The powerful position of student politics is a unique quality in the field of political practices in the subcontinent. Especially, in Bangladesh, the student organizations hold a historic and revolutionary importance. It is very natural that there are variations in principles and ideologies, vision of the action and work policies between the political parties. These parties have been developed under different principles as well as student organizations are embodied with different parties following the natural differences.
Bangladesh is bearing the student organizations since the Pakistan period. Some other institutes are also developed after the liberation war. Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir is an illuminated name, established in the independent Bangladesh, free from biased sycophancy. It is an independent edification center. Starting their vocation from the central jam-e-masjid of Dhaka University during February 6, 1977, this organization has compiled a glorious history after exceeding a successive 30 years. Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has established an imperishable honour in the heart of crore of young men and among the general people as a constructive, fast rising democratic institute, as an educational academy - sole and distinctive, and as a workshop to generate human beings.
The history of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, during the last 30 years, can be considered from different point of views. It can be evaluated under the socio-economical, political and cultural circumstances of a developing country as Bangladesh. Again, the evaluation can be made in accordance with the fact that ours is the fourth largest country in the world, inhabited by Muslims. The history of past three decades of its origination, surely deserves a sensible, unbiased and precise consideration.
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| The Inevitable Realities During The Revelation of Shibir |
As no historic incident takes place without a backdrop, such no organization generates without demands. The establishment of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir was an inevitable demand of the time. The entire socio-economical, religious, political and cultural milieu of Bangladesh intensified the need of the establishment of Shibir.
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| A. Post-independent Bangladesh |
The war of independence in Bangladesh ended on December 16, 1971. The people - longing for freedom, won victory after a nine month long homicidal war. But regrettably enough, even with the achievement of a free country, a geographical boundary, a national flag - we failed to win true independence.
India, the neighbouring country who lend a helping hand during the liberation war, immediately started asserting dominance over us. Our precious resources trespassed through the border. M. a. Zalil, one of the sector commanders during the war, became the first political prisoner as he took a stand against these issues. Within a very short period, economical disaster, instability in politics and vacancy in culture occupied the country. The freedom of the nation soon transformed into subjugation due to the utter anarchy. Renowned researcher Abul Mansur Ahmed referred to the condition as - "To purchase something at a higher rate and to sell that at a lower price - is indeed our freedom". During the years '71 to '75, the sheer autocratic government - 'BAKSHAAL', was founded in the democratic Bangladesh. All the parties, along with their principles and ideas, were seized by the throat. Formation of any other parties or organizations in the name of Islam was prohibited. All the newspapers, excluding the four which were published under the governance of the authority, were banned. Men fell in a stretched comer of the dark law. They lost the freedom of speech and individuality. Thirty thousand young lives were sacrificed as a punishment of their protest. The nation sunk into the abyss of a malicious and perverted party who held the slogan of 'Single leader, single nation'. These licentious young men, with their hands chained, vexed the life of the people by taking shelter behind the shield of administration, which was in reality an utter misrule. Even the right to mourn at one's distress was snatched away by the lawless condition. A million people died from famine, the Bashantis prevented themselves from embarrassment by covering the body with tom nets, human and hounds struggled together for the scraps of food in the dustbin. The heirs of the men in power went beyond the law. The innocent people fall a victim to the dark law. |
| B. The dream of Sonar Bangla: The want of Golden people |
Bangladesh is a dreamland abounding with many rivers and fruitful trees and com. There was a time when 8 mon (1 mon = 37.38 kg) rice i.e. almost 320 kg rice cost only one taka. There were rich granaries filled up with rice, sheds full of cows and houses overflowing and nourished with love and tenderness. That is why this Bangla was entitled as 'Sonar Bangla' (Bengal of Gold). Continuous attempts were made to snatch away the contentment, prosperity and solidity of this nation with colonial control and invasions of the Marhattas (borgee). Whoever gave hope to the nation, they promised to establish the 'Sonar Bangla'. During the liberation war against the dictatorial government of Pakistan, the same assurance was made to give hope to one and all and thus the people were inspired to fall over in the warfare. But who made the utter disappointment about that expectation? The government himself stated, "Men dig up a gold mine but I've dug out a mine of thieves. There are thieves all around me. In average, a number of seven and a half crore blankets have arrived for seven and a half crore of people, but where's my one?"
It is never so easy to establish a 'Sonar BangIa' as it is easy to dream of it. A league of golden human beings is required for the purpose. A group of truthful, honest, proficient and patriot people is needed who will be precious than the gold itself. How can it be possible to make our dreams come true without these people?
Human beings are developed chiefly by the edification procedure. As it is necessary to sow the seed for the harvest, in the same way it is essential to launch a suitable edification procedure to acquire golden people.
Evidently or non-evidently, we have been observing the same educational system for two hundred years and more that the English introduced. Following this procedure, we can never form an accomplished man truthful and patriot, with fear of Allah in his heart.
When the condition of Bangladesh reached such consequence, there appeared the significant change of scene during the year 1975. The leader of the liberation war, the president of the country - who was at the same time the originator of absolute autocratic ruling system, was executed along with his entire family. But alas! No people were found mourning for the tragic incident. On the contrary, his own companions and fellow men took over the power. A number of events took place within a short span of time. The country arrived at an unusual state after getting through military governance and emergence of Democracy. It was difficult for the disappointed and distressed people to comprehend what the destiny of the nation was. At this point of state, some pondering and courageous youngsters - depending on the almighty Allah, make a decision to institute an ideal student organization with a view to build up the young society. On February 6, 1977 Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, the desired institute of the peace-loving young generation, started its expedition from the central jam-e-masjid of Dhaka University, the Oxford of the east. The reverberated oath of sweet tone was composed
We have encamped at the bank of Padma, Meghna, Jamuna
We have chosen the path of the Holy Prophet holding the bayonet of pledge.
"Achieving the contentment of the Almighty by renovating the entire human life according to the dispensation of Allah and his Prophet Muhammad (SM)" - was settled as the vision and mission of the Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Shibir arranged a five items line of action to establish 'Deen' and to achieve the contentment of the Almighty. Pursuing the history of campaigning of the prophets, Shibir adopted three standing line of action - inviting (Dawaat), organizing and training. On the other hand, they took up measures of educational system and overall revolutionary steps regarding Islam. Thus, Shibir settled on the 5 radical and scientific line of action.
The declaration of the journey of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir was like a lightening through the absolute darkness. It was a illuminated beckoning in the midst of severe disappointment and frustration. This organization spread the light of hope and opportunity in men. Shibir became the unique and exclusive choice for the Islam-loving students and youngsters in a very short time. The single wave, the single name of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir extended its horizon in the unknown and narrow areas in the bank of Padma, Meghna, Jamuna, Surma, Karnafuli.
Shibir was advanced as the largest student organization of the country because of its unequal activities, its gracious provocation of Islam for the students, its coordination of building up a strong edge of brotherhood, its progression in growing human beings enriched with knowledge, personality and morality, the help that it provided to build up the career and to sustain student rights and above all the strong protest that it made against all kind of exploitation, oppression or slavery.
Shibir was advanced as the largest student organization of the country because of its unequal activities, its gracious provocation of Islam for the students, its coordination of building up a strong edge of brotherhood, its progression in growing human beings enriched with knowledge, personality and morality, the help that it provided to build up the career and to sustain student rights and above all the strong protest that it made against all kind of exploitation, oppression or slavery.
A group of vigorous young men, who have a vision to sacrifice themselves in the name of Allah, are bestowing their passionate contribution in the course of gradual progression of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir. No attachment can tie them behind, no gluttony or earthly temptation can drag them at the back. The continuous struggle in the way of almighty Allah is superior to them than the affection of the family. The song states them well- "The mother forbids the son to leave the home, the son surrenders his life in the way out to the Almighty."
Shibir has established a solid foundation during these 30 years as a consequence of the uncompromising and diligent activities conducted by the leaders and workers of Shibir.
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Shibir is the name of an alternative educational institute
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The educational system, which we follow in our country, gives us the learning and techniques to live the earthly life. But it does not educate us to lead our life according to the laws directed by Allah, his qitab - the holy Quran or sunnah. A person is transformed into an unkind human being with a seriously competitive mind and becomes addicted to luxury and sensual pleasures as a result of being a part of this system. No morality, humanity, fear of Allah or sense of liability grows in him.
Though a complete Islam oriented education has not yet been settled in the country to these days, but Bangladesh is getting illuminated during every single year with the development of a group of enlightened people. Shibir builds up its members with the help of a nice and combined syllabus. Every member has to keep a regular report. He has to study a portion of Quran every day with its meaning. Again he has to study one or more Hadith, at least 10 pages of Islamic literature and newspaper. He has to made self-criticism and evaluation of his activities at the end of every day. The chief point here is that he has to apply these educations in his own life. He is also bound to say his prayers regularly i.e. 5 times a day in jamaat. Thus in this way, Shibir aims to build up a man with a fare combination of knowledge and personality.
This is not the end. The members of Shibir are also given reminders to study the textbooks at least for 3 hours a day. The following matters are monitored with importance regarding the studies:
- Shibir has arranged guide books and coaching centers for the university admission tests. The students and their parents largely admire these books and coaching centers.
- Shibir gives encouragement and inspiration to the meritorious and successful students with a regular reception parties. There are also opportunities of scholarships for the poor and bright students.
- A number of students have achieved good results with the help of free coaching and free supply of books under the supervision of Shibir.
Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir is providing the students with an atmosphere free from smoking, drug addiction and malpractice in examination. As the members of Shibir are free from these practices, they instigates other people also to go along with this absolute, nice and pure direction. Shibir has already been performing the act against smoking for the last 30 years, which the Bangladeshi government has passed in the year 2000. Shibir has also inspired its members from the very beginning to practice fare examinations.
Shibir has also habituated its members to say their prayers at night (Shab-e-bedari) and has inspired them to say the Tahazzud, so that they can bear love for the almighty Allah as well as fear for Him.
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Shibir: In nourishing and expanding the intellect
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Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir not only nourishes and expands the intellects but also it is a sole institute, which seeks for intellectuals.
Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir organizes several quiz contests, guide-line conference for building up careers, computer fair, science fair, gatherings for general knowledge, scholarship competition, cricket and football matches every year, from the root-level to the center point, in order to search the genius. Besides, Shibir arranges inter school and inter college debating competitions. In one hand, these efforts stimulate the young genius and on the other hand, it helps Shibir to find the future intellectuals of Bangladesh.
Shibir is the only student organization in the country that has their regular publications. 'Student's Views' - a student's periodical is published during every month for the students at every sector. There are a number of famous writers in the country, who had their first lessons of writing from this publication. Besides, the bigger sections of Shibir have their own publications.
Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir has taken measures at the very time when the youngsters of the nation are largely involved in mal-practice of culture. Shibir is fully satisfied after these 30 years. Because, they have over 200 cultural societies in the country, which are chiefly admired. These institutes are originating a number of young artists with frequent trainings, workshops and production. Besides the stage performances, these societies have a large number of regular audio and video releases. These consist of Islami songs, patriotic songs, Jari, Vawaiya and Vatiali songs. There are certain subjects like recitation, drama, jokes etc., which provides the people with a combined pleasure with values of Islam.
Shibir holds a very important place when the point comes to the spread of Islamic behaviour, values and practice of cultural activities among the modern, educated youngsters. The practice of Salaam giving to the fellow is of this kind. The culture of Shibir is to attach the elders with respect and the children with indulgence. Besides, Shibir has introduced the tradition of exchanging cards during Eid, New Year and on special occasions. Shibir has published enchanting posters, stickers, view-cards, post cards, class routines, time table of the Ramadan, diary, calendars etc. for the people of all ages. Again, they have publications of science series to make the study of science attractive. |
You Will Have To Rise On These Days of Disaster and Distress
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Bangladesh is among those countries that are in a high risk of environmental calamities. People of the country have survived in spite of confronting a number of attacks of severe calamities during the past decades. The people of Bangladesh have an eternal practice of helping other people along with saving own lives. In continuation to this, Islami Chhatra Shibir has helped the nation bravely and kindly during the moments of crisis.
By collecting rescue goods and relief from all over the country, Islami Chhatra Shibir stood beside the flood affected people. The cyclone affected people of the southern part of Chittagong will always remember the assistance and sacrifice of Shibir members. Shibir played an appreciated role by proving relief goods and medical support during the time of draught in the north and to the pestilence-stricken people.
Shibir has prioritized the most the assistance of study related subjects for the students during the moments of crisis. One of the major activity of Shibir was to provide the students with free supply of books, khata, pen and cash money so that they can move on with their studies in spite of the disastrous situation.
Shibir has taken up programs of supplying warm clothes among the people almost every year. The principal catalyst of to the fall of the autocratic regime of Ershad, was to guide the students movement and the Islamic Chhatra Shibir was the major participant during that time and pioneer.
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The optimistic views of Shibir on National Issues
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1. From the very beginning and in any moments of crisis in national politics it played on important role as student organization.
In the 1981 after the killing of the martyr president Ziaur Rahman, Justice Abdus Sattar take over the power. Then in 1982, despotic ruler president Hussain Muhammad Ershad snatch the administrative power at the gun point. Shibir was a pioneer in the turmoil against Ershad. In 80's, the agitation and student movement centering Dhaka University, T.S.C., Shahbagh and Doel Chattar was mainly organized by Chahatra Shibir. Many leaders and workers of Shibir was caught and embraced death in the war against the dictator ruler, but the unique soul was never afraid. Student organizations got inspired and hopeful to see the great assemblage of Shibir.
In 1992 Shibir conducted a historic role which revealed a new era in the national politics of Bangladesh.
The national election in 2001 was a transitional period in the national politics of Bangladesh. The party, which took the power through the election in 1996, was turning towards dictatorship. During that crisis moment, the Shibir formed "Shorbo dolio Chhatra Oikka" along with other student organizations. The endless effort of this organization brought the country to the path of Democracy. In the election of 2001, the role of Shibir was self-sacrificing, credible and effortful, which is appreciated and well know.
Shibir always stood against any kind of terrorist movement, anarchy and treasonable activities in the country. There is no room for terrorists in Shibir as well as they don't support terrorism. When the overall situation of the country became unstable with several bombings, terrorist activities and so on, some persons were intend to point on Shibir. And Shibir has succeeded to prove that they are not even far but far away from such deeds.
In recent days Shibir has organized a round table meeting with our intellectuals, reporters, politicians, educationalists on the issue of the current unstable situation related to SAARC summit and about the chain bombings in 63 districts. This discussion and arrangement inspired the nation with a new hope.
In 1999 Shibir forced debated female writer Taslima Nasrin to leave this country by pricing strong public opinion against her irreligious writings. The imprudent step to separate the Chittagong hill tracts from the main land is strongly opposed by Shibir. Shibir played a contending role in the wrong decision on suicidal transit issue. The standing of Shibir against a national issue like realization process conducted by the government about Qudrat-E-Khuda education policy, which introduces secular, irreligious teaching system, was transparent and clear.
Shibir conducted a very important role in raisin public opinion, subduing terrorism and in eradicating of terrorism. And look it as national issue, which they expended through all over the country.
Shibir accorded annotation to the Bangladesh team. Who won a one day match in Natwest series against world champion Australia. They also conveyed greeting to the players, coach and the officials.
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Shibir in International Issue
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Shibir is always aware of being friend to all and enemy to none about international policy. But Shibir is uncompromising about injustice and unfairness. And Shibir always stands against the dictators and in favour of the oppressed.
. In 1979 Russia, the then United States of Soviet Russia with the assistance of the puppet government of the Afghanistan, snatched the freedom of the freewill Afghan pepole. Against this invasion issue, Shibir brought out a procession of 20 thousands youths in Dhaka. This kind o f protest of Shibir expresses compassion to the Palestanian issue, is attended by the then central president of Shibir. Shibir proved their fellow feeling in turmoil, fight and rebuilding of Palestanian people.
Shibir respect the decisions of the organization in the election of the Chhatra Shangsad. They choose the participants according to the choice of the higher authority. Shibir never choose a leader with personal interest. If anyone is expelled from the organization, there comes no accusation. Shibir tries heart and soul to do better for the students and the institutions where they are elected. They give priority to the supreme service, benevolence and national interests instead of corruption in tender process, mugging and party biasness.
Every year Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir observes 15th August as the Islamic education day. The main objective of such activity is to develop morality and worth oriented education system. To achieve this first student in this sub-continent Abdul malek embraced death in the hand of the assassin in 1969. The precious chapter of sacrifice by the English learned society for the development of Islamic education is leaded by Shibir.
Revolutionary Islamic leaders from various countries attend the Central convention of Shibir for a prosperous and better Islamic society which is arranged by Shibir the organization who believes on open and friendly relations among the nations. The central leaders of Shibir also attend various such conventions around the globe. These kinds of arrangement help the leaders to exchange and share ideas for mutual benefits. The famous leaders who participated in the Central meet in different times through the last 30 years has now become the national figures, ministers and member of parliaments in their own countries.
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The unparallel and debuting role of Shibir against Suppression, murders and terrorism:
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Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir took the model of the renowned leader, the legendary General and the celebrated President of all times our respected and beloved prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM:), to establish a revolutionary Islamic and pious student society. For the last 30 years Shibir followed the guidelines of the famous Leader and which is a great achievement of this organization.
As Rasul (SM), after receiving the prophet hood, confronted the hardship against the autocracy of his time, in the same way, Shibir also had to deal with the hostile attitude of the opposition parties of Islam and the despotic rulers of this time. There is a group of people who always spread misleading information about the members of Shibir, made attacks on the programs of Shibir, declared Shibir as a banned institute, wounded the members individually and collectively and killed them to death in secret invasions as well as directly.
Shibir maintains the TAD policy in order to confront the misleading information, attacks, terrorism and oppression. That is, the members of Shibir have always kept Tolerance, or Avoided the situation or took up Defensive measures, when there was no other way left. Even the wild animals deserve this right of defense. There are people who always find fault with the Shibir members and tries to term them as intolerant, terrorists and murderers.
Meanwhile, 123 youth has embraced martyred dome due to the attacks of several organizations. They don't know what their fault was, why they were murdered. In the same way, hundreds of members of Shibir are living a miserable life being crippled and wounded. They ask the pathetic question - "Why this happened to us?" No one can reply, though every one knows the answer.
The only fault that they had is they brought Imaan to the almighty Allah. They have placed the example as martyrs by sacrificing their lives; they have embraced disabled life rather than compromising. They have valued their lives through the continuous struggle. This is the belief and custom of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir to search the light of life amidst of death.
We have the only determination to walk in the way of Allah
We will shine as the eternal star in the dark sky.
Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir is a name, a history and the name of a brave journey. With tiny efforts step by step they passed the golden 30 years. Shibir transformed in to a faith of the believers. The organization has become the support profound love, freedom and respite of the united student body. Nothing can stop the rise of a Shibir member even the passionate feelings of the parents and siblings, and not even the compassionate feeling of the beloved children. They are inspired to see upward with a great intension to sacrifice and to achieve heavenly peace after resurrection. That is for Shibir is the name of a rebellious journey and a revolutionary organization enriched with the youth energy of the country.
This strong and highly determined organization desires to build every moment of a student as a huge monument of dreams, struggles and achievement. The destiny of the incessant journey of Shibir is to preserve the tradition, create new pages of history and develop an enriched future. Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir is the lying in chamber which overflowed the distressed houses of the nation with hope.
Shibir has given the words of revolution to the tongue of those students who were previously sunk in the dark world of disgraceful cultural activities. It had restrained their rein less life with conscience and well-developed life style. Comprehensive and transparent sectors are elucidated before them.
For the last thirty years, Shibir is running as a confident and faithful knight, to achieve the satisfaction of almighty and to gain recommendation of Rasul (SM). So he holds the utterance of that revolutionary song of Kazi Nazrul Islam -
Durgomo giri kantar moru dustoro parabar he
Longhite hobe ratri nishithe jatrira hushiar. |
-ABU ZAFR MUHAMMAD OBAIDULLAH
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