Our Mothers Have Understood – The Path of Struggle is Long

Opinion

These things are happening to us. Maybe some realize it, maybe some don’t. But it keeps happening. After August 5, at first we saw fear in our parents’ eyes – fear of losing sons, husbands, loved ones. Now that fear is gone. Now there’s fire in their eyes…

That first day on December 15 when we marched toward 32 No., Ammu saw photos on her phone and said: “Oh Monu, whose children will they beat to death?” Then she couldn’t speak anymore. She just kept repeating: “We raised these children with such hardship, and now people will beat them to death!” Later she’d say: “Alright Monu, do what you think is right. Just be careful.”

As time passed, Ammu’s tone changed. She’d ask: “Monu, are you eating properly? Are you getting proper meals?” I’d say whatever came to mind. She’d insist: “Take care of your health. Don’t just sleep all the time.”

The day before yesterday, I was on video call with my little sister. She told Ammu: “Ammu, Bhaiya has become as thin as Humayun” (Humayun – our family nickname for skinny people). Ammu called me: “Monu, they say you’ve become skin and bones?” I said yes. She replied: “Never mind Monu. Just stay alive. If you stay alive, your health will recover one day.”

Yes, our mothers have understood – the path of struggle is long. The times aren’t in our favor. Survival is more important than comfort. Oh yes, today Ammu sent some money through my aunt for me. I told her: “I might spend this on political work.” She said: “Do it. Feed people with it.”

A mother’s strength and the strength of this land are divine. Joy Bangla.

-Sardar Rihan
Online Activist