Bangladeshi cricketer Mashrafe bin Mortaza has urged the youth of the country to spend at least an hour a day learning the history of the Liberation War and its aftermath instead of wasting time on social media.Mashrafe said that future generations should learn the history of the Liberation War from those of the current generation.
The current ODI captain made the remarks during an event for the expatriate Bangladeshis titled ‘Project London – 1971’ organised by the Liberation War Museum at its main auditorium in Dhaka on Saturday.
Nuzhat Chowdhury, the daughter of martyred doctor Alim Chowdhury and Project London Chairman Fazlul Kabir and programme coordinator Ujjal Das were among the others who attended the event.
Mashrafe was dismayed by the fact that everyone was busy with their mobile phones during the programme and started recording when he began his speech.
“The whole Bangladesh is now inside their mobile phones,” he said. “It seems to me that the words of those who have spoken here have stirred little passion in you. Instead, everyone is busy with their phones.”“If I ask a question on the Liberation War, you will just look it up on your phones. This is very sad.”
“There is nothing sadder than thinking that school children will learn about the Liberation War for a quiz.”
The cricketer said that he was still learning about the Liberation War through books, newspapers and films.
“Whether we are busy with studies, business, or sports, none of us can say that we could not find a free hour. Over fifteen to twenty days, bit by bit, try to learn the Liberation War. Use the internet. One day you will find that the passion is there.”
Mashrafe expressed his frustration with young people who ‘troll’ on social media and the media’s coverage of children who do not know about the Liberation War.
“Find out why they don't know about the Liberation War. The families and schools must take this responsibility. But it does not look nine to report on them in such a way.”
“We must always respect those who have given us Bangladesh,” he said regarding the martyrs of the war.”“My sons will learn about the Liberation War from people like you - today's youth. Even I could learn something new from you. But, in order to speak to the new generation about the brave warriors of ’71, you must learn more about the Liberation War.”
Nuzhat Chowdhury spoke of freedom fighter, martyr and cricketer Jewel at the event, describing the story of how the batsman became a member of a crack platoon that conducted the operation on Ashuganj Bridge.
“When you fly, remember the runway has been paved with the blood of the martyrs,” she told the young participants.
The ‘Quiz 71’ site (quize71.com) will accept registrations from Mar 7, organisers say. The competition will be held through the site.
Registration forms will be available at the address. The competition includes 71 questions in seven states. Students from class six to class twelve will be divided into two groups for the contest. The contest will end on Mar 25.