Korea’s path to liberation.
Seodaemun Prison Echoes!!!
Aynaghor or Seodaemun Prison?
Our recent visit to Seoul was a deeply personal journey, especially for my
wife. She shared with me places from her childhood and took me to historical
sites that shaped her understanding of the world. As we walk into a slower
phase of our lives, after years of demanding work and raising our kids, now
grown and independent, this trip felt like a poignant reflection on our past
and present.
Decades ago, my in-laws visited Bangladesh before our marriage, and they often
remarked that the country reminded them of Korea from 30 years prior. Back
then, I did not grasp what they meant. But now, after all these years, I see it
more clearly.
One place that left a lasting impact on me was Seodaemun Prison. The atmosphere
there was haunting, a place where you could feel the echoes of pain and
suffering. It reminded me of my father, who was kidnapped by the Pakistani Army
during a dark chapter of our history. He survived, but not without scars, both
seen and unseen. He rarely spoke of it, only offering glimpses of the torment
he endured. Standing in Seodaemun, I could almost feel the weight of the
cruelty that Korean activists must have faced under Japanese rule.
There are echoes of Seodaemun’ s history in Bangladesh today. Though our
situations are different, there are unsettling similarities. The recent
exposure of “The Ayna Ghor” in Bangladesh struck a chord, coming close in
spirit to what Seodaemun represents—a place of torment and repression.
Let me provide some context.
Seodaemun Prison: Under Japanese occupation, this prison was notorious for its
brutal treatment of those who dared to fight for Korea’s independence. It was a
place where human dignity was stripped away, and hope was a fragile thing.
Bangladesh Recently: Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has faced
its own challenges—issues with governance, human rights, and corruption. Though
we’ve made strides forward, the struggle is far from over.
Human Rights and Political Repression:
Seodaemun Prison: A symbol of inhumane conditions, where freedom fighters were
tortured and oppressed.
Bangladesh Recently: We face ongoing concerns—political repression, human
rights violations, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of dissent.
These issues, though different in scope, carry the same weight of injustice.
Governance and Transparency:
Seodaemun Prison: A time marked by extreme secrecy and a lack of accountability
under colonial rule.
Bangladesh Today: We struggle with transparency and accountability, with
efforts to improve governance still hindered by corruption and political
influence over legal processes.
Legacy and Memory:
Seodaemun Prison: After Korea’s independence, it remained a stark reminder of
the fight for freedom, eventually becoming a museum to ensure that history is
never forgotten.
Bangladesh Today: Our country, too, has seen a significant shift towards
democracy, most notably through the student movement that overthrew a dictator.
This change offers hope, a glimpse of a future where we can address our past
and build a fairer, more transparent society.
As I reflect on these experiences, I am convinced that just as Seodaemun Prison
stands today as a symbol of resilience and remembrance, "The
Aynaghor" in Bangladesh should be preserved as a museum. It should serve
as a place where future generations can learn from our history, a place that
ensures the suffering of the past is not forgotten but becomes a foundation for
a brighter, more democratic future.
In this way, we can honor those who suffered and ensure that their pain leads
to a world where justice and human dignity prevail.
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