About the Book The International Seminar on Bangladesh held in April, 1972 under the aegis of Cal'Lao University and Calcutta University Bangladesh Sahayak Samiti and sponsored by the University Grants Commission, provided scope for scholars of the subcontinent to exchange, views on the socio-political, cultural and economic problems of the new State.
The contributors had to restrict themselves to the analyses of the complex situation obtaining at the beginning of 1972. The problem of cultural identity, political and economic realities and some pertinent inter-national issues figured duly in the deliberations. The scholars were well aware that `in a fast-changing world political and economic realities constantly adjust them-selves'. They were equally conscious of the serious challenges that confronted the new nation. The analyses made about two years ago will, we hope, provide an interesting study in the context of later developments. The papers .varied in their contents and' out-look all converge on the singular desire for understanding and friendship between the neighbours of the subcontinent.
Preface The Reader will find in the following pages papers read by eminent Scholars at an international seminar on Bangladesh organized by the Calcutta University Bangladesh Sahayak Samiti in April, 1972, within six month of the emergence of Bangladesh as a free, independent and sovereign People's Republic. The Sahayak Samiti was formed at a n time when on the one hand, millions of helpless men and women were pouring into India from Bangladesh to escape the genocide let loose by ad arm, seemingly gone mad, and on the other hand, a band of death defying freedom fighters had already begun to organize themselves for liberating their motherland once for all from the clutches of an incredibly greedy, brutal and stupid colonialists. The Sahayak Sarnia rendered yeoman's service to the cause of Bangladesh. Believing as it did in the ultimate triumph of truth and justice the Samiti not only took immediate practical steps for ameliorating the sufferings of the stream of students, teachers and 'common men and women taking refuge m West Bengal, but also concerned itself even in these early days with theoretical and ideological issues of a more significant character. It helped the refugees, particularly of the academic community, materially and °otherwise. It disseminated useful information about the situation to Bangladesh prevailing at that time; it analysed that situation and Lade future projections of it for the guidance of all concerned. It mobilized public opinion at home and abroad in favour of Bangladesh based on principles which were at once humanitarian, political, economic and philosophical. And later, after the liberation war in Bangladesh came to a gloriously successful conclusion, albeit at a cost of thirty million lives and untold misery to countless men, women and. children, the Samiti decided to hold an international seminar under its auspices where scholars from various countries could deliberate on relevant political, economic and ideological issues, among other topics, connected with Bangladesh. I am glad to note, that their decision was implemented fairly promptly. The proposed seminar was attended by distinvished scholars in the field of political science, economics, sociology, art and culture. Literature and international relations. The sponsors of the seminar fell, quite rightly I think, that the seminar proceedings including the papers read and discussed could form a useful document partly because of its historical significance and partly because of its intrinsic, merits. Hence their resolve to publish it.
Book's Contents and Sample Pages
