taliban

**Ruled by Taliban,

They made new Afghanistan.

He may be good,

Yet like dry wood,

Ready to burn others.

Taliban—

Though like brothers,

Some are sleeping,

Some are waiting,

Expecting something,

While doing nothing.

Oh my brother,

They are neighbours.

Go to them,

To cease the flame.**

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🔎 Analysis

“Ruled by Taliban / They made new Afghanistan” → The poet reflects on how the Taliban has reshaped Afghanistan, imposing a strict and destructive rule.

“He may be good / Like a wood / To burn other” → A metaphor: even if someone appears harmless (like wood), under the wrong influence, he may cause destruction (burning others).

“Taliban—Though like brothers” → The poet highlights the paradox: they are from the same land, same people, but turned hostile.

“Some are sleeping / Some are waiting / Though expect something / Without doing nothing” → Many remain passive—either ignorant or waiting for change—yet take no action.

“Oh my brother / They are neighbour” → A call to unity and awareness: the problem is close, not far away.

“Go to them / To cease flame” → A final appeal: intervene, act wisely, and stop the violence before it spreads.

👉 Overall, the poem criticizes passivity in the face of extremism and urges action to prevent destruction.

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🌸 Bengali Meaning (Poetic Translation)

**তালিবানের শাসনে,

নতুন আফগানিস্তান গড়েছে।

সে হয়তো ভালো,

তবুও শুকনো কাঠের মতো,

যা অন্যকে পুড়িয়ে দেয়।

তালিবান—

যদিও ভাইয়ের মতো,

কেউ ঘুমিয়ে আছে,

কেউ অপেক্ষায় আছে,

আশা করছে কিছু,

কিছুই না করেও।

হে আমার ভাই,

তারা তো প্রতিবেশী।

তাদের কাছে যাও,

আগুন নেভাতে।**

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💬 Comment

This poem is short, direct, and metaphorical. The use of “wood to burn others” is a powerful image—ordinary people can become tools of destruction if misled. The repetition of “brother” emphasizes kinship and the tragedy of internal conflict. The closing appeal makes the poem almost like a call for peace, urging responsibility against extremism.

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🪶 Philosophy

The poem’s philosophy rests on three points:

1. Destruction can arise from within → Even something simple (wood) can be turned into fire.

2. Passivity is dangerous → Waiting without acting allows extremism to grow unchecked.

3. Neighbourhood responsibility → Violence in one land affects its neighbours; peace requires collective effort.

👉 Thus, the poem is not just about Afghanistan—it’s about universal vigilance against extremism and violence.