The resilience of Bangladeshi people in war and peace

M R Akhtar Mukul, writer and journalist famed for Chorompotro, the liberation war-time radio program from Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, travelled to India after the declaration of independence. Starting from Dhaka, he and his family took 18 days to reach Dinajpur's Hili border. 

After crossing the border, an Indian officer, who was Bangali, mocked Mukul, saying, "So, you're fleeing now. If you were going to run, why start the chaos in the first place?" Mukul stayed silent, focused on his mission to join the government-in-exile and contribute to Bangladesh's fight for independence.

Fast forward nine months, Mukul returned to a free Bangladesh, along with nearly a crore of fellow refugees who had sought shelter in India. Their return marked a victorious moment that many, including that sceptical Indian officer, hadn't believed possible.

But independence came at a staggering cost. The Liberation War of Bangladesh tested the resilience of its people like never before. While the atrocities of the Pakistan army and the armed struggle of the Mukti Bahini are well-documented, the daily struggles of ordinary civilians often go unnoticed. 

M R Akhtar Mukul's Ami Bijoy Dekhechhi highlights the untold sacrifices of rural Bangladeshis during the Liberation War. After the Pakistan army's crackdown on March 25, 1971, rural communities resisted fiercely, dismantling bridges, blocking roads, and forming neighborhood guards. When neighbors needed passage, they rebuilt these same structures, showcasing unity and adaptability. While urban refugees sought safety in rural areas, shortages of essentials like salt and oil underscored the hardships of survival. Mukul's account reminds us that the struggle for freedom extended beyond battlefields, rooted in the daily resilience of ordinary people.

Bangladesh's greatest asset is its people—undaunted, determined, and driven to overcome every challenge

This spirit of resilience not only secured independence but also fueled Bangladesh's post-war recovery. Emerging from the war with 7.5 crore people, over 85% of whom lived in poverty, Bangladesh has since tripled food production despite shrinking farmlands. Today, the poverty rate has fallen to 18%, and the country feeds over 18 crore people.

Bangladeshis didn't limit themselves to agriculture. Many risked everything, even selling their last plots of land, to seek better futures abroad. Their efforts contributed $24 billion in remittances in 2023 alone, bolstering the economy. Industrial growth complemented these efforts, with the ready-made garment (RMG) sector becoming a global leader, earning $47 billion in 2023. Initially dominated by women working under poor conditions, the industry has since improved wages and work environments, helping Bangladesh become the world's second-largest apparel exporter and a leader in sustainable manufacturing.

The country now boasts 230 LEED-certified green factories, with 54 ranked among the world's top 100, and 500 more in progress. Meanwhile, small and medium enterprises, including cottage industries, generate employment, reduce import dependency, and contribute valuable foreign exchange. Across small towns, workshops and businesses thrive alongside agriculture, showcasing a diverse, grassroots-driven economy.

Despite challenges like corruption, lawlessness, and political instability, Bangladeshis persevere. From enduring natural disasters to navigating political upheavals, they continually rebuild and innovate. Recent years have seen climate change exacerbate floods and cyclones, posing new challenges to poverty alleviation. Yet, communities and organizations are developing innovative solutions to ensure recovery and progress.

Bangladesh's story is one of unyielding determination. Against all odds, its people have built a nation that not only survives but thrives, proving that resilience can turn adversity into opportunity. Their journey is a testament to hope, unity, and an unbreakable spirit.