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Bingo is one of the fascinating stories written by Tariq Rehman - a well-known Pakistani author. The work is regarded as the first hallmark in the history of Pakistani Literature. It has a first-person narrative and symbolizes the minds of the people of two nations - Pakistan and Bangladesh. The protagonist, Safeer, stands for the West, while the antagonist Tajassur represents the mentality of East Pakistan.
Brief background
The story represents the political views of
the period of 1971. It depicts several political parties such as Mukti Bahani
and the party of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman with their agenda of six points. The war
resulted in the separation of East and West Pakistan.
The word Bingo meaning “traitor” indicates
that the story represents a mockery of the people of Bengal.
Summary
The tale begins with a vivid description of the Pakistan Military Academy. The platoons undergo strict military training that involves standing in the snow in underwear, cold showers, frog jumps, and racing 20 miles. Afterward, the protagonist Safeer mocks his friend Tajassur by calling him an idiot as his interest resides in telling jokes rather than obeying military rules. He spends all his time making others laugh at the cost of his grades. Once there was a 20-mile race competition. Tajassur, being a military commander, spends his time eating, drinking, and hoteling and later brings his comrades back on the truck.
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Reflection of Culture in Pakistani English Literature
Besides all of his mischief, he passed the course due to his excellent English-speaking skills. He was ridiculed by names like Bingo and Mujibur Rehman ADC on account of his Deccan citizenship. However, Tajassur remained unresponsive since he was like a child who was too innocent to care about politics.
At the young age of 19,
Tajassur and his friend Safeer had the honor of being first-class government
officers. On the first day of their duty, the C.O. held the orientation session
for the new officers. He has harsh reviews regarding the role of Bengalis in
the war of 1857 and called them short-statured martial races. However, it was
difficult for the Tajassur to digest his foul words. He spoke with the audacity
that war is not a product of power; however, it's the injustice and
exploitation that make people worst enemies. His words added fuel to the fire
and made all the adjutants and C.O. speechless. Captain Maqsood scolded Tajassur
for speaking against seniors. Tajassur was heartbroken.
Although he was a Pakistani
military officer, he never wanted to raise a war against his Bengali brothers.
For him, this war was colonial propaganda. But Safeer saw it as their national
duty to protect his people. Tajassur argued with him but received a shut-up
call. Trapped between his guilty consciences, Tajjasur took off to his village.
His decision betrayed everyone except his inner self.
After some days, the Pakistan
army attacked the Bingos. The war caused great bloodshed. However, Lieutenant
Safeer was caught up by the Bangladesh army. He was going to be shot the following
day. But Tajassur reached for his rescue. Tajassur's family treated Safeer with
great hospitality. Suddenly, the West Pakistan commanders broke into Tajassur's
house, rapped his sister, and killed his mother on the spot. Tajassur was also shot
dead. It was only Safeer that had remained with his defenseless hands. But
there was nobody to accuse him anymore.
Critical Analysis
The story is the contrast
between the good and evil nature of humans. It unveils the ground yet bitter
realities of human life. The passing out of Safeer because of his English
accent depicts the influence of Colonialism. Tariq Rehman presented the
Influence of British culture at the time of the partition of East and West
Pakistan. Not only that time but still English is the ruler of measuring
someone's intelligence in the present culture. No doubt it's a universal
language, but one should not be judged by the way he speaks but rather by the way
he thinks.
The Safeer calling out Tajassur
with foul names because of his distinct identity shows the racism in society.
It portrays the intensity of hatred of West Pakistan for the people of East
Pakistan. As Tariq Rehman says, "Child doesn't care about politics,"
but it's the treatment of a society that causes an innocent child to think
evil.
Moreover, the story depicts the
wrong use of power in the so-called name of defense. The way Tajassur is
scolded for expressing his views shows the cost of being honest. He is not a
single citizen, but a representative of the whole of East Pakistan. The story
has deep symbolism only if one has enough intellect to see things behind the
curtains.
Despite Safeer's resentment
towards Tajassur, he still saved his life. It signifies that war was not
between the people of East and West. It was a war of powerful elites who were
blended by British Colonialism. It was the fake agenda of Political leaders
that exploited people.
