker possesses a remarkable memory and is widely regarded as a respected figure in history and literature. I have had the privilege of engaging with his numerous writings, which have been published in newspapers and books. His work offers a nuanced perspective on society, providing insightful analyses of the current political climate. He brings forth a unique viewpoint on various events, thoughtfully acknowledging commendable actions while offering constructive criticism of decisions made by policymakers. His contributions are seen as highly valuable for the advancement of the nation.

He remembers many unknown events, which serve as simple elements to understand society and politics. In his story, the individual must exist, but it is not the person who becomes the chief, and the personality of the present person is exciting. He is a watchful observer of all events, sometimes a catalyst. He is constantly understanding our existing society and political reality with his heart and mind and is continually trying to move our society forward. Reality and its brutality and its injustice, especially the disparity between the rich and the poor, come alive in his writings.

It helped us understand that it is not enough to speak out against injustice; the structural change needed to bring people's economic emancipation. Monaem Sarker could have been many things if he had wished, and considerable work would undoubtedly be done. But politics was his passion. If the profession is to be said, then that is politics. But his politics is not about gaining power. Not a minister, not even a member of Parliament, he remained a political activist throughout his life.

Monaem Sarker's deep understanding of political theory has illuminated its practical applications in real-world scenarios, compelling him to engage in full-time direct politics. Despite facing numerous challenges, he has remained steadfast in his dedication to social change, a hallmark of his political philosophy. Rather than seeking power for its own sake, Sarker has focused on organizational efforts, assuming leadership roles and actively participating in various domestic and international conferences. As a respected politician, author, and columnist, he has contributed significantly to the literary landscape with a remarkable total of 116 published works.

His writings thoughtfully address Bangladesh's intricate political, social, economic, and cultural dynamics. They reflect on the achievements secured through the liberation war and recount the journey of independence and the influence of specific reactionary forces that have shaped the discourse. Sarker advocates for promoting liberal and secular democratic values, emphasising the importance of unity among pro-liberation forces to fortify the core tenets of Bangladeshi politics.

In light of contemporary societal challenges, restoring awareness of the illustrious history of the Bengali nation is imperative for nurturing a healthy democratic environment. After earning his MSc in Applied Physics from Dhaka University, Sarker embraced a path as a full-time political activist. Following the tragic assassination of Bangabandhu, he endeavoured to foster international understanding and support, particularly in countries such as the United Kingdom and India, to re-establish the foundational values and principles of independence in Bangladesh.

During his four years of expatriate life following 1975, he had the opportunity to meet and interact with esteemed figures such as Mrs. Indira Gandhi, P.N. Haksar, Bhupen Gupta, Ramesh Chandra, Rajeshwar Rao, and D.T. Randhike. Additionally, he fostered meaningful relationships with notable individuals like Professor Shantimoy Roy, Ganesh Ghosh, and Manukh Nath Gupta. The crucial contributions of Monaem Sarker are particularly highlighted in the diary ‘Uttar Parba Mujibnagar,’ authored by Shawkat Osman. In a significant entry dated January 17, 1979, Osman reflects on how the struggle for survival is intricately linked with patriotism, illustrating that Bangabandhu could not remain in the country after the tragic events. Sarker embraced the role of guardian for political refugees, engaging in various initiatives, from fundraising to sustaining political momentum.

Bangabandhu's sacrifice for the people of Bengal has profoundly inspired Monaem Sarker. He has dedicated his life to Bangladesh's welfare, prioritising the nation's needs above his own. His exemplary commitment, which aligns with the ideals of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, serves as a valuable model for all. Bangabandhu’s relentless efforts toward establishing a non-communal Golden Bengal, free from hunger and poverty, resonate deeply with Sarker’s vision.

Monaem Sarker has been an integral presence in the key political movements of Bangladesh under the leadership of Bangabandhu, such as the Language Movement of 1952, the formation of the United Front in 1954, the Education Movement in 1962, the mass uprising in 1969, the elections of 1970, and the Independence War of 1971. His involvement in the progressive political movement began as a teenager during the Language Movement in 1952 and is firmly grounded in the aspiration for Bangabandhu's Golden Bangladesh. Despite being a confirmed bachelor, Sarker’s humble contributions to the nation are noteworthy and commendable.

His diverse experiences, unwavering integrity, and determination are key attributes that support his progressive outlook. With no personal ambitions, Sarker remains devoted to the welfare of the Bangladeshi people, embodying a deep-seated respect and admiration for Bangabandhu, the architect and father of the nation. His commitment to Bangabandhu’s vision remains a guiding principle in his life, and he believes fervently in continuing to work towards fulfilling that dream until the end of his journey.

As an esteemed analyst of the intricate dynamics of Bangladesh's politics, Monaem Sarker's eloquently crafted writings have garnered widespread appreciation. We extend our heartfelt wishes for his continued health and longevity as a distinguished pioneer in politics, social policy, and cultural movements. We have confidence that his commitment to the welfare of the Bengali people in Bangladesh will remain steadfast throughout his life.

In the aftermath of the tragic events of August 15, 1975, Bangladesh entered a period of profound crisis, becoming vulnerable to forces that were opposed to its independence. To restore order, Monaem Sarker took the initiative to present a proposal to Mrs. Indira Gandhi, seeking to address the chaos in the country. In light of the challenges posed by Bangabandhu's assassination, the imprisonment of political leaders, and the suppression of Awami politics, supporters of the Awami League—comprising political workers and intellectuals from around the globe—endeavoured to resist these adversities through political engagement.

Since the 1980s, Bangladesh's political environment towards secularism has seen a noticeable shift towards secularism, which the Awami political movement has primarily propelled. Many pro-Awami leaders ventured out from the shadows of fear and actively engaged in mainstream politics. However, the question of leadership within the Awami League remained a matter of concern. Numerous respected individuals sought this role, but Sheikh Hasina’s name ultimately emerged as a viable option. In a familial setting, Monaem Sarker proposed Sheikh Hasina’s name to PN Haksar, a respected figure in Indian politics, and this proposal was met with unanimous approval.

During the 1996 national election, an election steering committee was established, featuring pivotal figures such as Shah AMS Kibria and Gaziul Haque. Notably, Shah AMS Kibria and Monaem Sarker successfully managed the electoral process, leading to a significant resurgence for the Awami League after a 21-year hiatus. Together, they founded the Bangladesh Foundation for Development Research (BFDR), a leading research institute dedicated to studying Bangladesh's politics, society, and culture.

Shah AMS Kibria served as chairman of BFDR for life, while Monaem Sarker assumed the role of founding Director General. Throughout his career, Sarker has exemplified remarkable humility and kindness; individuals of such character are a precious asset to any community. Bangladesh would greatly benefit from the presence of more virtuous and selfless individuals like Monaem Sarker, as such contributions are essential for the nation to advance more rapidly and effectively.

The writer is an essayist and researcher.