by Mehrin Khan
Bangla: তুমি কে, আমি কে, রাজাকার রাজাকার, কে বলেছে? কে বলেছে? স্বৈরাচার স্বৈরাচার
English Pronunciation: Tumi ke, Ami ke, Razakar Razakar, Ke Bolechhe? Ke Bolechhe? Shoirachar Shoirachar
Meaning: Who are you? Who am I? Razakar (Traitor), Razakar (Traitor). Who said? Who said? Dictator, Dictator.
Initially, it may seem like a simple chant, but its deep significance came from the context in which it was used: a movement led by students and youth who were demanding their basic rights and reform in the face of growing authoritarianism.
The slogan gained prominence following a controversial statement made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on July 14, 2024, when she labeled the protesting students as "children of Razakars." The term "Razakar" refers to collaborators of the Pakistani military during the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, and being called a "Razakar" was one of the harshest accusations in the nation's history. This term was historically used to discredit and vilify those who were seen as traitors to the country. Yet, the protesters—who were merely asking for their rights, justice, and a fair system—were suddenly being linked to this dark chapter of Bangladesh’s past.
The accusation of being "traitors" because of their demand for change was not only deeply hurtful but also galvanized the movement. Instead of silencing them, the accusation became a rallying cry. The youth, feeling both betrayed and angry, rejected the label of "Razakar" by chanting "Tumi Ke, Ami Ke, Razakar Rajakar, Ke Bolechhe? Ke Bolechhe? Shoirachar Shoirachar." They used this slogan as a declaration of their own patriotism and integrity, challenging the government’s efforts to delegitimize their cause. The term “Shoirachar” (dictator) was also added, calling out the true nature of the government—one that was not upholding the ideals of democracy and justice, but rather stifling dissent.
What followed was remarkable: the protestors' call for democracy, transparency, and fairness united not just students but citizens from all walks of life. Being called traitors simply for demanding their rights highlighted the stark injustice of the situation and revealed the authoritarian, fascist tendencies of the ruling regime. This label served as a catalyst for widespread solidarity. People from every corner of Bangladesh—young and old, from different communities and backgrounds—joined the protests, drawn together by a collective sense of injustice. They understood that the act of calling citizens "traitors" for seeking justice was not just an attack on the students, but on the entire country's democratic values.
In this way, the July Revolution unfolded as not only a battle for the rights of the students but as a resistance against the oppressive rule that sought to silence dissent and quash democratic freedoms. The power of the slogan lay in its ability to unify the people—proving that when the government used its authority to label its citizens as "traitors," it was unraveling the very fabric of the democracy it was meant to uphold. The protests, driven by the chant "Tumi Ke, Ami Ke," became a defining moment in the nation's history, as they revealed the true nature of fascism and sparked a nationwide movement to reclaim justice, unity, and freedom.
By turning the accusation of being "traitors" into a symbol of resistance, the youth not only rejected the government's narrative but also exposed the authoritarianism lurking behind the facade of democracy. This act of defiance ignited a broader revolution, not only changing the course of the movement but also challenging the very foundation of a regime that thought it could suppress the will of the people.
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