The British had thoroughly destroyed the economic powerhouse of the world beyond repair. Thus, the only thing abundant in Bangladesh is its population - but thanks to government policy, they're pathetically unskilled. What should be our pillar of national economy is nothing but liability now.
"You'll need a big transportation network if you want to sort this out. Do you have that?" Liton asked, his skepticism evident.
Fayez showed confidence. "Those things will be arranged soon. That's not enough. You should arrange skilled workforce. These women can work as manual laborers, but what about technicians?"
After thinking it through, Liton replied: "It's best to hire them from Narayonganj. There's still more families there who continued their ancestors' legacy. They'd be best choice."
"Okay then. I'll give you initial 5%stake and management right of factory. You can have another 5% after working 3 years."
'You shouldn't keep entire pie. It's best to share with others. '
". It's been pleasure to meet you. I'm going to meet someone.I hope you pay visit to the textile factory. May Allah bless you."
"May Allah bless you too, young man."
Liton reciprocated with a soft smile and left the room.
'So i need a logistics now. The factory matters can be handled by roshni's uncle anyway'
Meanwhile, Roshni and Mousumi sat at dining table. An almond silence lingered between them before Roshni tried to break it.
"I heard from that childish guy you're from Jaydebpur. How's it look like? I never visited once."
The question backfired. Tears gathered in Mousumi's eyes reflecting the mild afternoon light.
Shouldn't have asked that, Roshni realized. Anything about her past is painful. He changed subject: "How's the food? Does it taste good?"
"It's good. Thanks for feeding me for free. I don't have money but I'll do anything to repay your kindness." Mousumi said earnestly while wiping her tears.
Why the hell she is acting like a crybabay ? I heard she was strong back in factory, Robin thought
Noticing a kid beside her, Roshni asked aloud
"Who this little princess might be? You look like same age as arif. He'd love to have a new friend"
"i'm Sumaiya.Thanks for the delicious meal"
"Sumi... did you get lost while playing? Don't you miss your parents?"
"My parents told me we had to flee. They were so fast I couldn't catch up. A tall stranger took me to a safe place... and told me not to run around before leaving me all alone" Her voice trailed off.
'So there's still some good soldier left out there.oh! fayez and his friends are soldiers too'- thinking about fayez made her flustered.
Sumi focused on eating. "I've searched everywhere but couldn't find them. Yesterday I heard gunshots from factory so I went there."
Mousumi suddenly asked: "What's your relationship with Fayez? Are you two related?"
Robin hesitated. Does he see me as friend or acquaintance?
"we're friends, why ?"
"Sorry for asking out of blue. Forget it." Mousumi backtracked.
"No need. Let's go to garden. I've surprise for you."
.........
Fayez was sliping a cup of tea and listening to the "Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendro" on radio-
Captain sighed deeply-
"You're trying to profit by reopening industries while others profit from forced prostitution and slavery.The goals are same but the method is differ.. Most ironically, they might have solid backing."
"Let bygones be bygones, Captain. We can't do anything about it.Let's concern in our own bussiness"
-fayez wasn't naive enough to think of himself hero of justice.
Captain said casually while tuning radio: "Bought some weapons. Spent most money on trucks - 250 rupees each."
" You have my thanks. I need those now more than anything."
"All politicians are returning. You should hurry."
"You give those cunt politicians too much credit. They couldn't stabilize nation even within year."
Post-war government would be made up with politicians elected in election of 1970 with Bangabondhu as figurehead, Intelligent figures like Tajuddin Ahmed( first prime minister) would be minority drowned out by majority of Demagogue those who promised utopia to people while living lavishly off people's expense. Even if they formed government, they'd be powerless.Only after disarming soldiers and return of Indian army , they will be able to hold power.
"When will receive those?" Captain asked.
"Need them urgently but have no truck drivers. Any suggestions?"
"I know an old man who lost his entire family in war. He used to drive those trucks and recently got discharged. I will talk things out with him. "
"So that settles the matter. you know famine's coming?"- fayez said nonchalantly while his eyes directed at window looking a distant field.
"By winter certainly. But within year, our production should recover. This land has always been fertile, no?"
Since ancient times ,the geographic position ,fertile land and pleasant climate made Bengal a highly prosperous nation. Surplus food, cash crops, luxury items, and textile were exported, making it one of the, if not the richest nation.
"I don't think food problem can be easily solved."
All fields are devastated, looted; many farmers and workers died; and there's upcoming natural calamity—food scarcity would create famine in 1972 and 1973.
"I hope you can help me importing food through border."
"So you now want to be a smuggler. Well, I'll take care of those military officers. Make sure not to go through Kustia or Jessore. Northern border would be better option."
Captain said narrowing his gaze.
Foyez put the empty cup on the table and stood tall, ready to leave the room. "Thanks for your cooperation, Captain. The rest is up to me."