Red Guerrillas: The Forgotten Fighters of the Bangladesh Liberation War
Liberation war of Bangladesh, still after 46 years later occupies a large part of the political imagination of countries of South Asian Subcontinent. The glorious and valorous fight of Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) against the religious Fascist Khan Sena and Razakars who, on the order of General Yahya Khan committed nothing short of Genocide of Bengalis in then East Pakistan is a tale of legend immortalized by numerous songs, cinemas and literature. After the glorious and hard fought victory of Mukti Bahini aided by India, the tale of tragedy of Sheikh Mujib’s death and death of Secular and Socialist People’s Republic of Bangladesh with him, is also a well-known story. What is not quite well known and generally ignored is the contribution of Communists of Bangladesh in the liberation of their homeland. In the context of rising religious disharmony in the Indian subcontinent, it is absolutely necessary to remember the tale of these brave guerrillas, both Hindu and Muslim in faith, who stood tall against a theocratic army and prevailed.
After the partition of India, Communist Party of India also got divided into two parts, Communist Party of India retained its own name, the party units which were in Pakistan, formed Communist Party of Pakistan. Later the East Pakistani wing of CPP formed Communist Party of East Pakistan in 1968. This part is the future CPB. Just like in India Sino-Soviet split divided parties of East Pakistan too.’ East Bengal Co-ordination Committee for Communist Revolutionaries’ broke from CPB during 1969 and more split followed. Fortunately, both Mani Singh, the then General Secretary of CPB and a major figure in provisional Government of Bangladesh and leaders of EBCCCR knew when to bury the hatchet and unite against the common enemy. When on 7th March 1971 Sheikh Mujib declared — ‘This time the fight is for liberation, this time the fight is for independence.’ the EBCCCR declared — ‘Strike now, revolutionary people, the soil of East Bengal demands blood for liberation. For 23 years the ruling class of Pakistan sucked the blood of peasants of Bengal, no more. Create local guerrilla forces in every village and establish liberated area.’
However the bourgeoisie elements in both Awami League and in Indian Government were reluctant to arm CPB, EBCCCR, National Awami Party lead by ‘Red Maulana’ Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Chhatra Union or Student Union forces. CPI and CPI(M) of India helped their Comrades as much as possible. Later official help also came though grudgingly and too small for the requirement. By 25th March spontaneous people’s militia were being formed all over newly named Bangladesh to fight Islamic-Fascist Razakar Army. To co-ordinate various Communist guerilla forces on 1st and 2nd June 1971, a conference was held in Beleghata, Kolkata. The result was ‘Bangladesh National Liberation Struggle Co-ordination Committee’. However groups lead by EBCCCR and CPB did not merge their forces, although they co-operated with each other. CPB-NAP-CU created Special Guerilla Force, which operated completely independent of Awami League lead Mukti Bahini. The force which numbered almost 20,000 at its peak, created virtual Liberated Area in districts of Barisal, Dhaka and Noakhali. Not to be outdone EBCCCR and its allied forces commanded approximate 15,000 strong forces which were divided between 14 Bases with the main base in Shibpur. The forces of EBCCCR also received substantial moral and material support from Tripura unit of CPI(M) for their righteous struggle. They also managed to liberate a large area of Chattagram, Barisal, Sylhet, Satkheera, Bagerhat and Jaydevpur. The Communist guerrilla forces maintained their separate existence throughout the war, collaborating with but not assimilating in Mukti Bahini. Mutual suspicion also ran high, despite personal good relation between Communist leaders like Mani Singh and Sheikh Mujibar Rahman. However after the end of war Communist forces laid down arms in hope of better future of the newly emerged nation. Sheikh Mujib also promised a Secular and Socialist Bangladesh declaring the country as ‘People’s Republic of Bangladesh’. On 30th January 1972, most of the Communist forces laid down their arms. They gifted all armaments to the newly born nation which Sheikh Mujib accepted with respect. The Supreme Leader of Special Guerilla Group, veteran Communist leader Muhammad Farhad laid down his arms, along with Osman Gani of CPB, Pankaj Bhattacharjee of NAP and Mujahidul Islam Salim of CU.
Sheikh Mujibar, overwhelmed by this display gave thanks to the Communist forces and said — ‘Be it the USA or any other country if anybody conspires against our People’s Republic they will pay a hefty price. I am not taking weapons from you forever my friends. There is still conspiracy lurking in the shadows. If needed I will give the weapons back to you to fight it. Because we share the same dream — a dream of Democratic, Socialist and Secular Bangladesh.’
Sheikh Mujib realised that a conspiracy is afoot, and rightly so. He and his family were shot dead just 3 years later. Present evidence shows CIA was fully aware and encouraged the conspiracy. With Islamists in charge of the country and army, and with Left completely disarmed, the dream of the Communists which Mujib assured them to translate into reality broke down in thousand pieces. With the sweeping Islamization drive under President Ziaur Rahman, Leftist contribution in Liberation War was also largely suppressed. However, in the light of recent events, these forgotten histories must be remembered again to set the records straight and to provide inspiration to the youth of subcontinent who must face the task of the opposition of Radical Hindutva and Islamic fundamentalist tendencies rearing its ugly head. So, let us be worthy of the ideals of the Red martyrs of 71 and let us carry forward their struggle to unexplored paths and unconquered heights, for if we fail, their deaths and sacrifices would be in vain.