Digha Lodge
A Short History of the Jamil Family
by
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In the general elections held toward the end of 1970, the Awami League of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman won the majority of seats in the National Assembly. General Yahya Khan, then president of Pakistan, designated Mujib as the new prime minister of the country. Not respecting the democratic norms, however, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) of Zulfi qar Ali Bhutto (ZAB) refused to sit in the opposition benches. Also, General Yahya Khan was so obsessed with power that he wanted the new government to retain him as the president. To this Mujib did not agree; he had the right to disagree. However, that allowed Yahya and Bhutto, both hungry for power, to scheme against Mujib and keep him out of the power game. The two did succeed, but only at the cost of the unity of the country.
In fact, the prevailing political hatred was so deep that when a special meeting of the newly elected MPs was called in Dacca, Bhutto warned the members of his own party as well as the other parties in West Pakistan that he would “break their feet” if they attended the session.
The Pakistan government, instead of resolving the matter on the table as was advised by the GOC IV Division, Dacca, and the governor of East Pakistan, opted for a ruthless military operation under the command of General Tikka Khan. As a result, a large number of Bengali Muslims were massacred. “It was utterly pointless,” Father would tell us whenever he recounted the events of the bloodiest period of our history.
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About the Book
Digha Lodge presents a fairly true rendering of the extraordinary events surrounding the Jamil family, particularly its patriarch, Sayed Jamil Ahmad. When Sayed was just two, he lost his father but remained steadfast to face the challenges of a fatherless childhood. His is the story of a self-made man who gave his children the best a father can give—without compromising his principles or succumbing to social pressures.
Written by Ahmad’s son, Syed Sabir Jamil, Digha Lodge is the story not only of one family, but also of a nation. It captures decisive moments in both histories, from the creation of Pakistan to its tragic dismemberment and the impact these life-changing events had on the family. They bravely faced the many difficulties and challenges of migration together. It is a story of prides and prejudices, fears and fulfillments, and commendations and condemnations.
Psychic and mystical, the stories shared in Digha Lodge are captivating, entertaining, and enlightening, framing a bold narrative of true, untold stories of the Jamil family’s lives, losses, and loves.
About the Author
Syed Sabir Jamil has an MA in English Literature from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. He is presently associated with a language school in Vancouver, Canada. He has worked as a journalist, advertising professional, and English lecturer. He lives in Surrey, British Columbia, with his wife, daughter, and son.