আমাদের ইতিহাস

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.

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.

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.

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 killed 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.

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:

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.