Overlooked patriots

As Pakistan approaches its Independence Day on August 14, questions arise about what this occasion truly signifies. Should it mark the 77th anniversary of independence or the 54th year since the amputation of its eastern wing? Watching recent events unfold in Bangladesh, often reported with a careless accent as 'Baangladesh' by our media, I am prompted to reflect on a broader issue. The recent loss of young lives, student protests, and the responses of law enforcement highlight ongoing tensions and struggles for justice in Bangladesh. This context makes the plight of the Bihari community even more poignant and urgent.

For over 300,000 mortals living in camps across Dhaka and beyond, this date like 16 December, is not one of celebration but of enduring memory. These Biharis, predominantly Urdu-speaking Muslims, once resided in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, as proud Pakistanis. They faced unimaginable trials during the tumultuous events of 1971, fleeing violence and seeking refuge in what they believed to be their homeland. Yet, their plight remains largely unacknowledged, their voices unheard amidst broader political narratives.

Bihari families in Dhaka, Dinajpur, Chittagong, Chatgam, Sanatnagar, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet and other cities and towns experienced unthinkable and gruesome violence during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Pro-Pakistan Biharis and some other non-Bengali Urdu speakers became the targets of revenge by a sizeable number of ordinary Bengalis, who, having first faced humiliation by the elites of West Pakistan, were later trained as Mukti Bahinis to fight for a separate homeland. Our women were raped - including pregnant women - and even unborn children were not spared. Lives were shattered, and identities were stripped away. The story of civilian Biharis and their genocide during the media curfew is one of resilience in the face of adversity, as they attempt to integrate into a society that often rejects them. These are the legacies left for those who survived.

Patriotism is not a crime, yet it has evolved into a deadly, unending punishment for stranded Pakistani Biharis in present-day Bangladesh and those without legal papers living a miserable life in Karachi. As a member of this unfortunate patriotic community who can never even imagine burning the flag of Pakistan - the country that does not own them and treats them as unequal - it is painful to watch 1971 used as a metaphor, carelessly or casually, if not purposefully with the wrong context, by many media, social and political activists and separatists.

In Pakistan, discussions about the Bihari community are often met with intellectual hostility if not complete dishonesty, meanness or malevolence. There is a collective 'amnesia' regarding their sacrifices and sufferings. The Biharis - Pakistani nationals who were denationalised by General Ziaul Haq - are practically deprived of basic rights and recognition. Their enduring suffering, a stark reminder of unresolved issues from the 1971 conflict, underscores a history of grievances and disregarded damages and losses. Despite their significant contributions and sacrifices before the birth of Pakistan and during the 'pro-liberation' movement led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Bihari community remains largely unacknowledged in Pakistan's public discourse and national narratives.

The silence surrounding the Bihari community in Pakistan is both striking and troubling. The absence of dialogue and recognition from intellectuals, policymakers, feminists, human rights defenders and civil society perpetuates a cycle of neglect and marginalisation. This senseless suppression is not merely a manifestation of immorality in the very foundations of our politics and power dynamics but also a profound disservice to those who stood by their nation during its darkest hours. Moreover, the denationalisation of these individuals, who were left stateless and without identity by the Pakistani military dictatorship, represents a wicked injustice. Their exclusion from state chronicles and policies reflects a broader failure to attend historical wrongs and uphold human rights.

The political change in Bangladesh, driven by clashes and calls for historical accountability, should serve as a catalyst for both countries to address their shared past. It is a moment for Pakistan and Bangladesh to confront historical wrongs and work towards a resolution that honours the humanity of all affected communities. Let this Independence Day be an opportunity for reflection and action, acknowledging the sacrifices of the Biharis striving for justice and reconciliation.

Tackling these issues with sincerity could pave the way for meaningful change. The Pakistani Biharis' suffering and their ongoing struggles deserve acknowledgment and redress. The persistent cageyness and refutation must be concluded to ensure that their sacrifices are recognised, and that justice is served.