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I think ToT purchases are for the time being - overkill for us. These cost a lot more than regular purchases.
[🇧🇩] Liberation War: Sheikh Mujib and Others
Bangladesh Defense
I think ToT purchases are for the time being - overkill for us. These cost a lot more than regular purchases.
Saif
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Mothers, the unsung heroes of Liberation War
The success of the Liberation War was deeply rooted in the selfless sacrifices and unwavering support provided by the mothers, said speakers at an event yesterday.
Mothers, the unsung heroes of Liberation War
Speakers commemorate their selfless sacrifices at event
Speakers at a discussion, titled “Mothers’ Role in the Liberation War,” held at the Daily Star Centre yesterday. The event was organised by women freedom fighters to commemorate the selfless sacrifices and unwavering support provided by the mothers during the country’s Liberation War in 1971. Photo: Star
My mother never feared anything. She always inspired us, saying that we were fighting for our country. With that spirit, she sent us into an unknown future and taught us to protect ourselves if captured.— Syeda Kamal, Daughter of Sufia Kamal
The success of the Liberation War was deeply rooted in the selfless sacrifices and unwavering support provided by the mothers, said speakers at an event yesterday.
While it is often assumed that mothers sent their sons to join the war, many also sent their daughters to fight, the speakers said.
Their involvement extended far beyond providing food and shelter; many stood bravely against the Pakistani forces and even participated in combat.
The discussion, titled "Mothers' Role in the Liberation War," was held at the Daily Star Centre. The event was organised by women freedom fighters.
Shaheen Anam, daughter of freedom fighter Musleha Islam, shared her mother's inspiring story. Musleha not only sheltered freedom fighters in her Dhanmondi home but also donated funds to support them.
"I get very emotional when I remember the heroism of our mothers during the Liberation War. Their contributions must be documented and widely shared. These stories, though crucial to our history, are not well known and must come to the forefront," said Shaheen Anam.
Rizwan Faruk, son of Musleha Islam, recalled how their Dhanmondi home became a hub for freedom fighters, where Molotov cocktails were made by his elder brother Wasif Islam and his friends.
Despite the risks, his mother, a widow at 29, provided support and courage.
Following the military crackdown on March 26, 1971, arms were smuggled into their house for safekeeping.
Rizwan shared the fear of military raids and how his mother comforted them through constant danger.
The tension reached its peak on August 30, 1971, when the military raided their home, arresting freedom fighters and searching for arms. During the raid, his mother was interrogated. She pleaded with the soldiers to spare him, using her fluent Urdu. Miraculously, the major released him, Rizwan recounted.
Cultural activist Lubna Marium referred to her father, Quazi Nooruzzaman, Sector Commander of Sector 7, who documented mothers' contributions in his book.
He wrote about how teenage boys joined the war with dry food, including puffed rice packed by their mothers.
When asked who sent them, they would always say, "Our mothers," she said.
Lubna also shared how her mother, Professor Sultana Zaman, sent her 15-year-old brother Nadeem to join the war.
Despite the challenges, as Nadeem lived in a bunker with insufficient food, her mother never complained about the hardships.
Prothom Alo Associate Editor Shumona Sharmin highlighted her mother Maleka Khan's vital role in rehabilitating women, under the leadership of Sufia Kamal, tortured by Pakistani soldiers .
"My mother worked as a director and handled the survivors' stories with great sensitivity to prevent retraumatising them. She documented their accounts and worked to make them financially independent," Shumona shared.
She added, "These women would come to our house with their sewing and stitching skills. However, my mother always warned us not to ask them about their past, fearing it might reopen their wounds."
Naripokkho founding member Shireen Huq recalled how their home became a sanctuary for freedom fighters.
"My mother always said that if someone sought shelter, we must provide it. I remember our drawing room being packed with people, and everyone managed to coexist despite the challenges. Many non-Bangalee families also sought refuge at our house. At one point, I had to move to my aunt's home because so many people had come seeking shelter," Shireen recounted.
Cultural activist Minu Haque shared how her mother bid her farewell during the war with the words, "We will meet again in Maidan-E-Hashar," praising the bravery of mothers who sent their daughters to join the fight for liberation.
Sufia Kamal's daughters, Sultana Kamal and Syeda Kamal, shared the inspiring story of their mother's unwavering contributions to the movement.
"My mother never feared anything. She always inspired us, saying that we were fighting for our country. With that spirit, she sent us into an unknown future and taught us to protect ourselves if captured," said Syeda Kamal.
Sultana Kamal elaborated on how her mother's involvement in the liberation movement began in 1969 when she started organising neighbourhood women to join the cause.
"When it was decided that my sister and I would cross the border, my mother played a crucial role in encouraging us, even though we had never travelled outside Bangladesh before," Sultana Kamal shared.
Even after the war, Sufia Kamal continued her efforts, working tirelessly to rehabilitate tortured women and ensure they could rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
Rumana Shafi, daughter of Begum Mushtari Shafi, shared her mother's involvement in the war and the devastating loss of her husband, Dr Mohammad Shafi, and younger brother, Ehsanul Haque Ansari, who were killed by the Pakistani military.
Despite her immense grief, Begum Mushtari continued her work at Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra until Bangladesh achieved victory on December 16, 1971.
She documented her memories and experiences by writing books about the Liberation War, preserving the stories of sacrifice and resilience for future generations, Rumana said.
Speakers commemorate their selfless sacrifices at event
Speakers at a discussion, titled “Mothers’ Role in the Liberation War,” held at the Daily Star Centre yesterday. The event was organised by women freedom fighters to commemorate the selfless sacrifices and unwavering support provided by the mothers during the country’s Liberation War in 1971. Photo: Star
My mother never feared anything. She always inspired us, saying that we were fighting for our country. With that spirit, she sent us into an unknown future and taught us to protect ourselves if captured.— Syeda Kamal, Daughter of Sufia Kamal
The success of the Liberation War was deeply rooted in the selfless sacrifices and unwavering support provided by the mothers, said speakers at an event yesterday.
While it is often assumed that mothers sent their sons to join the war, many also sent their daughters to fight, the speakers said.
Their involvement extended far beyond providing food and shelter; many stood bravely against the Pakistani forces and even participated in combat.
The discussion, titled "Mothers' Role in the Liberation War," was held at the Daily Star Centre. The event was organised by women freedom fighters.
Shaheen Anam, daughter of freedom fighter Musleha Islam, shared her mother's inspiring story. Musleha not only sheltered freedom fighters in her Dhanmondi home but also donated funds to support them.
"I get very emotional when I remember the heroism of our mothers during the Liberation War. Their contributions must be documented and widely shared. These stories, though crucial to our history, are not well known and must come to the forefront," said Shaheen Anam.
Rizwan Faruk, son of Musleha Islam, recalled how their Dhanmondi home became a hub for freedom fighters, where Molotov cocktails were made by his elder brother Wasif Islam and his friends.
Despite the risks, his mother, a widow at 29, provided support and courage.
Following the military crackdown on March 26, 1971, arms were smuggled into their house for safekeeping.
Rizwan shared the fear of military raids and how his mother comforted them through constant danger.
The tension reached its peak on August 30, 1971, when the military raided their home, arresting freedom fighters and searching for arms. During the raid, his mother was interrogated. She pleaded with the soldiers to spare him, using her fluent Urdu. Miraculously, the major released him, Rizwan recounted.
Cultural activist Lubna Marium referred to her father, Quazi Nooruzzaman, Sector Commander of Sector 7, who documented mothers' contributions in his book.
He wrote about how teenage boys joined the war with dry food, including puffed rice packed by their mothers.
When asked who sent them, they would always say, "Our mothers," she said.
Lubna also shared how her mother, Professor Sultana Zaman, sent her 15-year-old brother Nadeem to join the war.
Despite the challenges, as Nadeem lived in a bunker with insufficient food, her mother never complained about the hardships.
Prothom Alo Associate Editor Shumona Sharmin highlighted her mother Maleka Khan's vital role in rehabilitating women, under the leadership of Sufia Kamal, tortured by Pakistani soldiers .
"My mother worked as a director and handled the survivors' stories with great sensitivity to prevent retraumatising them. She documented their accounts and worked to make them financially independent," Shumona shared.
She added, "These women would come to our house with their sewing and stitching skills. However, my mother always warned us not to ask them about their past, fearing it might reopen their wounds."
Naripokkho founding member Shireen Huq recalled how their home became a sanctuary for freedom fighters.
"My mother always said that if someone sought shelter, we must provide it. I remember our drawing room being packed with people, and everyone managed to coexist despite the challenges. Many non-Bangalee families also sought refuge at our house. At one point, I had to move to my aunt's home because so many people had come seeking shelter," Shireen recounted.
Cultural activist Minu Haque shared how her mother bid her farewell during the war with the words, "We will meet again in Maidan-E-Hashar," praising the bravery of mothers who sent their daughters to join the fight for liberation.
Sufia Kamal's daughters, Sultana Kamal and Syeda Kamal, shared the inspiring story of their mother's unwavering contributions to the movement.
"My mother never feared anything. She always inspired us, saying that we were fighting for our country. With that spirit, she sent us into an unknown future and taught us to protect ourselves if captured," said Syeda Kamal.
Sultana Kamal elaborated on how her mother's involvement in the liberation movement began in 1969 when she started organising neighbourhood women to join the cause.
"When it was decided that my sister and I would cross the border, my mother played a crucial role in encouraging us, even though we had never travelled outside Bangladesh before," Sultana Kamal shared.
Even after the war, Sufia Kamal continued her efforts, working tirelessly to rehabilitate tortured women and ensure they could rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
Rumana Shafi, daughter of Begum Mushtari Shafi, shared her mother's involvement in the war and the devastating loss of her husband, Dr Mohammad Shafi, and younger brother, Ehsanul Haque Ansari, who were killed by the Pakistani military.
Despite her immense grief, Begum Mushtari continued her work at Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra until Bangladesh achieved victory on December 16, 1971.
She documented her memories and experiences by writing books about the Liberation War, preserving the stories of sacrifice and resilience for future generations, Rumana said.
Saif
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Dr. Yunus's role in 1971 Liberation War
When the Liberation War broke out in Bangladesh in 1971,Dr. Muhammad Yunus engaged himself in building public opinion in favour of the war while teaching at the Middle Tennessee State University in the United States
en.prothomalo.com
Dr. Yunus's role in 1971 Liberation War
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 30 Dec 2024, 21: 01
When the Liberation War broke out in Bangladesh in 1971, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, currently the chief adviser to the interim government, engaged himself in building public opinion in favour of the war while teaching at the Middle Tennessee State University in the United States (US).
There, he organised Bangalees to support Bangladesh independence and raised funds, as well as led various programmes to draw attention of the diplomats from various countries working at the United Nations, including the US administration.
He regularly kept in touch with the editors and journalists of local newspapers and television stations there to convey news of the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh through the US media.
Professor Yunus ran the Bangladesh Information Center with the Bangladeshi diaspora to gather support for the Liberation War. He used to publish the 'Bangladesh Newsletter' from his home in Nashville, USA.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist has mentioned his eventful days during the Liberation War in his autobiography, 'Banker To The Poor'.
He wrote, 'On March 25, 1971, the Liberation War broke out in Bangladesh and our plans to return there were abandoned. I devoted myself to the cause of the liberation. Like all Bengalis, I was keeping a close watch on the events in Dhaka. The fateful day, I came back to my apartment to have lunch and turned on the radio to get the latest news. There was a brief item stating that the Pakistani army had moved in to stop the political opposition against the government of Pakistan ..."
At that time, Dr Yunus wrote, while he was changing his clothes, he stopped, rushed to the phone and called one expatriate Bengali Dr Zillur at Nashville.
The Nobel Laureate asked Dr Zillur to turn on the radio. He told him that he was going to his house immediately and that he should contact all other Bengalis.
Referring to assembling of Bengalis at Zillur's house in Nashville, USA, on March 26, Dr Yunus wrote, 'Within an hour, I was at Zillur's house. At that time, there were six Bengalis from East Pakistan in greater Nashville (including myself). We all assembled in his house to decide what to do. We carried on collecting information from all sources. The message was clear; the Pakistani army wanted to crush Bengalis once and for all."
"We collected all the information we could. We were terribly frustrated. We tried to sum up the situation and come to some decision. There was no clear consensus on the situation. . . Finally I could not take it anymore and said, we have all the details we need. Bangladesh has declared independence," he said in his book.
"Now we have to decide whether we will consider ourselves citizens of this new country or not. Everybody has the right to choose. I declare my choice. My choice is Bangladesh. I declare my allegiance to Bangladesh. If there is anyone else who would like to join me in this, he is free to do so. Those who will not join, I would consider them as Pakistanis and enemies of Bangladesh," he wrote.
"There was silence. Everyone was surprised taken aback by the way I posed the question of allegiance. It was such a charged situation that soon everybody opted for Bangladesh. I suggested that we form a 'Bangladesh Citizens' Committee' and issue a press release immediately for the Nashville print and electronic media."
Three things were decided in that meeting:
1. We would try to meet all the news reporters of the local TV stations, and the editors of local daily newspapers to explain our decision and seek support for the Bangladesh cause.
2. We would immediately put $1000 each to create a fund to carry on the struggle.
3. We would put 10 percent of our salary in the fund every month until Bangladesh became independent. If needed, we would increase the percentage.
Professor Yunus further wrote in his autobiography, "On the next day (27 March), we made appointments with local TV stations and dailies. I was elected secretary of the Bangladesh Citizens' Committee and spokesperson for the group. Local TV stations never get a chance to develop international news stories, so they received us with enthusiasm. For them we represented red-hot international news with a local angle to it. I was a teacher in a local university; the other five were medical doctors in city hospitals, and here we were declaring ourselves citizens of a country not yet born. What an exciting news item!".
He wrote: "We were interviewed by the dailies. Our pictures were taken. We were also interviewed by all the three local TV channels. We then re-assembled at Zillur's house in the afternoon to watch the evening news. Our guess was right we were treated with importance. My interview was telecast in full during the local news. The interviewer asked, 'Do you have a message for the Tennesseans?' 'Yes, I do, I said. 'Please write to your congressmen, write to your senators immediately to stop military aid to Pakistan. Your arms and ammunitions are being used to kill innocent unarmed civilians of Bangladesh. Please ask your president to put pressure on Pakistan to stop genocide in Bangladesh."
He wrote that he reached Washington on 28 March to participate in the Bengali protest program in Washington on 29 March.
"That afternoon, we all gathered at the steps of the US House of Congress to demonstrate. I brought all my festoons. Bengalis came from distant places. Washington and New York had the biggest groups until Bengalis from Detroit arrived. I was surprised to see so many Bengalis from Detroit. Most of them were Sylheti workers from Detroit factories."
Professor Yunus also wrote- 'It worked like magic. The demonstration on the steps of Capitol Hill was a grand affair. We were noticed by US legislators. Congressional aides took time to be briefed on the situation and our demands. The news media was especially active; television cameras covered the rally and took on-the-spot interviews, and news reporters had a field day."
He further wrote, "30 March 1971: Shamsul Bari and I were given the responsibility of visiting all the embassies, meeting the ambassadors or their representatives, explaining our cause, and requesting recognition of Bangladesh as an independent state. It was a very interesting experience for both of us. We went to many embassies in one day".
Since the formation of the Citizens' Committee, Dr Yunus and other Bangladeshis had been running the Bangladesh Information Center to gather support for the liberation war in the United States. He used to publish the 'Bangladesh Newsletter' from his home in Nashville.
Prof Yunus wrote, "Shamsul Bari became its secretary general. He published the first issue of the Bangladesh Newsletter. I took it over from him and started publishing the newsletter regularly from my Nashville apartment at 500 Paragon Mills Road. My apartment virtually became the communication centre. The phone would never stop ringing whenever I returned from my long campaigning trips. Calls came from all over North America and the UK. All Bengalis in North America wanted to know every detail of the war every day".
"Through the efforts of the Bengalis in Washington, a 'Bangladesh Information Center' was set up near the hill to do the lobbying in the House and the Senate. I took up the responsibility of running the Information Center for the initial period and then went on the road to organize teach-in workshops in university campuses all over the United States, where we also set up Friends of Bangladesh Committees."
Dr Yunus continued in his book: "During those nine months we drew a very clear picture of the future Bangladesh in our minds, which became sharper and more vivid with each passing day. We wanted to uphold democracy, to establish the majesty of the will of the people which would be expressed in a free and fair election. We wanted to ensure people's right to fashion their lives as they wanted. We wanted people to be free from poverty. We dreamed of a life of happiness and prosperity for all citizens".
He further wrote that "When on 16 December 1971, Bangladesh won its war of independence, I was eager to return and help rebuild my country. The war had taken a heavy toll. Three million Bangladeshis were killed, ten million had left the country to find safety in neighbouring India and this created enormous refugee camps of misery and destitution. Millions more became victims of rape and other atrocities committed by the Pakistani army. By the time the war was over, Bangladesh was a devastated country. The economy was totally shattered. Millions of people needed to be rehabilitated. I felt that I had to go back and participate in the nation-building. I thought I owed it to myself."
Later, Dr Yunus returned to Bangladesh and was appointed to the government's Planning Commission.
He afterwards established the Grameen Bank for the welfare of the marginalized people who were backward in the society.
Dr. Yunus has been working since childhood with the vision of social change and humanitarian service. Because of that vision, he joined the Liberation War, and in the same way, he established Grameen Bank.
Talking to BSS, Grameen Bank Chairman and North South University Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said Professor Yunus being imbued with patriotism while teaching in the United States in 1971, became vocal in favor of Bangladesh's independence.
"Prof Yunus organised Bengalis for the Liberation War and raised funds. He returned to the country after independence. The purpose of his return to the country was to join humanitarian service and work for the marginalised people," he said.
Abdul Hannan Chowdhury has been working with Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Dr. Yunus on Grameen Bank and microfinance for a long time.
He said Dr. Yunus always liked to work with the vision of social change and humanitarian service.
"Just as that vision inspired him to participate in the Liberation War, it also encouraged him to establish Grameen Bank. Grameen Bank was established with the goal of changing the lives of the poor, helpless, especially women, in independent Bangladesh. The bank now has 10,666,000 members", he added.
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 30 Dec 2024, 21: 01
When the Liberation War broke out in Bangladesh in 1971, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, currently the chief adviser to the interim government, engaged himself in building public opinion in favour of the war while teaching at the Middle Tennessee State University in the United States (US).
There, he organised Bangalees to support Bangladesh independence and raised funds, as well as led various programmes to draw attention of the diplomats from various countries working at the United Nations, including the US administration.
He regularly kept in touch with the editors and journalists of local newspapers and television stations there to convey news of the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh through the US media.
Professor Yunus ran the Bangladesh Information Center with the Bangladeshi diaspora to gather support for the Liberation War. He used to publish the 'Bangladesh Newsletter' from his home in Nashville, USA.
The Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist has mentioned his eventful days during the Liberation War in his autobiography, 'Banker To The Poor'.
He wrote, 'On March 25, 1971, the Liberation War broke out in Bangladesh and our plans to return there were abandoned. I devoted myself to the cause of the liberation. Like all Bengalis, I was keeping a close watch on the events in Dhaka. The fateful day, I came back to my apartment to have lunch and turned on the radio to get the latest news. There was a brief item stating that the Pakistani army had moved in to stop the political opposition against the government of Pakistan ..."
At that time, Dr Yunus wrote, while he was changing his clothes, he stopped, rushed to the phone and called one expatriate Bengali Dr Zillur at Nashville.
The Nobel Laureate asked Dr Zillur to turn on the radio. He told him that he was going to his house immediately and that he should contact all other Bengalis.
Referring to assembling of Bengalis at Zillur's house in Nashville, USA, on March 26, Dr Yunus wrote, 'Within an hour, I was at Zillur's house. At that time, there were six Bengalis from East Pakistan in greater Nashville (including myself). We all assembled in his house to decide what to do. We carried on collecting information from all sources. The message was clear; the Pakistani army wanted to crush Bengalis once and for all."
"We collected all the information we could. We were terribly frustrated. We tried to sum up the situation and come to some decision. There was no clear consensus on the situation. . . Finally I could not take it anymore and said, we have all the details we need. Bangladesh has declared independence," he said in his book.
"Now we have to decide whether we will consider ourselves citizens of this new country or not. Everybody has the right to choose. I declare my choice. My choice is Bangladesh. I declare my allegiance to Bangladesh. If there is anyone else who would like to join me in this, he is free to do so. Those who will not join, I would consider them as Pakistanis and enemies of Bangladesh," he wrote.
"There was silence. Everyone was surprised taken aback by the way I posed the question of allegiance. It was such a charged situation that soon everybody opted for Bangladesh. I suggested that we form a 'Bangladesh Citizens' Committee' and issue a press release immediately for the Nashville print and electronic media."
Three things were decided in that meeting:
1. We would try to meet all the news reporters of the local TV stations, and the editors of local daily newspapers to explain our decision and seek support for the Bangladesh cause.
2. We would immediately put $1000 each to create a fund to carry on the struggle.
3. We would put 10 percent of our salary in the fund every month until Bangladesh became independent. If needed, we would increase the percentage.
Professor Yunus further wrote in his autobiography, "On the next day (27 March), we made appointments with local TV stations and dailies. I was elected secretary of the Bangladesh Citizens' Committee and spokesperson for the group. Local TV stations never get a chance to develop international news stories, so they received us with enthusiasm. For them we represented red-hot international news with a local angle to it. I was a teacher in a local university; the other five were medical doctors in city hospitals, and here we were declaring ourselves citizens of a country not yet born. What an exciting news item!".
He wrote: "We were interviewed by the dailies. Our pictures were taken. We were also interviewed by all the three local TV channels. We then re-assembled at Zillur's house in the afternoon to watch the evening news. Our guess was right we were treated with importance. My interview was telecast in full during the local news. The interviewer asked, 'Do you have a message for the Tennesseans?' 'Yes, I do, I said. 'Please write to your congressmen, write to your senators immediately to stop military aid to Pakistan. Your arms and ammunitions are being used to kill innocent unarmed civilians of Bangladesh. Please ask your president to put pressure on Pakistan to stop genocide in Bangladesh."
He wrote that he reached Washington on 28 March to participate in the Bengali protest program in Washington on 29 March.
"That afternoon, we all gathered at the steps of the US House of Congress to demonstrate. I brought all my festoons. Bengalis came from distant places. Washington and New York had the biggest groups until Bengalis from Detroit arrived. I was surprised to see so many Bengalis from Detroit. Most of them were Sylheti workers from Detroit factories."
Professor Yunus also wrote- 'It worked like magic. The demonstration on the steps of Capitol Hill was a grand affair. We were noticed by US legislators. Congressional aides took time to be briefed on the situation and our demands. The news media was especially active; television cameras covered the rally and took on-the-spot interviews, and news reporters had a field day."
He further wrote, "30 March 1971: Shamsul Bari and I were given the responsibility of visiting all the embassies, meeting the ambassadors or their representatives, explaining our cause, and requesting recognition of Bangladesh as an independent state. It was a very interesting experience for both of us. We went to many embassies in one day".
Since the formation of the Citizens' Committee, Dr Yunus and other Bangladeshis had been running the Bangladesh Information Center to gather support for the liberation war in the United States. He used to publish the 'Bangladesh Newsletter' from his home in Nashville.
Prof Yunus wrote, "Shamsul Bari became its secretary general. He published the first issue of the Bangladesh Newsletter. I took it over from him and started publishing the newsletter regularly from my Nashville apartment at 500 Paragon Mills Road. My apartment virtually became the communication centre. The phone would never stop ringing whenever I returned from my long campaigning trips. Calls came from all over North America and the UK. All Bengalis in North America wanted to know every detail of the war every day".
"Through the efforts of the Bengalis in Washington, a 'Bangladesh Information Center' was set up near the hill to do the lobbying in the House and the Senate. I took up the responsibility of running the Information Center for the initial period and then went on the road to organize teach-in workshops in university campuses all over the United States, where we also set up Friends of Bangladesh Committees."
Dr Yunus continued in his book: "During those nine months we drew a very clear picture of the future Bangladesh in our minds, which became sharper and more vivid with each passing day. We wanted to uphold democracy, to establish the majesty of the will of the people which would be expressed in a free and fair election. We wanted to ensure people's right to fashion their lives as they wanted. We wanted people to be free from poverty. We dreamed of a life of happiness and prosperity for all citizens".
He further wrote that "When on 16 December 1971, Bangladesh won its war of independence, I was eager to return and help rebuild my country. The war had taken a heavy toll. Three million Bangladeshis were killed, ten million had left the country to find safety in neighbouring India and this created enormous refugee camps of misery and destitution. Millions more became victims of rape and other atrocities committed by the Pakistani army. By the time the war was over, Bangladesh was a devastated country. The economy was totally shattered. Millions of people needed to be rehabilitated. I felt that I had to go back and participate in the nation-building. I thought I owed it to myself."
Later, Dr Yunus returned to Bangladesh and was appointed to the government's Planning Commission.
He afterwards established the Grameen Bank for the welfare of the marginalized people who were backward in the society.
Dr. Yunus has been working since childhood with the vision of social change and humanitarian service. Because of that vision, he joined the Liberation War, and in the same way, he established Grameen Bank.
Talking to BSS, Grameen Bank Chairman and North South University Vice Chancellor Professor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury said Professor Yunus being imbued with patriotism while teaching in the United States in 1971, became vocal in favor of Bangladesh's independence.
"Prof Yunus organised Bengalis for the Liberation War and raised funds. He returned to the country after independence. The purpose of his return to the country was to join humanitarian service and work for the marginalised people," he said.
Abdul Hannan Chowdhury has been working with Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Dr. Yunus on Grameen Bank and microfinance for a long time.
He said Dr. Yunus always liked to work with the vision of social change and humanitarian service.
"Just as that vision inspired him to participate in the Liberation War, it also encouraged him to establish Grameen Bank. Grameen Bank was established with the goal of changing the lives of the poor, helpless, especially women, in independent Bangladesh. The bank now has 10,666,000 members", he added.
Saif
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You’re in for defeat if you oppose ‘71
Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday said that those who oppose the Liberation War have historically been defeated for standing against the oppressed people of Bangladesh and are destined to face the same fate in future.
You’re in for defeat if you oppose ‘71
Says Adviser Mahfuj
Photo: Facebook/Mahfuj Alam
Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday said that those who oppose the Liberation War have historically been defeated for standing against the oppressed people of Bangladesh and are destined to face the same fate in future.
To do politics here, one must recognise the nation's bloody struggle for independence and the birth of Bangladesh, he said in a Facebook post.
"Criticise what happened after the Liberation War. Analyse history -- no problem there. Even debates on what transpired during the war are acceptable. However, all discussions must begin by acknowledging the Liberation War itself.
"For example, we can discuss Sheikh Mujib's transformation into a fascist. He was indeed a fascist. However, like many other national leaders, his contribution to the birth of Bangladesh is undeniable. Therefore, we will give Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, pre-1972, his due importance."
Mahfuj said, "Some freedom fighters may have become fascist, Islamophobic, or murderous, but the Liberation War itself was a struggle of the masses. The actions of some freedom fighters cannot invalidate or undermine the Liberation War or its participants. Doing so would be treasonous against the foundation of the state!
"We often forget that the first decade after the Liberation War was marked by a struggle between fascist Mujibist freedom fighters and patriotic, anti-Indian freedom fighters. However, even the most anti-imperialist among them never dared to reject the Liberation War itself... "
He termed the 2024 uprising a continuation of the Liberation War's historical legacy.
"This uprising was against the 'fascist Mujibist project' following the war, against BAKSAL 2.0. However, it reclaimed the Liberation War from the Mujibist project and the Sheikh family."
Mahfuj also said, "Pro-Bangladesh forces must align with pro-Liberation War values. It is true that many freedom fighters later became fascist collaborators. Today, they have been defeated by students and the masses. Similarly, those opposing the Liberation War will continue to be defeated for standing against the oppressed people of Bangladesh.
"Do not stand against history. We must unconditionally and unequivocally accept the legacy of '71 and '24 and move forward together to protect the nation from division."
Says Adviser Mahfuj
Photo: Facebook/Mahfuj Alam
Adviser Mahfuj Alam yesterday said that those who oppose the Liberation War have historically been defeated for standing against the oppressed people of Bangladesh and are destined to face the same fate in future.
To do politics here, one must recognise the nation's bloody struggle for independence and the birth of Bangladesh, he said in a Facebook post.
"Criticise what happened after the Liberation War. Analyse history -- no problem there. Even debates on what transpired during the war are acceptable. However, all discussions must begin by acknowledging the Liberation War itself.
"For example, we can discuss Sheikh Mujib's transformation into a fascist. He was indeed a fascist. However, like many other national leaders, his contribution to the birth of Bangladesh is undeniable. Therefore, we will give Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, pre-1972, his due importance."
Mahfuj said, "Some freedom fighters may have become fascist, Islamophobic, or murderous, but the Liberation War itself was a struggle of the masses. The actions of some freedom fighters cannot invalidate or undermine the Liberation War or its participants. Doing so would be treasonous against the foundation of the state!
"We often forget that the first decade after the Liberation War was marked by a struggle between fascist Mujibist freedom fighters and patriotic, anti-Indian freedom fighters. However, even the most anti-imperialist among them never dared to reject the Liberation War itself... "
He termed the 2024 uprising a continuation of the Liberation War's historical legacy.
"This uprising was against the 'fascist Mujibist project' following the war, against BAKSAL 2.0. However, it reclaimed the Liberation War from the Mujibist project and the Sheikh family."
Mahfuj also said, "Pro-Bangladesh forces must align with pro-Liberation War values. It is true that many freedom fighters later became fascist collaborators. Today, they have been defeated by students and the masses. Similarly, those opposing the Liberation War will continue to be defeated for standing against the oppressed people of Bangladesh.
"Do not stand against history. We must unconditionally and unequivocally accept the legacy of '71 and '24 and move forward together to protect the nation from division."
Saif
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Only battlefield fighters to be recognised as ‘FFs,’ others as ‘associates’
Says Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam
Only battlefield fighters to be recognised as ‘FFs,’ others as ‘associates’
Says Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam
Adviser Farooq-e-Azam. File photo
Only those who fought directly on the battlefield against the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971 will be recognised as "freedom fighters," while those who played a role in mobilising public opinion, securing diplomatic support and assisting the war efforts from home and abroad will be categorised as "Liberation War Associates".
"We are amending the 'National Freedom Fighters Council Act, 2022' through an ordinance to bring about this change," Faruk-e-Azam, the adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, revealed this in an interview with UNB.
When asked about the existing law, eight categories of individuals and professionals who did not directly participate in combat are recognised as "Bir Muktijoddha" (valiant freedom fighters).
"The draft of the 'National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025' has been prepared, and stakeholders have been consulted on the matter. The draft may be placed for approval in the Advisory Council meeting in the first week of March."
Faruk-e-Azam said that there have been demands to remove those with freedom fighter certificates who did not engage in direct combat. "That is why we want to bring some amendments to the National Freedom Fighters Council Act. The major amendment will be in the definition of freedom fighters," he said.
Explaining the revised categorisation, he added, "Those who fought directly in the battlefield and those who assisted in various ways are being classified separately. Those who played a role in shaping public opinion abroad, those involved with the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, those in administrative positions in Mujibnagar at various levels—everyone will be distinguished separately."
Under the amended law, he said, those who engaged in direct armed combat will be recognised as freedom fighters, while those who contributed in other capacities will be known as Liberation War Associates. "There are no objections regarding allowances or benefits. The only concern is that the status of 'freedom fighter' remains exclusive to those who fought in the battlefield," he asserted.
Various freedom fighter organisations have expressed strong opposition to equating direct combatants with others, according to the adviser.
"They came to speak with me, and I strongly agreed with their stance. Like them, I was also involved in the war effort but in a different capacity. I worked in a secure environment to support the liberation cause in different ways. That, too, is important, but it should be defined separately," he mentioned.
Existing definition under the law
The current law defines a "Bir Muktijoddha" as, "Any civilian or member of the armed forces, Mujib Bahini, Mukti Bahini, and other recognised forces, police force, EPR naval commandos, Kilo Force, or Ansar members who, in response to the declaration of independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, prepared for battle in villages and towns within the country, received internal training, and actively participated in the war against the occupying Pakistani military forces and their collaborators—including Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezam-e-Islam, Muslim League, and their auxiliary forces such as the Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, Mujahid Bahini, and the Peace Committee—between 26 March and 16 December 1971."
The law also currently grants freedom fighter status to eight categories of individuals who did not directly participate in combat.
These include those who trained in India, those who mobilised global opinion in favour of the war, officials and employees of the Mujibnagar government, MNAs affiliated with the Mujibnagar government who were later recognised as members of the Constituent Assembly, Birangonas (women subjected to wartime atrocities), artists and staff of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, journalists working for the war effort at home and abroad, members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team and medical teams treating wounded freedom fighters.
Key Changes in Draft Ordinance
Faruk-e-Azam noted that the phrase "in response to the declaration of independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman" has been removed from the new definition of freedom fighters in the draft ordinance.
Besides, the new ordinance proposes to grant "freedom fighter" status to all women who were persecuted by the Pakistani forces and their collaborators and to all doctors, nurses and medical assistants who provided field hospital services to wounded freedom fighters during the war.
The adviser also pointed out a major issue with the current definition of freedom fighters.
"Freedom fighters engaged in war voluntarily, not under any orders. But the wording of present law suggests that we did not intend to go to war but did so only in response to someone's call. That is incorrect. Freedom fighters joined the war out of their love for the country and its people. It was either their life or that of the enemy. Love for the nation is the only reason people are willing to sacrifice their lives, not an order from someone," he explained.
Definition of liberation war associates
Under the draft ordinance, Liberation War Associates are defined as:
"Those who, between March 26 and December 16, 1971, either within the country or abroad, inspired freedom fighters, accelerated the Liberation War, and played an organisational role in securing Bangladesh's independence by shaping global opinion, gaining diplomatic support, and strengthening psychological resilience."
Under the current law, these individuals are recognised as freedom fighters.
Approval Process
Faruk-e-Azam said, "We have gathered public opinion from various quarters on the draft ordinance and considered their feedback. On Sunday (February 23), we held discussions with multiple freedom fighter organisations, which also provided their opinions. We will modify the draft ordinance based on these views and finalise it in the upcoming National Freedom Fighters Council meeting before presenting it to the advisory council. The vetting process for the ordinance has already been completed."
The next council meeting is expected to take place by Thursday. "We hope to send it to the advisory council in the first week of March," he added.
Minimum Age
On the issue of minimum age, the adviser noted, "To be recognised as a freedom fighter, the minimum age during the war must have been 12 years and 6 months. However, there is an ongoing legal case regarding this. If the court does not rule otherwise, this age requirement will remain unchanged. If the court upholds the existing age limit, a large number of "Omuktijoddha" [unqualified individuals] will be removed from the freedom fighter list."
Chances for False Claimers
The adviser revealed that several freedom fighter organisations have proposed allowing individuals who obtained benefits under false pretences to seek forgiveness by submitting an application by March 26.
"This is a demand from various [freedom fighter] organisations, but the government has yet to take a final decision. However, we are considering it positively," he said.
According to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, there are currently 91,998 living freedom fighters in Bangladesh. The Management Information System (MIS) records show that a total of 256,476 individuals have been officially gazetted as freedom fighters.
Says Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam
Adviser Farooq-e-Azam. File photo
Only those who fought directly on the battlefield against the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971 will be recognised as "freedom fighters," while those who played a role in mobilising public opinion, securing diplomatic support and assisting the war efforts from home and abroad will be categorised as "Liberation War Associates".
"We are amending the 'National Freedom Fighters Council Act, 2022' through an ordinance to bring about this change," Faruk-e-Azam, the adviser to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, revealed this in an interview with UNB.
When asked about the existing law, eight categories of individuals and professionals who did not directly participate in combat are recognised as "Bir Muktijoddha" (valiant freedom fighters).
"The draft of the 'National Freedom Fighters Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025' has been prepared, and stakeholders have been consulted on the matter. The draft may be placed for approval in the Advisory Council meeting in the first week of March."
Faruk-e-Azam said that there have been demands to remove those with freedom fighter certificates who did not engage in direct combat. "That is why we want to bring some amendments to the National Freedom Fighters Council Act. The major amendment will be in the definition of freedom fighters," he said.
Explaining the revised categorisation, he added, "Those who fought directly in the battlefield and those who assisted in various ways are being classified separately. Those who played a role in shaping public opinion abroad, those involved with the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, those in administrative positions in Mujibnagar at various levels—everyone will be distinguished separately."
Under the amended law, he said, those who engaged in direct armed combat will be recognised as freedom fighters, while those who contributed in other capacities will be known as Liberation War Associates. "There are no objections regarding allowances or benefits. The only concern is that the status of 'freedom fighter' remains exclusive to those who fought in the battlefield," he asserted.
Various freedom fighter organisations have expressed strong opposition to equating direct combatants with others, according to the adviser.
"They came to speak with me, and I strongly agreed with their stance. Like them, I was also involved in the war effort but in a different capacity. I worked in a secure environment to support the liberation cause in different ways. That, too, is important, but it should be defined separately," he mentioned.
Existing definition under the law
The current law defines a "Bir Muktijoddha" as, "Any civilian or member of the armed forces, Mujib Bahini, Mukti Bahini, and other recognised forces, police force, EPR naval commandos, Kilo Force, or Ansar members who, in response to the declaration of independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, prepared for battle in villages and towns within the country, received internal training, and actively participated in the war against the occupying Pakistani military forces and their collaborators—including Jamaat-e-Islami, Nezam-e-Islam, Muslim League, and their auxiliary forces such as the Razakars, Al-Badr, Al-Shams, Mujahid Bahini, and the Peace Committee—between 26 March and 16 December 1971."
The law also currently grants freedom fighter status to eight categories of individuals who did not directly participate in combat.
These include those who trained in India, those who mobilised global opinion in favour of the war, officials and employees of the Mujibnagar government, MNAs affiliated with the Mujibnagar government who were later recognised as members of the Constituent Assembly, Birangonas (women subjected to wartime atrocities), artists and staff of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, journalists working for the war effort at home and abroad, members of the Swadhin Bangla Football Team and medical teams treating wounded freedom fighters.
Key Changes in Draft Ordinance
Faruk-e-Azam noted that the phrase "in response to the declaration of independence by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman" has been removed from the new definition of freedom fighters in the draft ordinance.
Besides, the new ordinance proposes to grant "freedom fighter" status to all women who were persecuted by the Pakistani forces and their collaborators and to all doctors, nurses and medical assistants who provided field hospital services to wounded freedom fighters during the war.
The adviser also pointed out a major issue with the current definition of freedom fighters.
"Freedom fighters engaged in war voluntarily, not under any orders. But the wording of present law suggests that we did not intend to go to war but did so only in response to someone's call. That is incorrect. Freedom fighters joined the war out of their love for the country and its people. It was either their life or that of the enemy. Love for the nation is the only reason people are willing to sacrifice their lives, not an order from someone," he explained.
Definition of liberation war associates
Under the draft ordinance, Liberation War Associates are defined as:
"Those who, between March 26 and December 16, 1971, either within the country or abroad, inspired freedom fighters, accelerated the Liberation War, and played an organisational role in securing Bangladesh's independence by shaping global opinion, gaining diplomatic support, and strengthening psychological resilience."
Under the current law, these individuals are recognised as freedom fighters.
Approval Process
Faruk-e-Azam said, "We have gathered public opinion from various quarters on the draft ordinance and considered their feedback. On Sunday (February 23), we held discussions with multiple freedom fighter organisations, which also provided their opinions. We will modify the draft ordinance based on these views and finalise it in the upcoming National Freedom Fighters Council meeting before presenting it to the advisory council. The vetting process for the ordinance has already been completed."
The next council meeting is expected to take place by Thursday. "We hope to send it to the advisory council in the first week of March," he added.
Minimum Age
On the issue of minimum age, the adviser noted, "To be recognised as a freedom fighter, the minimum age during the war must have been 12 years and 6 months. However, there is an ongoing legal case regarding this. If the court does not rule otherwise, this age requirement will remain unchanged. If the court upholds the existing age limit, a large number of "Omuktijoddha" [unqualified individuals] will be removed from the freedom fighter list."
Chances for False Claimers
The adviser revealed that several freedom fighter organisations have proposed allowing individuals who obtained benefits under false pretences to seek forgiveness by submitting an application by March 26.
"This is a demand from various [freedom fighter] organisations, but the government has yet to take a final decision. However, we are considering it positively," he said.
According to the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, there are currently 91,998 living freedom fighters in Bangladesh. The Management Information System (MIS) records show that a total of 256,476 individuals have been officially gazetted as freedom fighters.
Saif
Senior Member
- Jan 24, 2024
- 12,694
- 7,061
- Origin
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- Axis Group
- Copy to clipboard
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- #30
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