CORE VALUE OF BANGLADESH
Ferdous H Khan

Uniquely, the specialty of this nation is embedded in the name itself. Bangladesh----A unique and a special name. A name which reflects language Bangla. A place where Bangla is widely spoken and understood. A place where colour, creed or faction is not very important then the language and culture. Such, unique places are very rare in the context of present world. This could appear to some as a surprise as it did with me untill I realized the true meaning. Since, liberation, there has been ongoing debates on the core value of Bangladesh. In discussions I have heard nearly always the word religion coming up as one of the core issues. The religion on a quick sense appeals as a core value of Bangladesh, but that notion vanishes as soon the liberation scenario comes in picture. It was a case of Muslim being liberated from Muslims. Therefore, religion for Bangladesh cannot be its core value. If not religion, for which core value Bangladesh is likely to declare war. Land encroachment, well there has been some encroachment done on the land of Bangladesh. The country did not react by declaring war; rather the case is discussed for amicable solution in time. Then, there can be an issue of water may be? Bangladesh is known as the land of rivers and canals. The life style of the people is much dependent on water and the major cities are located on the banks of the rivers. People of Bangladesh are dependent on the water not only as a life giver, but for the transportation of goods and people, fertilization of the soil and to maintain an ecosystem they are so accustomed too. There are about 700 channels encompassing, rivers, canals, and all the tributaries. A fantastic figure running through the length and breath of the country as arteries goes through the human body. It gives life to the nation, maintains the climatic condition so peculiar and unique for the ecosystem in particular, provides alluvial soil after each flood, which is so necessary to have hyper production in agricultural products to provide food for so many mouths. This also recharges our underground water system and replenishes surface water system. Alas, the misfortune of this nation is that its immediate neighbor nearly dammed all the inflowing rivers thus choking the life and ecosystem of the lower riparian—Bangladesh. This caused fall in level of underground water level giving rise to arsenic concentration. Arsenic caused poisoning of all life forms especially rural population—who are the simplest people of all. Many died a cursed death. Many families have been destroyed due to this affect. Process of procuring water (pure) have become costlier and difficult. In the villages after days work the general population infected with arsenic poising lick their wounds painfully counting days to meet death. These all did not evoke the urge to declare war, that means that this cannot be the core issue for this nation. Then do we have any issue that could be still lying ideal. Well it could be then trade and commerce with the neighbor, without going into much facts and figure of this issue; it can only be pointed to make an assumption. The huge trade imbalance in favour of India has not yet activated the urge to defend a value----a Core Value. Then the question still lingers on, what is our core value? This nation has always reacted to the issues of language, culture and traditions. The people of Bangladesh are proud of their heritage. There has been an effort by the people to protect the cultural values of the society. The younger generation, present students of colleges and universities have made it their prime responsibility to guard and cultivate. They celebrate bangle New Year more vigorously then 31st Dec, celebration of 21st Feb is jealous then any other occasion. This proudly makes Bangladesh the fore bearer in making all mothers proud by calling this day by the UN as International Mother Language Day. What an achievement for such a small nation. Secessions of cultural evenings are the most frequented place in Bangladesh with whole family. All members enjoy the out come in equal proportion; this only indicates that the projected values of this secession are acceptable to all members. Therefore, it can now be said that value attached with language and culture is more close to the heart of the people of Bangladesh. Does that mean that this nation’s core value should be looked some where here????