Feature

Transform Patriotic Sentiment into Productivity

Kh. Asef Safa Kabir

AS December 16 approaches every year, people decorate their cars with the national flag. I wonder if these people, who enthusiastically embellish their vehicles with the national flag, care to ensure economic consumption of fuel of their cars so that our destitute nation can save some non-renewable energy. I also wonder if these highly patriotic people pay taxes regularly and ensure that their sources of income are not legally questionable.

It's undeniable that as a race we are extremely patriotic and sentimental. However, when it comes to convert our patriotic zeal into pragmatic productivity, we inevitably lag behind. Our politicians, intellectuals and bureaucrats relentlessly talk about their endeavors to make this country prosperous. However, when it comes to the question of being 'united' to work for the country's interest, most of them turn their back on us. It's quite simple for our national leaders to preach about the great values of the Liberation War in meetings, talk-shows and seminars to commemorate Victory Day. However, it's equally arduous for them to come out of their isolated 'little boxes' of narrow principles and work for the better future of this ill-fated nation.

As representatives of the future of this country, we cannot accept this trend of hypocrisy. National sentiments obviously represent the very spirit of a nation. Every nation does not have a magnificent history of struggle that can make its citizens proud. However, 'empty sentiment' without the productive energy to bring a tangible difference is like an anthem without an inspirational lyric. I am absolutely certain that if we all had the resolute intent to work hard for the nation (similar to our overwhelming patriotic emotions), our country would have been 'liberated' from many of its persistent predicaments.

Unfortunately, we do not understand the obvious fact that we can make our country proud, if we all work sincerely from our respective positions. John F. Kennedy once said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” We often curse our impoverished nation and wish to leave it to pursue a better future for ourselves. However, we generally fail to perceive the apparent fact that our country could have been as blissful as it was meant to be, if all of us had the courage and vision to lead it to its ultimate prosperity. We must not assume that someone else will take this sacred responsibility on our behalf. It's a responsibility that we all must share to pay our own tributes to those who sacrificed themselves to ensure our sovereign existence in this universe.

(Student of NSU)

Recognition of Achievement

Ferdous Munmun, 3rd year meritorious student of Business Administration of CU receiving a scholarship check and a certificate from education minister Nurul Islam Nahid. Bangladesh Scholarship council with the help of Nippon Foundation of Japan gave the scholarship.