Forty Years of Bangladesh

Book excerpt: This book is a collection of essays that were published earlier in Bangladesh Magazines and Dailies reflecting on our national achievement and failings in the past years. The articles pay homage to the millions of our people who have toiled unfalteringly to take us to the place where we are now. Some articles also reflect on the vices that affect our growth such as unbridled corruption, political violence, and lack of leadership. Some articles also are grim reminders that the path to democracy is also fettered by threats that may emanate from politics of religious bigotry and extremism that are not always open to the eyes. The founding father of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had many dreams for his nation and his people. He did not live to see if his dreams of Shonar Bangla (Golden Bengal) were fulfilled and what stormy path his beloved country traveled in last forty years. His life was cut short early in a violent and cruel manneran ironic end for a man who believed in non-violence.