Postscript
Give Us a Sliver
Siddikur Rahman
Few things inspire us these days. Death, destruction and despair follow us at every turn. But even as we reel from the news of yet another child, man or woman being killed or maimed in hartal violence, even as we hang our heads in frustration over the intransigence of our political leaders, there it is, a sliver of hope. One may wonder where this stubborn resilience comes from. How is it possible for a nation that is ravaged by the corrupt, selfish and the powerful, feel hopeful about anything.
But there it is – a flash of light that says that there is something beautiful and good among the debris of hate and hubris. We saw it on November 3 at the stadium when Bangladesh won the home series against New Zealand and in Chittagong in October when Shohag Gazi set a world record with a century and hat trick, the first time ever in the history of cricket. Then, even when people were being burnt alive by hartal supporters and the whole country seemed paralysed by fear, there was Siddikur Rahman winning the Hero Indian Open golf tournament in Delhi, claiming his second Asian Tour title, beating some of the most respected golfers in the international circuit.
These young Bangladeshi men will probably not know the extent of joy and relief their victories have brought their nation. We are joyful to be known by the world not as a poverty-stricken, disaster prone, one of the most politically unstable countries of the world but one where young sportsmen can withstand financial hardship, formidable competition and come out victorious. We feel relief that at a time when there is only darkness and more darkness to look forward to, we have something to celebrate.
Take Siddikur, a youngster from an impoverished background, who started as a ball boy then a caddie, practising a game that was relegated to the rich and upwardly mobile during his free time. Now he is called the flag bearer of Bangladesh golf, earning the status of a professional and winning in several international tournaments. Bangladesh and golf? many will ask quizzically. Now how did that happen? But it did. With the support from the Club that had allowed him to pursue his passion as well as the encouragement of many, Siddiqur, determined, dedicated and undoubtedly gifted, has made a giant leap forward and taken us with him on this exhilarating ride.
These victories, that too in the world of sports, point out to an undeniable truth – that the young people of this country have talent, energy and the ability to fight all odds. In the worst possible scenario our youngsters manage to stay optimistic, joyful and focused on their dreams. They manage to survive.
The nagging worry however, is for how long? As the days of meaningless violence and insincere promises drag on, our youngsters are losing precious moments – of lessons, exams, making friends and just living normal, terror-free lives. We will never be free from the haunting images of burnt and maimed children, women and men– collateral damage of hartals, individuals who had no agenda to push, no political affiliation or rivalry to promote, only the desire to live. It is hard not to feel that we grownups have somehow failed to provide the basics of a decent life to our young and vulnerable. For is it not us who elect the people who will govern us? Is it not us who allow political parties to hold the nation hostage to their petty animosity and overpowering narcissism?
As one side of the vicious game of politics sticks to its punishing strategy of mayhem, destruction and disruption of people's lives, the other side is busy finding ways to stay in the game no matter how controversial the means and ends.
We have little to inspire us, that's true. There seems to be no sign that the insanity will abate any time soon. Only the likes of Shohag and Siddikur can give us hope that somehow, we will get by.
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