Kolkata: A city-based film-maker, Soumitra Dastidar, whose YouTube documentary on the Bangladesh uprising is currently unavailable in India because of "an order from the govt related to national security or public order", travelled to Dhaka a day before the swearing-in ceremony of Tarique Rahman. Dastidar said it mattered to be present in the city after documenting the turmoil Bangladesh faced in recent times, and to observe how the country moves from protest and uncertainty to a new administration.
Dastidar's documentary, ‘36 July: States Versus People', premiered in Bangladesh last Aug. For Dastidar, Rahman's victory is not just an electoral outcome but a turning point in a tense political period. "Bangladesh is a country that was on the boil for a long time. Here is a nation that witnesses violence and love in equal measure. Tarique Rahman's win is significant in the context of what this nation witnessed. If he did not win with this thundering majority, I do not know the turn this nation would have taken," he said.
Dastidar also rejected any attempt to place him within party lines. "It would not be fair to brand me as a supporter of BNP, though. I am an independent documentary film-maker who closely tracked what happened in the country. The history of Bangladesh needs to be revisited to see things in proper perspective. There is no reason for being in denial of that. That is why I directed this documentary to record views of people who otherwise remained unheard. Being a student of social science, I felt there was a narrative about Bangladesh that was not publicised well. This documentary is my search for understanding that narrative. It is unfortunate that the documentary remains blocked in India," the director told TOI from Dhaka on Tuesday.
In Dhaka, he said he sensed a shift in public mood compared to last year. "I was in Dhaka last year. This year, the mood is more relaxed. I spoke to people from all strata. They are hopeful of development."
He described Rahman as "soft-spoken" and said he connected with children and youth, while also noting the popularity of Zaima Rahman, a barrister and Rahman's daughter. "I never met Tarique Rahman. But those close to him said that he watched my films. I am hoping to meet him during this visit. Though it is too early, I feel the relationship with India will improve under his regime."
Priyanka Dasgupta is the features editor of TOI Kolkata. She has ...
Read MorePriyanka Dasgupta is the features editor of TOI Kolkata. She has over 20 years of experience in covering entertainment, art and culture. She describes herself as sensitive yet hard-hitting, objective yet passionate. Her hobbies include watching cinema, listening to music, travelling, archiving and gardening.
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