Not Just Telling Stories

Three million killed during 9 months of Liberation War. Over 26 killed during the recent barrage of blockade/hartal. [Blartal???] Numbers are important but so are stories -- mind-blowing and mind-numbing, larger than life and trifling. Numbers might be the canvas that frames history but it's the stories, collective and personal, that paint the picture. In this issue, you'll find stories of perseverance and survival through the worst of times; stories that hold relevance today because we're trying to survive what we can only hope is the worst stint of violence of our lifetime. These stories also delve into why we are who we are, as a nation.
Despite being held hostage -- the petrol bombs, the death of conscience and murdering of people, who just want to make an honest living and exist peacefully, for petty political gains -- Bangladesh moves on. Like it did in 1971.
Since the Big V on December 16, 1971, we've had our share of triumphs in the last 4 decades. We asked young Bangladeshis to reflect on what they considered to be major victories and it turns out we have plenty of reasons to feel proud.
Bangladesh's story is one of quiet determination. It may be bleeding and covered in ashes but we earnestly hope it'll rise and soar like the clichéd phoenix.
Have a happy and safe Victory Day.

– Karim Waheed, Editor, SHOUT.

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