For all the good intent, observance of "days" and such have become redundant. That this obviously misses attention is particularly galling. A nation’s identity springs from consciousness that has to be ingrained through education and behaviour of icons, be they political or social.
Hallmark occasions are different to an extent. In this day and age, pompous displays don’t generate patriotism, and are a waste of time and money. Money spent holding rallies and seminars -- where preaching to the converted is the target -- are meaningless squandering. From governments to international agencies, there has been no attempt to audit or research effectiveness of spending, which is so required at times when money is tight.
The guilt has to be a shared one. From international bodies, through governments, to the individual. At times, it almost smells of a conspiracy to create a dent to the national identity. It has been 70 years since valuable lives were lost for the simple demand for the right of mother language. Yet, ensuring Bangla in all spheres of society remains a recluse hermit.
It doesn’t get any sadder when the prime minister, having seen silent resistance to her insistence of having court proceedings in Bangla, finally has to suggest that at least the gust of rulings and judgment are in Bangla. No wonder that February 21 is the United Nations’ declared Mother Language Day, Bangla isn’t an official language of the body.
Touching 51 years of Independence, we are confronted with our biggest supporter, India, celebrating victory over the Pakistan Army to the extent of almost obliterating mention of a Liberation War that rag-tag freedom fighters waged with a resolve steelier than their army.
Such is our own shortcoming as to not highlight or observe small but key battle victories in the journey to independence across the country. One must also question why there is no museum of the Language Movement in all these years.
Instead, we can find energy, resources, and the will to ape business-origin Valentine’s Day during the language month. International Labour Day conjures visuals of toiling day-labourers, though they have no room at the posh-seminars of the day.
No one is interested whether, for all the years of such observance, their working conditions have improved. Nor are questions raised why the United States, where Labour Day demands officially originated, targets November rather than May for the occasion.
Fearful of being overwhelmed by migrants, more and more countries are tightening border control. The upshot is severe manpower shortages in labour-intensive sectors. It’s an issue that bedevils both advanced and left-behind countries. The United Kingdom and the United States are scratching their heads on how to find agricultural labourers.
Bangladesh faces the stark prospect of a shortage of labour at harvesting time. It doesn’t help that our agriculture minister wants heightened production to face "over-consumption" of the main staple, rice, when arable land is decreasing due to encroachment of development projects. Add to that the reluctance of farmers to crop further due to unfair prices. As if we needed more confusion, the food minister tells us there is more than adequate stock of grains available.
The list is a long one -- of days that may have some remote international significance, but little resonance with people in individual countries. That these are added to by some that defy logic and cater to numbers that don’t necessarily make a difference. Unless a larger section of the population, worldwide or country specific, is involved, common sense suggests diverting unnecessary spending to useful endeavours must get priority.
One is reminded of 30 years ago, when it came to light that the UN had spent $1,000,000 on awareness of car safety-belt use -- in sub-Saharan Africa.
Mahmudur Rahman is a writer, columnist, broadcaster, and communications specialist.
