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IN THE history of Bangladesh, November 7th is known as National Revolution and Solidarity Day, and it stands as a testament to the power of unity between soldiers and civilians to protect their country’s sovereignty. This day is imprinted in the national memory as a moment when, in the face of profound crises, the people and military came together, transcending their differences in pursuit of a common goal: safeguarding their nation’s future.

The story of November 7th began in a period of great instability. Bangladesh had suffered the violent fall of its founding president Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, 1975, which was quickly followed by the killing of four prominent Awami League leaders on November 3, with another Awami League leader, Khandekar Mushtaq Ahmed at the helm of the affair of the state. These events left forced the country into a period of politico-military turmoil, where rival factions and hidden agendas threatened to dismantle its fledgling democracy. Among the many caught in this struggle was Major General Ziaur Rahman, a freedom fighter and respected military leader who was imprisoned within Dhaka Cantonment during these tense days. When people alongside patriotic soldiers joined forces to free Zia from his detention, they sent a message of unity and resolve to the entire nation — a moment that would later be remembered as a crucial juncture in Bangladesh’s history.

The significance of this moment lies not just in the power shift it represented but in the profound solidarity that emerged between the military and civilians. Zia’s release was symbolic, not only because it placed him at the head of the country’s next chapter, but because it embodied the enduring unity that had first brought Bangladesh its independence in 1971. The events of November 7 were one where the people themselves became the protagonists, drawing upon a universal truth noted in John Milton’s Paradise Lost: ‘What though the field be lost? All is not lost—the unconquerable will.’ This ‘unconquerable will’ drove ordinary citizens, soldiers, and students alike to take control of their destiny.

National Revolution and Solidarity Day also represents a unique and powerful instance of civilian-military unity in a time of dire national peril. It was not a coup led by power-hungry officials or political elites but a movement driven by ordinary Bangladeshis, inspired by their love for their country and determination to protect its independence. This unity recalls Thomas Paine’s words in The American Crisis, where he famously remarked, ‘The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.’ November 7 embodied a kind of grassroots patriotism, a bond that vibrates with the spirit that Paine captured — a spirit that insists on standing firm against forces that threaten the values a nation holds dear.

The unity of 1975 finds a striking parallel in the recent July Revolution of 2024, where once again, ordinary citizens and the military united to protect Bangladesh from autocratic rule. This time, the regime of Sheikh Hasina, which had held power for 16 years, was overthrown after the military sided with the people rather than enforcing authoritarian directives. The military’s choice to protect rather than oppress echoed the historic spirit of November 7, demonstrating that the unity that sustained Bangladesh in the 1970s is still alive in its people. This parallel between two pivotal moments serves as a reminder that the strength of Bangladesh lies in the bond between its military and its people—a bond that remains powerful enough to topple even the most entrenched regimes in the pursuit of justice.

In the literature of revolutions and social upheaval, such solidarity often marks a turning point in national narratives. In Les Misérables, Victor Hugo depicts the fierce unity of ordinary people at the barricades, people who come from all walks of life to fight for a vision of a more just society. Similarly, on November 7, it was not a matter of class, status, or position but a collective desire for sovereignty and dignity that brought Bangladeshis together. Just as Hugo’s revolutionaries stood for hope amidst hardship, the people of Bangladesh united not out of a loyalty to any single leader but out of a shared commitment to their country’s ideals.

Ziaur Rahman, freed by the people’s determination, quickly emerged as a leader who understood that the nation’s wounds could not be healed without unity and hard work. Like Winston Churchill during Britain’s darkest hours, Zia took on the role of a steadfast leader who urged his people to rally and rebuild, setting a foundation for the nation’s future. His message to the people was simple yet profound: ‘Be united and work hard to take the country forward.’ His policies, aimed at flourishing development in rural areas, promoting literacy, and preparing Bangladesh for the challenges of the modern era, spoke to the pressing need for both unity and resilience in the face of adversity.

In William Faulkner’s Light in August, he writes, ‘The past is never dead. It’s not even past.’ This concept of a living past is central to Bangladesh’s national consciousness, where the memory of struggle is inseparable from the present. The legacy of the Liberation War permeates the national psyche, serving as a continual reminder of the cost of freedom and the importance of safeguarding it. November 7 adds another layer to this living legacy, reminding Bangladeshis that the values for which they once fought must be preserved with every generation.

The historical significance of November 7 can also be understood through the lens of Leo Tolstoy’s War and Peace, where the Russian people, motivated by a shared sense of identity, come together to repel Napoleon’s invasion. This type of ‘patriotic unity,’ Tolstoy suggests, arises not from blind loyalty to leaders but from an inherent love for one’s country. Similarly, on November 7, Bangladeshis did not rise to serve a particular ruler; they rose to protect the freedom and sovereignty they had fought so hard to secure. It was a moment of self-determined patriotism, a collective stance that transcended individual ambitions and represented the very soul of the nation.

Yet, the unity of November 7 was not without its critics. Brigadier Khaled Musharraf, who had taken control only days earlier, attempted to secure a different vision for Bangladesh, which was ultimately thwarted by the resistance of both soldiers and civilians. This resistance has been interpreted by some as the triumph of democracy over potential authoritarianism. However, it also raises questions about the difficulties of achieving lasting unity in a nation with such complex historical and political dynamics. November 7 serves as a reminder that while unity can achieve great things, sustaining that unity amidst political and ideological diversity remains a challenge.

The legacy of November 7 must be understood not only as a historical victory but as a call to action for future generations. Just as Zia encouraged Bangladeshis to unite and strive for progress, the lessons of the National Revolution and Solidarity Day urge today’s citizens to work toward a peaceful, inclusive society that respects democratic values. Zia’s leadership provided a vision for Bangladesh that echoed with resilience and pragmatism — a vision that, when combined with the energy of a united people, set the country on a path toward modernisation and growth.

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HM Nazmul Alam is a lecturer of English and modern languages at the International University of Business, Agriculture, and Technology.