From “Ami ki bhulitey pari” to “From the river to the sea”
Slogans that encapsulate the pain of those seeking freedom and the right to express their identities.
Siffan Z. Rahman
Ekushey February (Twenty-first February):
International Mother Language Day (IMLD) commemorates linguistic identity and the global preservation of mother languages, paying homage to those who sacrificed for the right to use their mother language. The pivotal moment occurred on February 21, 1952, at the University of Dhaka, where students protested for the recognition of Bangla as the official language of East Pakistan (what is now Bangladesh). Despite facing violent repression and casualties, the 1952 Language Movement forged a strong sense of linguistic identity and cultural pride in Bengalis worldwide. This victory, however, didn’t halt attempts to erase Bengali identity, leading to the Liberation War of 1971. Targeting language as part of a broader effort to eliminate cultural and ethnic identity is a grave violation of human rights, akin to genocide—intentional and systematic destruction of a group. The memories of 1952 and 1971 evoke profound suffering and are encapsulated in the poignant lyrics of “Amar bhaiyer rokte rangano” (My brother’s blood spattered) by Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury.
Indigenous lands:
Growing up in Canada, many of us may not feel a deep connection to Bangladesh. The sentiments around the Bengali Genocide might not resonate as strongly for us as they do for previous generations. It’s crucial for our predecessors to remind us of Bangladesh’s struggles and victories so that future generations don’t forget. When we hear “ami ki bhulitey pari,” (how can I forget) it should evoke in us the same pain, not so that we can experience trauma, but to inspire us to stand against oppression. We must remember to understand the violation of rights and stand up for justice. Nevertheless, even if we lack a strong connection to Bangladesh, we need only to look at the brutal colonial history of the land we inhabit to understand generational trauma and loss. The treatment of Indigenous Peoples in Canada highlights ongoing human rights violations. While Canada busies itself with human rights issues in other countries, Indigenous Peoples here lack basic rights, among experiencing other inequities. Many Indigenous languages have become extinct due to colonization, and according to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), 75% of Canada’s Indigenous languages are endangered. Indigenous Peoples’ cries about unmarked mass graves on Turtle Island, now known as North America, were ignored until only recently. Finally, in October 2022, the House of Commons recognized the residential school system as genocide against Indigenous populations, but this can only be accepted as partially accountability, as there were many other atrocities under colonial rule. Systemic discrimination is still present today. Have a listen to stories of racism in the Canadian healthcare system (full report: Share Your Story). Canada acknowledges the past but walking the talk is challenging. Canada’s commitment to truth and reconciliation lacks in action. Many organizations now start meetings with land acknowledgments, but what is the significance of such performative action? Change will only come about when there is genuine commitment and action. If those in power choose to be ignorant of the full ramifications of colonization, Canada will be at risk of being complicit in another one – as is evident in the current genocide in Gaza.
Genocide- LIVE
Hypocrisy echoes on a large scale in Canada and beyond. Presently, for the first time in history, we are hearing the Palestinian voices crying out and showing us the atrocities of a genocide in real time, yet the Canadian government remains silent on the mounting death toll and obvious ethnic cleansing. Cutting funding to UNWRA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees), based on unproven allegations made by Israel, adds to this injustice. As Canadians, can we support these injustices? As Bangladeshis, who have a history marred with our own genocide, how can we ignore our government’s hypocrisy? In these unprecedented times, with live broadcasts of a genocide, how can we turn away from the suffering of our Muslim brothers and sisters in Palestine? We cannot remain idle; it’s time to take action and exercise our democratic right.
Resistance and revolution:
Many may feel powerless, assuming we have no influence to make a positive impact. However, social media empowers us to unite our voices for positive change. With instant access to information, a simple ‘like’ or ‘share’ can educate and raise awareness. This impact is evident in South Africa’s hearing at the International Court of Justice. Witnessing a genocide through mobile phones is unprecedented. The display of Palestinians’ faith and strength through their adversity has moved us and inspired global solidarity. Individual voices of the Palestinian grandfather, or the cries of the mother, and the body of a child wrapped in white cloth, have sparked a unique revolution. Social media posts, boycotts, and protests have become our weapons, capable of combating injustice, emphasizing the power of average individuals over powerful world leaders. Our small acts can lead to significant change.
Call to Action:
Bangladeshis, having endured genocide, cannot turn a blind eye to the plight in Gaza. Our history teaches us the consequences of unrecognized suffering, erasure, and oppression. Our community associations, especially during Ramadan, invite politicians to iftar gatherings. I call on community leaders to stop hosting politicians who are directly supporting or are complicit in genocide. We cannot simply give them a platform. Engaging politicians should involve pressure and accountability, given the failures and hypocrisy displayed towards Canadian Muslims.
I am going to use an analogy made by Sami Hamdi (an experienced geo-political risk consultant) that has stuck with me: Say you are a judge. In front of you, you have one person with seemingly racist ideologies and another person actively complicit in genocide, sending arms to a terrorist state. Who will you punish? The answer is clear. This analogy will inform my decision when I cast my ballot. The upcoming election is pivotal, requiring us to ‘punish’ those who failed us. We must draw the line at genocide, and refuse to give power to those complicit in the mass murder of civilians.
As we approach the holy month, and gather on the unsurrendered Indigenous lands, let us reflect on our responsibilities, and recalibrate our moral compass. Bangladeshis fought for freedom and sacrificed to preserve our mother tongue. We have a duty to ensure their sacrifices did not go in vain. We must join forces with the ones who now chant “from the river to the sea”. If in fact, we really mean what we say when we sing “ami ki bhulitey pari”, and cannot allow ourselves to forget the past, then we must stand against current atrocities and ensure history does not repeat itself. For, “we know too well that our freedoms are incomplete without the freedom of Palestinians” (Nelson Mandela).
