1.
I have shared a long history of engaging in conversations and close companionship with Mahfuz Abdullah. Over nearly seven to eight years of collaboration and joint struggle, our thoughts and experiences have undergone complex interactions. It was never a simple, linear, or uniform process. Our unity in ideas and actions, as well as our differences in thoughts and personal stances, have all contributed to a multifaceted and multilayered, yet coherent, clear, and transparent understanding. This dynamic has been one of honesty, mutual respect, and practical value. It can be metaphorically described as a blend of roses and thorns, combining both aesthetics and pragmatism.
The intricate process of our friendship and mutual understanding holds deep personal significance for me, as well as for both of us. Mahfuz Bhai (Brother) likely shares the same sentiment. Even in the face of the evolving political reality of our country, this process of mutuality continues and will persist.
2.
Recently, however, I have noticed a troubling trend in the discussions surrounding Mahfuz Abdullah's thoughts. Propaganda and ideological narratives have emerged, which seem to obstruct his work as a key figure in the newly-formed government of Bangladesh. These efforts unjustly undermine both the revolution and its achievements, while also creating an environment of insecurity and discomfort around Mahfuz as an individual. This has become a source of concern for us all.
The Awami fascist camp spreads propaganda accusing him of being associated with Hizb ut-Tahrir, while the Islamist fascist camp brands him as anti-religious, a follower of Lalon, an atheist, and a heretic. This joint attack by these malicious factions is attempting to obscure the true essence of Mahfuz's thinking. We stand firmly with Mahfuz Abdullah against all such propaganda.
3.
But why has Mahfuz Abdullah fallen into this predicament? This is something we must understand. Before the July revolution, no one could identify any central leader or character behind the movement. The fundamental philosophy and aspirations of the movement belonged to the people and their collective ownership. The lack of a centralized leadership was also a factor in its success. However, after the revolution, we saw various stakeholders being marginalized, while Mahfuz Abdullah was presented by the media, civil society, and even the Chief Advisor as the "mastermind" behind the revolution.
Mahfuz’s contribution to the movement is evident to all. Yet, by casting him as a mastermind, the establishment has placed him in a position of confrontation with various stakeholders. Terms like "mastermind" and "meticulously designed" have shrouded him in mystery, creating the perception that he orchestrated the revolution like a magician working behind the scenes. As a result, his personal life, thoughts, and actions have taken center stage, overshadowing the collective spirit and aspirations of the revolution. The establishment has successfully created a situation where controlling Mahfuz’s thoughts seems to equate to controlling the revolution itself.
This has led to two outcomes: on one side, the League, the A-Team, and Taslima Nasreen have found a convenient target to undermine the revolution; on the other side, various societal groups seek to project their own desires onto Mahfuz’s thinking. When they fail to find such reflections, they turn against him.
4.
Mahfuz Bhai has, to some extent, failed to deconstruct this narrative. The ideas he advocates are not new, nor are they cause for alarm. Since 2013, these ideas have grown through the collective political, social, literary, and cultural activities of a large generation. What Mahfuz is calling for is a Bangladesh where all people can coexist harmoniously, where the existing evil binaries in society are resolved. Ultimately, he advocates for a state built on Bangladesh’s own history, traditions, and aspirations.