Glory and Despair The Politics of Tajuddin Ahmad

Tajuddin Ahmad’s place in Bangladesh’s political narrative was assured when he formed the very first Bengali government in history in April 1971. But it was no surprise that he acted the way he did, for as Bangabandhu’s close, perhaps the closest, colleague, he was aware of what needed to be done in that hour of peril. His deep grasp of politics, his understanding of the workings of the forces of history and his courage in the face of adversity were shaped through years of studies of politics and observations of human nature. But, again, if Tajuddin’s moment of glory came through his leadership of the War of Liberation in the inspirational light of the incarcerated Father of the Nation, his despair manifested itself in his efforts to beat back those who undermined him to no end. Yet the intellectual in him refused to throw in the towel until it became rather uncomfortable for him to bear the pressure any longer. He walked away from power and soon was compelled by sinister men to walk into prison, from where he and his Mujibnagar colleagues would not emerge alive. Tajuddin Ahmad was Bangladesh’s socialist dream. A nightmare soon killed the dream. He made a difference in 1971. And he was cut down in 1975. This is the story of a statesman who goes on being our reason for pride. mad was Bangladesh’s socialist dream. A nightmare soon killed the dream. He made a difference in 1971. And he was cut down in 1975. This is the story of a statesman who goes on being our reason for pride.