The Shadow of
Violence
On March 17, 2017, Dhaka was shaken by a chilling reminder
of the vulnerability that shadows progress. A suicide bomber targeted a
temporary camp of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) near Askhona Hajj camp, a
grim echo of the extremist violence that had rattled the nation a year earlier
in Gulshan. The following day, news of militants detonating explosives to evade
arrest in Chittagong added to the atmosphere of fear.
As law enforcement worked tirelessly to secure Dhaka’s
streets, fear loomed large. Memories of past tragedies lingered, yet the
collective spirit of Bangladeshis refused to cower. Amid heightened security
measures and a city on edge, the resilience of the people mirrored the ethos of
their history—a history of standing tall against formidable odds.
The Spirit of March:
A Legacy of Liberation
March is the month when Bangladesh remembers the birth of
its independence movement. The stirring words of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s March
7, 1971 speech, declaring, “The struggle this time is for emancipation! The
struggle this time is for independence!” still resonate deeply. It is the
month when the people of Bangladesh, unified by their desire for freedom,
embarked on an extraordinary journey toward liberation.
In the crucible of war, Major Ziaur Rahman’s declaration of
independence from the Kalurghat Radio Station on March 27, 1971, gave hope to a
nation reeling under the brutal onslaught of the Pakistan Army. It was a
defiant proclamation that symbolized the unyielding spirit of a people
determined to claim their destiny. That spirit, deeply ingrained in the
national psyche, finds expression in various walks of life, including cricket.
A Century in Cricket:
Tigers Roar in Colombo
In March 2017, while the nation mourned and braced against
terror, the Bangladesh cricket team played its 100th Test match at the P Sara
Oval in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The setting was symbolic. As history was being made
on the cricket field, echoes of the past guided the players. The significance
of March, the birth month of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, served as a
source of inspiration.
The Tigers, battered by a dismal show in the first Test,
sought redemption. Shakib Al Hasan and debutant Mosaddek Hossain became the
architects of a remarkable turnaround. Their disciplined partnership of 131 for
the sixth wicket transformed the game, embodying the very advice Mujib had
imparted in 1971: *“Be disciplined. No nation’s movement can be victorious
without discipline.”*
Shakib’s innings on Day 3 was a masterclass in restraint and
control, a stark departure from his natural aggression. On the other hand,
Mosaddek’s poise under pressure belied his inexperience, offering a glimpse of
the future of Bangladeshi cricket.
Turning Adversity
into Triumph
The Tigers’ fightback extended into Day 4 as Mustafizur
Rahman and Shakib tore through Sri Lanka’s batting order with precision and
guile. Their tandem effort electrified the contest, showcasing the depth of
Bangladesh’s talent. On Day 5, the victory was sealed through the collective
resilience of Tamim Iqbal, Sabbir Rahman, and Mushfiqur Rahim. Their
determination echoed the ethos of a nation that refuses to succumb to
adversity.
The win was historic—a testament to the team’s growth and ability to script victories on foreign soil. It was a moment that lifted the spirits of a nation reeling from recent tragedies. Cricket once again became a unifying force, reminding Bangladeshis of their collective strength and potential.
March: A Month of
Inspiration
March is more than a month of remembrance; it is a time for renewal and reflection. From the battlegrounds of 1971 to the cricket pitches of today, it symbolizes Bangladesh’s journey—a journey of resilience, courage, and hope. The Tigers’ victory in their 100th Test match served as a metaphor for the nation’s enduring spirit. Just as Mujib’s call for independence galvanized a people, the achievements of Bangladesh’s cricketers inspire a new generation to dream, persevere, and excel.
In the face of challenges—be they acts of terror or daunting cricketing opponents—Bangladesh has consistently demonstrated its ability to rise above. The victories in March, whether on the battlefield or the cricket field, stand as enduring reminders of what the nation can achieve when united by purpose and passion.
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