## 1. Gratitude for a Formative Chapter of Life
Yesterday, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Chattogram Metropolitan Branch organized a grand reunion for former *sāthīs* (associates) and members of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir. During my student years, I was closely associated with Chhatra Shibir and also had the opportunity to discharge certain responsibilities within the organization. As a result, an important chapter of my life, many cherished memories, and several significant aspects of my personal development are closely intertwined with Chhatra Shibir.
At the stage of life to which Allah Almighty has enabled me to arrive today, Chhatra Shibir has played an important role in shaping my journey. To deny this contribution would be an act of ingratitude. Having grown up in a financially disadvantaged family and begun life with a relatively limited outlook, I might well have regarded entering a profession soon after completing my madrasa education as the natural culmination of my journey.
My association with Chhatra Shibir, however, broadened my intellectual horizons, taught me to dream, and encouraged me to reconsider my own potential. I began to understand that life should not be confined within a narrow set of boundaries; rather, I needed to expand the scope of my knowledge, abilities, and work, and aspire to go much further. Had I not received that inspiration at the time, I remain uncertain how far I could have progressed towards my present position.
I therefore remember with gratitude Chhatra Shibir’s contribution to the story of my personal and intellectual development.
Even after completing my student life and entering professional life, I have continued to feel a certain emotional attachment to Chhatra Shibir. Acknowledging its past contribution and remaining grateful for it are important to me. That is why, whenever I receive an invitation to an intellectual or academic event organized by Chhatra Shibir or circles associated with it, I still try to attend whenever circumstances permit.
## 2. Clarifying My Political Position
In this connection, I would also like to clarify an aspect of my own political position.
From the very beginning of my professional life, I have prioritized devoting myself to study, the pursuit of knowledge, research, and writing rather than becoming actively involved in organizational politics. In a sense, I have embraced professional dedication and intellectual engagement as my central commitments in life, and I continue to pursue them to the best of my ability. *Allāhu huwa al-muwaffiq*—Allah is the One who grants success!
Some people, judging from the nature of my writings, assume that I hold an important position within Jamaat-e-Islami or am actively involved in the party’s organizational activities. It is therefore necessary to clarify my position. I try to present my writings, as far as possible, from an objective standpoint, rising above personal or partisan bias. If someone finds the reflection of a particular ideology in my writing, that is a matter of their own perception and interpretation.
I have clarified on several previous occasions that I consciously support Jamaat-e-Islami and consider it more organized and disciplined than other Islamic parties in Bangladesh. However, to date, I have neither held any organizational responsibility within the party nor been actively involved in its regular organizational activities.
Despite repeated requests and appeals from some senior figures in Jamaat, I have, in my own judgment, considered it more appropriate for the present to remain devoted to my professional pursuits, the acquisition of knowledge, research, and writing. *Allāhu aʿlamu biṣ-ṣawāb*—Allah knows best what is correct!
Nevertheless, I occasionally participate in various academic events organized by the party. When invited by others as well, I try to respond whenever I can.
I believe that everyone who works sincerely and wholeheartedly for Islam deserves our support and affection. Differences of opinion or organizational affiliation should not become grounds for narrow-mindedness in this regard. At the same time, political support for an individual or party, participation in its academic events, and active involvement in its organizational activities are three distinct matters.
## 3. The Enduring Emotional Bond with Shibir
One thing particularly caught my attention at yesterday’s reunion. Many people who were actively involved with Chhatra Shibir during their student years appear to have moved considerably away from organizational activities after entering professional life. Yet their affection and attachment to Chhatra Shibir seem to have diminished very little.
Even after many years—and, in some cases, upon reaching the threshold of old age—I observed that many still felt comfortable and fulfilled in identifying themselves as former members of Shibir. For some, their identity as former Shibir activists seemed to carry even more emotional weight and nostalgic significance than their identity as members or supporters of Jamaat.
It seemed to me that Chhatra Shibir represents far more to them than membership in a student organization. It symbolizes the dreams, struggles, friendships, self-development, and a distinctive chapter of their youth. Even as their organizational involvement has diminished over time, their affection and emotional attachment to that identity may remain intact. Yesterday’s reunion offered a vivid illustration of precisely this phenomenon.
Indeed, the days spent with Shibir have etched such deep patterns across the canvas of memory in the hearts of so many!
## 4. A Question for Reflection: Why Is This Former Human Resource Not Being Utilized More Effectively?
Yet this brings us to an important question:
**Why has Jamaat-e-Islami been unable to make more effective use of the vast pool of former Chhatra Shibir activists who made substantial sacrifices for the organization during their student years?**
Does the primary responsibility lie with the organization, which has failed to develop the structures and environment needed to harness the potential of these experienced and capable individuals? Or does some responsibility also lie with the former activists, who have not been able to bring their experience, intellect, and abilities into the organization’s activities in new ways suited to changing circumstances? Or has this distance emerged from a combination of limitations on both sides and the cumulative effects of changing realities?
The question is not merely about properly acknowledging past sacrifices. It also calls for serious consideration of how a large pool of people, rich in experience, expertise, and organizational memory, can be effectively engaged for the benefit of individuals, society, and the organization itself.
It is worth reflecting on the extent to which opportunities are being created to integrate the experiences and ideological inspiration gained during student life with the knowledge, professional skills, and social experience acquired over the course of a career.
This issue calls for self-criticism and an objective assessment. For the sacrifices of the past will receive their proper recognition only when their memories are not confined to nostalgia, but are transformed into present opportunities and concrete plans for the future.
## 5. Changes in Chhatra Shibir: Affection Does Not Preclude Critical Evaluation
Over time, some changes have become noticeable between the Chhatra Shibir of our student days and the organization as it exists today. Some of these changes are positive and encouraging, while others have given rise to questions and criticism.
Loving an organization does not mean that one must unconditionally endorse everything it does. On the contrary, alongside affection and gratitude, one should also be willing to examine its activities critically and offer constructive criticism when necessary. Similarly, when one notices a positive initiative, achievement, or change, it is only fair to acknowledge it without reservation.
In my view, a combination of genuine affection, fair-minded evaluation, and self-criticism can contribute to the healthy development of an organization. Despite my own perceptions and questions regarding various aspects of the changes that have taken place, my heart still holds a sincere and deep affection for Chhatra Shibir.
## 6. Reconnecting with Old Companions
Perhaps it was this affection, the pull of old memories, and the desire to reunite with former companions that drew me to yesterday’s gathering. After a long time, I had the opportunity to meet many old friends. Our lives, professions, and circumstances have changed in various ways over the years, yet memories of our shared past seemed to bridge those distances in an instant. Meeting familiar faces from years gone by stirred a distinct feeling within me.
It was not merely the pleasure of attending a reunion. It was also a special opportunity to revisit an important chapter of my life, experience the warmth of old relationships, and remember the people and experiences that helped shape the journey I have taken.
## 7. A Qur’anic Reminder: Remaining Steadfast in Truth and Justice
At the organizers’ request, I had the opportunity to deliver a brief lesson from the Holy Qur’an at the beginning of the gathering. The point I sought to emphasize in the light of the Qur’an was this:
**A believer must remain steadfast in truth, justice, and the principles of religion throughout their life, until death.**
Speaking about principles is relatively easy when circumstances are favourable. But when principles come into conflict with personal interests, privileges, and security, the real test of a believer’s steadfastness begins.
The allure of wealth, positions, power, and prestige can lead people away from the truth. Likewise, the fear of losing popularity, suffering financial losses, being deprived of benefits and opportunities, or facing professional adversity can also tempt them to abandon a just and principled position.
Yet the true test of a believer’s moral commitment comes when standing for truth and justice demands some form of sacrifice. When faith, principles, and personal interests come into conflict, the choice one makes reveals the depth of one’s ideological conviction.
The Qur’anic message confronts us with a searching question: Are we genuinely committed to the truth, or does our allegiance endure only as long as the truth serves our personal interests, positions, and privileges?
Speaking about principles and being prepared to pay a price for upholding them are two different things. Indeed, this is one of the most difficult tests in a life guided by principle.
## 8. Some Observations on the Organization of the Reunion
The gathering was undoubtedly commendable. Bringing together so many former associates and members after a long interval, sharing memories, and renewing old relationships created an enjoyable atmosphere of warmth and enthusiasm among the participants.
Nevertheless, I felt that there were opportunities to make the event more fruitful and participatory.
First, had the number of speakers been somewhat limited, with sufficient time allocated to each, the discussions could have been deeper and more meaningful.
Second, I do not think it was appropriate to omit the question-and-answer session. A reunion of this kind is not merely an occasion for reminiscing about the past or renewing personal connections; it is also an important opportunity to exchange experiences, assess contemporary realities, and identify future priorities.
A question-and-answer session would have enabled participants to express their thoughts, concerns, and expectations. The organizers, in turn, could have benefited from their experiences and perspectives.
Third, if the discussions during the main session had not been confined exclusively to the designated speakers, but a few knowledgeable participants from the audience had also been invited to speak, the event could have become more lively, dialogue-oriented, and participatory. It would also have made the gathering more enjoyable.
## 9. Concluding Reflections
Affection for the past makes us nostalgic, while gratitude teaches us to acknowledge the contributions we have received.
But genuine affection for an organization is not confined to remembering its past. It is also expressed through a fair assessment of its present, recognition of its positive initiatives, the willingness to raise necessary questions and offer reasonable criticism, and the hope that its future will be even more beneficial.
It is essential to maintain a balance in which affection does not degenerate into blind allegiance, while criticism does not negate gratitude. Similarly, memories of past sacrifices and achievements should not remain matters of mere emotion; they should instead inspire present-day self-examination, mutual understanding, and positive efforts for the future.
I hope that my recollections, expression of gratitude, and limited assessment will be understood in this spirit.