[🇧🇩] Liberation War: Sheikh Mujib and Others

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh debunks attempts to distort 1971 Liberation War history

The Bangladesh government today refuted attempts to distort the history of its 1971 Liberation War, referencing a book written by the late JN Dixit, a former Indian foreign secretary, diplomat, and National Security Adviser.

en.prothomalo.com

Bangladesh debunks attempts to distort 1971 Liberation War history
BSS
Published: 18 Dec 2024, 21: 17

View attachment 11815
Bangladesh Government Logo File photo

The Bangladesh government today refuted attempts to distort the history of its 1971 Liberation War, referencing a book written by the late JN Dixit, a former Indian foreign secretary, diplomat, and National Security Adviser.

“We celebrate our glorious Victory in 1971; we celebrate the Truth,” the foreign ministry stated in a post on its verified Facebook page, citing Dixit’s observations on the events of 16 December, 1971.

The ministry’s post, titled “Facts in History”, reiterated that Bangladesh emerged as a sovereign, independent country on 16 December, 1971, following a prolonged struggle and a nine-month-long brutal war.

It quoted Dixit’s book Liberation and Beyond: Indo-Bangladesh Relations, which detailed the surrender ceremony marking the end of the war.

The ministry’s post included the following excerpt from the Dixit’s book: “A major political mistake at the surrender ceremony was the Indian military high command’s failure to ensure the presence of General M.A.G. Osmani, Commander from the Bangladesh side on the Joint Command, at the ceremony and making him a signatory. The formal excuse explaining his absence was that his helicopter did take off but could not reach Dhaka in time for the surrender schedule. But there was widespread suspicion that his helicopter had been sent astray so that he could not reach Dhaka in time and the focus of attention at the ceremony was riveted on the Indian military commanders. This was an unfortunate aberration which India could have avoided.

The event generated much resentment among Bangladeshi political circles. Osmani’s presence at the surrender ceremony could have helped in avoiding many of the political misunderstandings which affected Indo-Bangladesh relations in the initial days of Bangladesh’s independence.”

The post concluded, “We celebrate our glorious Victory in 1971; we celebrate the Truth.”

The ministry’s comments coincided with a hugely sparked public reactions to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post on his X account (formerly Twitter) marking Bangladesh’s Victory Day. Modi’s remarks drew criticism from various political parties and prominent figures in Bangladesh.

In his Handle, Modi wrote – “Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history.

Widespread backlash

Criticism poured in from various quarters, including Communist Party of Bangladesh, Socialist Party of Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and advisers of the interim government.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul strongly protested Modi’s remarks, stating on his verified Facebook account : “I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was Bangladesh's Victory Day. India was only an ally in this victory, nothing more than that.”

Shipping, Labour, and E-employment Adviser retired Brigadier General M. Sakhawat Hossain emphasized Bangladesh’s central role, saying, “We started our liberation war and we ended it,” as reported by New Age.

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also criticized Modi’s comments in a Facebook post, stating: “This was Bangladesh's Liberation War. It was for Bangladesh's independence against Pakistan.

But Modi has claimed it was solely India's war and their achievement, disregarding Bangladesh's existence in their narrative. When India claims this independence as their achievement, I see it as a direct threat to Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and integrity. Our struggle against this threat from India is inevitable. We must continue this struggle.”​

These blunders (see red highlighting above) at the head of the Indian political and military apparatus are becoming unfortunately more common by the day, and as observed, were plentiful during 1971 as well, showing the shortsightedness and narrow viewpoint of some of the Indian military commanders.

It is regrettable - but not surprising.

Notice how Hasina was protected by a full R&AW station chief in Dhaka (as an Indian asset) - and what little R&AW could do to save her. Just rank incompetence.

Ran away as fast as their legs could take them, so fast, that most of the Awami League functionaries were left to fend for themselves.

 

[Saif]

Well for training purposes they are fine - which is what we need right now.

Training a competent underwater naval component ASAP is a must.

Equipment can come later.

Also - the Mings (version 035G class for BN) were upgraded significantly to bring then up to speed apparently to current Chinese PLAN standards. Like anti-submarine (ASW), Yu-3 torpedo, and French sonar DUUX-5capability. More details here in an official PLAN fan magazine from China.

035型明级常规动力潜艇

(Click browser options to translate into English)

Wiki also says - "The upgrade included the installation of new sensors, modern computers and communication systems. Interior decoration and crew comfort also improved."

"BNS Joyjatra uses Chinese H/SQ2-262C active sonar (improved Pike Jaw MG-100 sonar), a Chinese copy of the French DUUX-5 passive sonar, integrated by an ES5F integrated sonar system. The boat uses MRK-50 Topol (Snoop Tray) surface search radar, a Magnavox satellite navigation system for communications, with a Type 921A electronics warfare suite.

BNS Joyjatra has eight 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes which can launch a complement of 14 heavy weight ET-31 anti-ship torpedoes and ET-40 anti-submarine torpedoes. ET-31 has a range of 15 kilometers with speed of 40 knots. ET-31 use active/passive acoustic homing guidance. ET-40 torpedo has two modes which can be launched from Model 7436 triple tube torpedo launching system. ET-40 has 30 kilometers range with speed of 25 knots or 18 kilometers range with speed of 42 knots. ET-40 use wire guidance (fire-and-forget) and active acoustic homing for ASW role. ET-40 can also be used against surface ship while first stage is straight run (unguided) till passive acoustic homing mode (600m acquisition range) or wake homing guidance activated. Alternatively, the boat can carry up to 32 naval mines.

Brand new they may not be, but well-functioning is good enough for defence purposes, until we find and induct better equipment like better (quieter) diesel electric subs.

Being that Hasina did her level best to please her masters in neutering our Navy, things can only look better from this point on forward.

I am hoping that BN would choose Yuan class submarine(Type 039D) to maintain balance of power in the Bay of Bengal. BN can ask for a long term Chinese loan to pay for the Yuans. What do you think?

 

[Bilal9]

I am hoping that BN would choose Yuan class submarine(Type 039D) to maintain balance of power in the Bay of Bengal. BN can ask for a long term Chinese loan to pay for the Yuans. What do you think?

I think purchase of two Type 039D for now is a practical and time-appropriate move, relatively economical to purchase and maintain. The Mings were about 200 Million for two which was IMHO rather overpriced (given Hasina's cut in that purchase).

I don't think at this point in time - our navy is ready for diesel electric attack subs (041) like Pakistan is inducting. Anything more potent than 039 Yuan class may invite issues from our larger and smaller neighbors. In fact this meagre 039 Yuan class defensive purchase will also invite some pressure, but it will die down sooner. It is what it is.

We have to walk a fine tightrope. While we have to maintain a stronger defensive naval posture than currently, we also cannot forget that our economic strength vis-a-vis other South Asian countries is also a deterrent by itself. We have to balance a strong defence posture with an equally strong economy, with sufficient reserves and economic fundamentals.

One has to sustain defensive battles and wars, not just start them. In this respect our larger neighbor has a leg up on us already.

 

[Saif]

I think purchase of two Type 039D for now is a practical and time-appropriate move, relatively economical to purchase and maintain. The Mings were about 200 Million for two which was IMHO rather overpriced (given Hasina's cut in that purchase).

I don't think at this point in time - our navy is ready for diesel electric attack subs (041) like Pakistan is inducting. Anything more potent than 039 Yuan class may invite issues from our larger and smaller neighbors. In fact this meagre 039 Yuan class defensive purchase will also invite some pressure, but it will die down sooner. It is what it is.

We have to walk a fine tightrope. While we have to maintain a stronger defensive naval posture than currently, we also cannot forget that our economic strength vis-a-vis other South Asian countries is also a deterrent by itself. We have to balance a strong defence posture with an equally strong economy, with sufficient reserves and economic fundamentals.

One has to sustain defensive battles and wars, not just start them. In this respect our larger neighbor has a leg up on us already.

Pakistan navy got the TOT for Yuan class (Type 039B) submarine. The latest version of Yuan is Type 039D.

Bangladesh's defense budget is not much as compared to other South Asian countries. Currently it is a little over 1% of our GDP. Our economy has been doing badly because of rampant corruption and money laundering by the Hasina regime and its beneficiaries.

 

[Bilal9]

Pakistan navy got the TOT for Yuan class (Type 039B) submarine. The latest version of Yuan is Type 039D.

Bangladesh's defense budget is not much as compared to other South Asian countries. Currently it is a little over 1% of our GDP. Our economy has been doing badly because of rampant corruption and money laundering by the Hasina regime and its beneficiaries.

I think ToT purchases are for the time being - overkill for us. These cost a lot more than regular purchases.

 

[Saif]

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.

www.thedailystar.net

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.​

 

[Saif]

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.​

 

[Saif]

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.

www.thedailystar.net

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."​

 

[Saif]

Only battlefield fighters to be recognised as ‘FFs,’ others as ‘associates’

Says Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk-e-Azam

www.thedailystar.net

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.​

 

[Saif]

শেখ মুজিব স্বাধীনতার ঘোষণা দিয়েছিলেন এটা সম্পূর্ণ ভূয়া ও ধাপ্পাবাজি | বদরুদ্দীন ওমর (According to Badruddin Omar, Sheikh Mujib did not declare the independence of Bangladesh. He said, the people who claim that Sheikh Mujib declared the independence of Bangladesh are actually lying and cheating).​

 

[Saif]

Mujibnagar Govt members, including Bangabandhu, Tajuddin ‘valiant freedom fighters’, others are ‘associates’

The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs issued the amended Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) Ordinance on Tuesday night, changing the definition of freedom fighter.

en.prothomalo.com

Mujibnagar Govt members, including Bangabandhu, Tajuddin ‘valiant freedom fighters’, others are ‘associates’

The adviser said that the ordinance cancels nobody’s status. It only redefines the terms.

Staff CorrespondentDhaka
Updated: 04 Jun 2025, 14: 52

Mujibnagar Government members including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Tajuddin Ahmed are ‘valiant freedom fighters’, while others are ‘associates’.

The members of the Mujibnagar Government, which was formed on 10 April 1971, during the great liberation war, will be recognised as ‘valiant freedom fighters,’ while people who assisted in the formation of the Mujibnagar Government will be considered ‘associates of the liberation war.’

The Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs issued the amended Jatiya Muktijoddha Council (Jamuka) Ordinance on Tuesday night, changing the definition of freedom fighter.

The first government of independent Bangladesh (Mujibnagar Government) took oath on 17 April 1971. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was declared the president. Syed Nazrul Islam was appointed vice president.

Since Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was imprisoned in a Pakistani jail, Syed Nazrul Islam served as acting president. Tajuddin Ahmad was appointed as prime minister, M Mansur Ali as finance minister, AHM Qamaruzzaman as home minister, and Khondaker Mostaq Ahmad as foreign minister.

According to the new ordinance, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman along with the four national leaders, will be recognised as ‘valiant freedom fighters’, the interim government’s liberation war affairs ministry adviser Faruk-e-Azam told Prothom Alo.

He said all those who were part of Mujibnagar Government are freedom fighters. However, the officials and employees of the Mujibnagar Government will be considered ‘associates of Liberation War.’

Faruk-e-Azam further said that it was found that some employees of the Mujibnagar Government have been recognised as ‘valiant freedom fighters’ during the verification of the list of freedom fighters. From now on, they will be the ‘associates of Liberation War.’

The adviser said that the ordinance cancels nobody’s status. It only redefines the terms. Those who are currently receiving benefits will continue to do so. Only those who directly fought on the battlefield will be called ‘valiant freedom fighters,’ and others will be the “associates of Liberation War.”

In the ordinance, the government has set five categories to identify the associates of the freedom fighters

The categories are: one, the professionals who stayed abroad and contributed to the liberation war and the Bangladeshi citizens who played an active role in mobilising the global opinions; two, the people who worked as officials and employees of the Government of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar government) formed during the liberation war, physicians, nurses and other assistants employed by the Mujibnagar government; three, all the MNAs and MPAs who were involved with the Government of Bangladesh (Mujibnagar government) formed during the liberation war, and later regarded as members of the constituent assembly; four, all the artistes and crew members of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and all the Bangladeshi journalists in and outside of the country who played role in favour of the liberation war; five, Swadhin Bangla Football Team.

According to Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, the 21 members of Shadhin Bangla Football Team were previously recognised as ‘valiant freedom fighters’. Notable among them are Mohammad Zakaria Pintoo, Kazi Salahuddin, and Enayetur Rahman Khan. From now on, they will be recognised as ‘associates of Liberation War.’

The new definition of the freedom fighter says, the civilians (who were above the minimum age limit set by the government), who took preparation and training for the war inside the country between 26 March and 16 December of 1971 and, the civilians, who crossed the boundary and included their names at various training camps in India and fought in the war against occupied Pakistani forces and their local collaborators - Rajakar, Al Badr, Al Shams, the then Jamaat-e-Islami, Nejam-e-Islam, and Peace Committee members, will be considered as freedom fighters.

Along with them, members of the armed forces, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), the police, Muktibahini, the government-in-exile and the other forces recognised by that government like naval commandos, Kilo Force and Ansar will be included as freedom fighters.

According to the new definition, all the women tortured by the occupied Pakistani forces and their collaborators will also be included as freedom fighters. Apart from them, all the physicians and nurses and their assistants who gave medical treatment to the injured freedom fighters at Field Hospitals will be regarded as freedom fighters.​

 

[Saif]

CA for presenting true history of Liberation War

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today stressed presenting the true history of the Liberation War impartially through the activities of the Ministry of Liberation War. He said this at a meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna this afternoon, BSS reports. The meeting was att

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

CA for presenting true history of Liberation War

Published :
Jul 07, 2025 22:15
Updated :
Jul 07, 2025 22:52

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today stressed presenting the true history of the Liberation War impartially through the activities of the Ministry of Liberation War.

He said this at a meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna this afternoon, BSS reports.

The meeting was attended by Liberation War Affairs Adviser Faruk E Azam, Principal Secretary to the Chief Adviser M Siraz Uddin Miah and other officials of the Ministry of Liberation War.

At the meeting, Adviser Faruk E Azam said the confusing history of the country's Liberation War was presented by constructing various facilities and infrastructures spending crores of taka of the ministry.

Noting that there is no detailed description of the battlefield in these infrastructures, he said there is no description of the freedom fighters too, but only exaggerated information has been presented with pictures and materials of a family.

For example, the adviser mentioned that Taka 23 crore was allocated for the research project titled 'Implementation of Bangabandhu's Ideology and the Spirit of the Liberation War', saying despite taking crores of taka from the ministry, no substantial research was conducted.

The liberation war affairs adviser further said: "Sheikh Hasina had developed the freedom fighters as a privileged class. She had partisanised the property, facilities and money allocated for the freedom fighters. She did Awami League politics by sitting on the infrastructure created for the freedom fighters."

He said the unprotected properties that are under the Muktijoddha Kalyan Trust are valuable assets, so a decision has to be taken regarding these properties.

The Chief Adviser ordered for immediate appointment of a consultant and formation of a subsequent committee to determine how the properties under the trust can be utilised properly and used to increase the capacity of the trust.

He said effective initiatives should be taken about the work of the trust and what enterprises can be established in the properties of the trust. "This trust must be revived," he added.

Prof Yunus advised all concerned to work to present the real history of the Liberation War, through all the projects of the ministry, in the days to come.

In today's meeting, the significant activities taken and implemented by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs during the interim government and a work plan for the next six months were presented to the Chief Adviser.​

 

[Saif]

Remembering Tajuddin Bhai

I first met Tajuddin Ahmad—or Tajuddin Bhai, as I knew him—in the 1960s, during the pre-Liberation period. After I joined the Awami League, Bangabandhu told me to meet Tajuddin Ahmad, as he would answer all my questions on politics and the party, and that he possessed deep knowledge of both...

www.thedailystar.net

Remembering Tajuddin Bhai

I first met Tajuddin Ahmad—or Tajuddin Bhai, as I knew him—in the 1960s, during the pre-Liberation period. After I joined the Awami League, Bangabandhu told me to meet Tajuddin Ahmad, as he would answer all my questions on politics and the party, and that he possessed deep knowledge of both politics and people.

From my first interactions with him, I recognised a man guided by profound political clarity and unwavering principles. Tajuddin Bhai was not merely a politician; he was a statesman whose vision transcended immediate political calculations to prioritise the long-term welfare of the nation and its people. He delved deeply into every issue, studied problems on the ground, and made every effort to understand how people felt about them.

Tajuddin Bhai's vision was already evident during the critical early days of our independence. In 1966, when other leaders met Field Marshal Ayub Khan, it was Tajuddin Bhai who articulated the radical demand for autonomy, laying the groundwork for the historic Six Points. His clarity and resolve demonstrated his remarkable ability to see through political turbulence and articulate a compelling path forward, eventually making the Six Points the cornerstone of Bangladesh's autonomy movement.

In March 1969, at the Rawalpindi Round Table Conference, Tajuddin Bhai's insights and guidance were indispensable. He directed us as we meticulously drafted statements defining regional autonomy based on the Six Points. His careful approach reflected his deep understanding of governance, federalism, and the nuanced balance required between regional autonomy and central authority. These discussions laid the groundwork for the decisions that shaped our nation's future.

I recall his role in issuing directives sustaining the Non-Cooperation Movement in March 1971. Tajuddin Bhai's strategic vision was always clear: maintain pressure through non-violent means while ensuring minimal disruption to essential services. His capacity to balance principle and pragmatism was exemplary.

Once the Liberation War began, as Prime Minister of the fledgling nation, he navigated enormous political and diplomatic challenges with courage, decisiveness, and humility.

Even after independence, Tajuddin Bhai's commitment to democratic principles never wavered. He repeatedly stressed the critical need to energise our political structures with youthful idealism and disciplined commitment to democratic values. To him, democracy was not merely about elections, but about institutional integrity, accountability, and the active participation of citizens in governance—ideals he tirelessly upheld throughout his life.

A defining memory is etched vividly in my mind from 1974 at Washington D.C.'s Dulles Airport. After a high-level international meeting, Tajuddin Bhai, Ambassador M. R. Siddiqi, and I stayed back, deeply engaged in a conversation about the future of our country. With characteristic honesty, Tajuddin Bhai expressed deep concerns about the growing inclination towards a one-party system. His fears were not personal, but deeply rooted in his understanding of democracy. He passionately advocated for reforms, emphasising the urgent need to revitalise political structures through engaging young people—idealistic, dedicated, and committed individuals who could breathe new life into the democratic foundations we had worked so hard to establish.

Tajuddin Bhai's resignation later that year deeply saddened me. I recall rushing to express my concerns, sensing a great loss not just for the government but for the entire nation. Later, visiting him at home shortly after his resignation, I found him at lunch—calm yet resolute. His departure was not about personal differences, but stemmed from his unyielding commitment to democracy, accountability, and transparency. His actions were a testament to his integrity and remain a powerful lesson in selfless leadership.

Tajuddin Ahmad's legacy resonates profoundly today. He was a man ahead of his time, recognising early that lasting progress demanded not only independence but robust, accountable, and inclusive political structures. For all of us today, and particularly for young people who will spearhead efforts to shape our country's future, his unwavering belief in the power of democratic principles, his uncompromising integrity, and his exceptional courage should continue to serve as a guide.

Dr Kamal Hossain is a Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, an eminent jurist, and one of the principal architects of the Constitution of Bangladesh.​

 

[Saif]

Our finest representative of liberal politics

I did not personally know Tajuddin Ahmad, but he was a contemporary of ours, and the politics he practised was within the Awami League—though there were different strands within the party.

www.thedailystar.net

Our finest representative of liberal politics

I did not personally know Tajuddin Ahmad, but he was a contemporary of ours, and the politics he practised was within the Awami League—though there were different strands within the party. One faction was the right-wing, represented by Khondokar Mostaq Ahmad, and another faction was more liberal, even significantly liberal. Tajuddin Ahmad belonged to the liberal faction. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman maintained ties with both sides, but toward the end, since the Liberation movement had taken shape, he had to move in the direction of the liberal faction.

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman even described himself as a socialist—specifically, a national socialist. Tajuddin, however, never described himself as a socialist or national socialist in that sense. Yet, during the Liberation War, three principal ideas emerged—secularism, democracy, and ultimately socialism. Tajuddin Ahmad supported all three, and the government established under his leadership embodied these three principles. Nationalism, however, was not yet a prominent part of the discourse at that time.

Nationalism came later—after the Liberation—and it was Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who introduced it. Tajuddin, in that sense, stood as a secular democrat whose ultimate position inclined towards socialism. And the historical role he played was something that had been imposed upon him; he hadn't prepared himself for it.

Of course, he had been involved in politics since his student days, but not in the sense of being deeply embedded in student politics. Rather, he was directly involved in mainstream politics from the very beginning.

Many of Tajuddin's friends were socialists and were affiliated with the Communist Party. But Tajuddin never joined the Communist Party himself. One possible reason for this might be that he wanted to pursue a kind of politics that could nationally reflect or represent the public's sentiments, demands, and problems.

And when he crossed the border into India, he didn't go as a fugitive seeking shelter or refuge. He went as a political leader—a leader of the Awami League and an elected representative. That's how he wanted to present himself. When he spoke with Indira Gandhi, he made it clear: "We will take your help, but this is our struggle, and we will fight it ourselves. We ask for your assistance, and if needed, we will take loans from you—which we will repay."

At that moment, Indira Gandhi was facing two major challenges. First, the massive influx of refugees from East Pakistan had become extremely difficult to manage. Second, there was the humanitarian question—people were engaged in a struggle, and it was necessary to politically support that struggle.

There was also a political dimension from the Indian point of view. On one hand, it was a humanitarian refugee crisis. On the other, politically, India had antagonistic relations with Pakistan and wanted to weaken it. This situation presented an opportunity—a war could break out, and through that confrontation with Pakistan, perhaps Pakistan would collapse altogether.

Indira Gandhi had another political objective: in India—especially in West Bengal—the Naxalite movement had become increasingly intense. Suppressing that movement was also one of her goals. And she was able to use both Bengali nationalism (as it emerged in Bangladesh) and Indian nationalism to suppress it, which served her political objective.

Another anxiety Indira Gandhi had at the time was that if this Bengali nationalist movement gained further momentum, there might be attempts to unify the two Bengals. The narrative was: Bengalis are being attacked here, Bengalis are taking refuge there, and many of those taking shelter in West Bengal had already migrated earlier and established roots there. So, her concern was: what if Bangladesh and West Bengal, both Bengali regions, start to move toward unification? That anxiety intensified at the time, and a certain kind of nationalist sentiment began to rise.

At that time, a flag of Bangladesh had been designed. The flag had a red circle in the middle, and within the red circle was a map outlining the region of Bangladesh. Tajuddin was carrying that flag with him. When Indira Gandhi saw it, he told her, "What we are trying to achieve is this—nothing more, nothing beyond this. This is our land—and that's how we want to define it."

This moment captures the uniqueness of Tajuddin's leadership during the war. He had to negotiate with the Indian government under difficult circumstances. At the same time, he faced internal opposition within his own party—some factions even issued a vote of no confidence against him.

Yet, he continued to lead the Liberation War. He had to coordinate not only with political allies but also with military generals who were part of the liberation effort. So, he was navigating pressure from all sides—internal, regional, and international. And amid all this, he served as the spokesperson for Bangladesh.

He was constantly communicating with international correspondents, and what stands out is how calmly and steadily he managed all this. One particularly unique aspect was that he had no family life during that time. Others who had gone abroad were accompanied by their families, but Tajuddin lived entirely alone. This solitary existence—working alone, thinking alone, carrying the weight of leadership alone—is almost unprecedented in our history. He had an exceptionally clear head.

After the Liberation, Tajuddin had a specific vision: he wanted to absorb the Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) into a national framework, rather than making the state depend entirely on the military. That was his plan. He did make efforts towards this, but ultimately, he couldn't implement it. That failure wasn't due to a lack of trying—it was because his government didn't support him in this endeavour.

He was also very firm on one principle: whatever assistance he received from India, he would repay it. He was clear that he would not take anything as charity. He was strongly opposed to accepting loans from imperialist countries. At the time, the World Bank was a powerful actor, but Tajuddin refused to accept aid from them. He actively obstructed those efforts. Even when the Americans and the World Bank wanted to provide aid, he declined.

Secondly, since Tajuddin took on leadership during the war, there was naturally an element of jealousy from Mujib's side—along the lines of: "I wasn't here, and he's doing this work during the 1971 war."

Then, those followers known as the Mujib Bahini were actually formed by the Indian government. The Indian government created them but did not inform Tajuddin. This group was anti-leftist; their objective was that if Sheikh Mujib could not return, they would control the movement. Even if Mujib did return, they wanted to ensure that the leftist elements would not gain influence or power. That's why they restructured the Mujib Bahini.

Tajuddin, however, did not approve of the Mujib Bahini at all. Their ideology was different, and the difference between the Mujib Bahini and Tajuddin reflects Tajuddin's political outlook and ideology.

The Mujib Bahini was anti-leftist, and their main purpose was to prevent leftists from gaining power or leadership roles by any means. Tajuddin, on the other hand, was liberal and tried to accommodate everyone.

Sheikh Mujib's followers convinced him that Tajuddin would become his rival and try to take away his power. So, Sheikh Mujib was urged to remove Tajuddin. Interestingly, Sheikh Mujib never wanted to go to Mujibnagar—the place regarded as the provisional government headquarters during the Liberation War. He also never showed much interest in knowing the detailed story or history of the struggle. This was a weakness of his.

If Mujib had taken that leadership himself during the 1971 war, it might have been different. But Tajuddin never saw himself as a rival to Sheikh Mujib. He always respected Sheikh Mujib, calling him "Mujib Bhai", and wanted to remain under his leadership. He was never a "first man" type of leader. Instead, he wanted to be the party secretary, and as secretary, he was respected and accepted.

Ironically, the people who came to power after Sheikh Mujib's assassination identified Tajuddin as their number one enemy—and that is why they killed him.

One thing that stands out is that Tajuddin never went to India as a refugee; he went as a political representative of Bangladesh. In August 1975, when the anti-liberal forces took over—especially through the army—his friends advised him to leave the country. They warned him that those now in power would not tolerate him. But just as he had stayed in the country during 1971, he chose to stay again, even five years later. He refused to flee.

His friends told him that at the very least he could take shelter in India, where he would be safe. But he remained—and was arrested and then killed. He was our finest representative of liberal politics.

But perhaps the greater tragedy was not just his death, but the fact that after Liberation, he was pushed aside. His experience, his vision—none of it was reflected in the post-war governance of the country. He wasn't forced out; he voluntarily stepped aside once he realised he was no longer wanted. He didn't join JASAD either, although they had invited him. He didn't associate with them or any other party.

He remained committed to the liberal politics within the Awami League—even when right-wing forces, including Khandakar Mushtaque and elements of the Mujib Bahini, began to dominate. Some parts of the Mujib Bahini later drifted towards ultra-leftist politics, but Tajuddin was not comfortable with them either.

He knew he could have become President. But he deeply loved Sheikh Mujib—he considered him like an elder brother. While others began calling him "Bangabandhu," Tajuddin continued to refer to him as "Mujib Bhai." If anyone was truly equal to Mujib in terms of integrity, sacrifice, and vision, it was Tajuddin. And perhaps that's why a certain kind of jealousy grew around him.

Tajuddin Ahmad shared a very intimate relationship with Maulana Bhashani. During the 1954 elections, Maulana did not initially support the United Front (Jukto Front), as he observed that elements of the Muslim League had infiltrated it. Sheikh Mujib, too, was reluctant at first, but eventually, both accepted the United Front.

During the election campaign, Maulana Bhashani personally came to Tajuddin's constituency to campaign for him—something we do not hear of him doing for others. That constituency was considered dangerous and hostile, with armed elements active in the area. It was so inaccessible that Maulana had to be taken there on the back of an elephant.

He personally campaigned in support of Tajuddin Ahmad, despite usually campaigning more broadly against the Muslim League rather than endorsing individual candidates. In Tajuddin's case, however, it is well known that he made an exception and personally supported him.

Professor Serajul Islam Choudhury is an eminent intellectual, thinker and writer.​

 

[Saif]

‘Tajuddin was objective, fact-based — quite unlike many other Awami League leaders’

The Daily Star (TDS): How and when did you first come into contact with Tajuddin Ahmad?

www.thedailystar.net

‘Tajuddin was objective, fact-based — quite unlike many other Awami League leaders’
In this conversation with The Daily Star, Muyeedul Hasan, who served as Special Assistant to Tajuddin Ahmad, Prime Minister of the Bangladesh Government-in-Exile, reflects on his early encounters with Tajuddin. He is also the author of Muldhara ’71, widely regarded as one of the most authoritative books on the Liberation War of Bangladesh.

Tajuddin Ahmad, Prime Minister of the Bangladesh government-in-exile, with D. P. Dhar in 1971. Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had appointed Dhar as Chairman of the Policy Planning Committee in the Ministry of External Affairs—a one-man taskforce created specifically to coordinate India’s strategy for the liberation of Bangladesh.

The Daily Star (TDS): How and when did you first come into contact with Tajuddin Ahmad?

Muyeedul Hasan (MH): I first met Tajuddin Ahmad in 1961, when I was working for The Daily Ittefaq and had been writing editorials for about a year. One of my colleagues — a woman who oversaw the women's page — once asked if I had ever spoken with Tajuddin Ahmad, noting that he was somewhat different from most political leaders. Curious, I decided to meet him. So, we went to his house on Karkun Bari Lane. His room was simple, with just two chairs. I noticed that he read all the newspapers thoroughly. He began the conversation by discussing my writings.

Muyeedul Hasan

What struck me as different about Tajuddin was that he rarely commented on individuals. Instead, he was deeply interested in writing — what was being published, who wrote what, and how good a particular piece was. That was something quite unique about him.

Also, I had the rare opportunity to spend an extended period with Tajuddin Ahmad — from February 1962 until mid-June. We were imprisoned together in Dhaka Central Jail during that time.

This was when Ayub Khan announced his second constitution. In response, the student community began mobilising for protests. The government anticipated unrest by the Awami League and arrested many of its members. Some leaders from the Communist Party, including Ranesh Dasgupta and others, were also detained. We were kept separately, near Urdu Road.

In that section were Tajuddin Ahmad, Manik Miah, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Abul Mansur Ahmad, Kafiluddin Chowdhury, and Korban Ali — all prominent Awami League figures. I was arrested too, even though I was only an assistant editor at The Daily Ittefaq at the time. It seemed that my association with the paper — as the youngest member of the editorial section — was enough for the authorities to assume I was an Awami Leaguer.

The then Chief Justice of Pakistan, Muhammad Shahabuddin, had led a commission to review the proposed constitution. A series of editorials about that was published in The Morning News over 11 or 12 days.

There were 24 of us imprisoned together, and soon there was a scramble over who would get to read the newspaper — pages would tear in the chaos. So, from the second day, a system was established: Abul Mansur Ahmad and Manik Miah decided that only two people would read and summarise the constitutional reports. They would then brief the rest of us, along with their critical observations.

Tajuddin and I were part of that small reading group. He was about ten years older than me and a much more accomplished scholar. While working together in jail with Tajuddin Ahmad, I noticed that our reasoning often aligned. He was objective, fact-based — quite unlike many other Awami League leaders.

For four and a half months in prison, we worked together each morning, reading reports, underlining key points, and preparing materials for presentation to the group. Through that process, an intellectual bond formed between us.

After our release, we saw each other occasionally — perhaps once every month or two — usually when he visited the Ittefaq office.

From the beginning, I used to write about the economy in Ittefaq, and I realised that we were victims of disparity in many ways. Perhaps I was doing that work quite well. However, I left journalism and the Communist Party at the end of 1966. I saw that the Party leadership was fixated mainly on the Moscow and Peking affairs, with nothing about our local issues. So, I left the Party and got involved in a bit of business. Then the anti-Ayub movement began, Ayub fell, and Yahya came. I suddenly went to Bogura, where people already recognised me from my newspaper writings and my past involvement with the Student Union. As soon as I arrived, the members of East Pakistan Student Union started reaching out to me. They said I had to contest, and I stood in the election for NAP in 1970.

At that time, some of my writings were published—about the Six-Point demands—where I explained how these demands could be achieved, given that there was no scope for their implementation within the framework of a united Pakistan. These articles appeared in Forum magazine. The logic was simple: people would vote in favour of the Six-Point demands, and the Awami League would win. However, I raised a critical question: how would these demands ever be implemented, given that Pakistan's power structure—its army, bureaucracy, and business elites—would never accept them? Then would the Awami League really fight the army for it? No—except for a few leftists and some individuals, no one would. So, if we truly wanted autonomy for Bengal, it was essential to contest the election jointly with the left and allied groups. This perspective went against the official stance of the Awami League. Shortly afterwards, Sheikh Mujib reached out to me through Tajuddin. My concerns had been discussed in the Awami League's central committee, and Sheikh Mujib intended to offer me a party ticket to contest the election and join the party's planning team. He believed this would address my criticisms.

TDS: What sequence of events led to the March 1971 crackdown, and how did the resistance movement emerge in response?

MH: In March 1971, Masih-ud-Daulah, the elder brother of Asaf-ud-Daulah—the former Secretary—was serving in the Pakistan Army as General Staff at the Corps Commander's Office in Dhaka. As G-2 of the Corps Commander, he was responsible for Intelligence and held the rank of Major at the time. Another of his brothers was Anis-ud-Daulah. One of Masih-ud-Daulah's close friends, Anwarul Alam, was also a friend of mine.

Anwarul Alam met me on March 3. He said that an informant had asked him to pass on critical information to the higher political leadership. Preparations for a Pakistani military operation were already at an advanced stage. A tank convoy had been transported from Rangpur to Dhaka, where the tanks were being fitted with rubber belts—making them suitable for movement and combat on the roads leading into Dhaka city. Alam urged me to share this intelligence with the appropriate political circles.

I trusted Alam—not only because of our long-standing friendship and shared political beliefs, but also because I respected his honesty and political judgement. I agreed to relay the message. However, I added that while this information might reach us through other channels, he should ask his source whether there was any possible way to prevent the imminent attack.

Over the next two days, Alam was extremely busy but took considerable risks to reach out to the other side at least twice. He also remained in close contact with me. On the evening of March 5, I finally received a complete response to my question. He told me that the only way to prevent the Pakistani military assault was through a counter-military operation. At that time, Bengali soldiers in the province still outnumbered non-Bengali troops. With their support, it would be possible to simultaneously destroy the Godnail fuel depot, disable the Dhaka airport, and seize the Chittagong seaport. Executing these three operations together would severely cripple the Pakistani military's capabilities.

A freedom fighter stands before Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmad during the Liberation War, expressing unwavering determination. The moment captures the spirit of sacrifice and resolve that defined 1971.

Thus, it was clear that the number of Bengali soldiers was sufficient to resist the impending attack — but it wouldn't happen automatically. Orders had to be given. And of course, those orders would have to come from the elected leadership — someone who had gained legitimacy through the election. So, I met Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and he told me to discuss the matter with Tajuddin Ahmad.

After hearing everything, Tajuddin asked me, "Why did Mujib send you to me?" I replied, "Perhaps you'll ask a lot of small, detailed questions and then report back to him. Or maybe he just doesn't want to be involved in this at all and is avoiding me." Tajuddin responded, "It seems your second assumption is correct."

To be continued................​

 

[Saif]

TDS: How did you become involved with Tajuddin during the war?

MH: At that time, a Punjabi man named Jafar Naqvi lived next to my house. He had served as the Chief Reporter of The Pakistan Times between 1962 and 1964. We became very close friends. Both of us belonged to the same faction of the Communist Party — the one entangled in the Moscow–China ideological conflict. Like me, he was disillusioned with both sides, though he leaned more towards the pro-Moscow position. I was around 35 years old then, while he was over 40. By that time, he had left journalism and was serving as the resident director of Eastern Refinery Ltd in Chittagong. He frequently travelled between Chittagong and Karachi, as his maternal uncle was the head of the organisation.

Every week, he was required to report to Tikka Khan two to three times regarding Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants — detailing available stock, goods in transit, and quantities being refined.

He would occasionally drop by and share updates. One day, he suddenly asked, "So, you're still around?" I replied, "Yes, everything seems normal now." He responded, "What normal? Another major crisis is imminent. It's going to happen soon."

He warned, "The Indians are training so many people — do you think Pakistan will just sit idle? They will strike. And once the attack happens, the war will begin."

He advised me to leave, saying, "War is about to begin again." When I asked why, he explained that the Pakistani army was delaying because the Chinese hadn't fully given their nod yet. Pakistan, he said, would find it difficult to go to war alone without clear support from China.

Within our group, we quietly gathered information. Shahidullah Kaiser, my mentor in the Communist Party, was a small-built, cheerful man of about 45. We met almost daily in Dhanmondi, where he, Ahmadul Kabir, and Zohur Hossain Chowdhury would often exchange news.

It was Shahidullah Kaiser who first told me that Tajuddin Ahmad was either in Kolkata or Delhi, and that I should go and find him — someone reliable was needed to brief them on the situation in Dhaka. So, in May, I went to Calcutta. I didn't find Tajuddin right away, but I met Amirul Islam and Nurul Quader first.

Tajuddin Ahmad first shared with me his belief that Mrs Gandhi was a sincere leader who would stand by Bangladesh's cause. In response, I raised a concern — though she may have assured full support, there remained a possibility that if China were to intervene or launch an attack, she might frame it as an external conflict and withdraw her support, leaving us to face the situation alone. This concern stemmed from insights I had received earlier from Jafar Naqvi.

Tajuddin acknowledged the risk but noted that such developments were beyond what they could have anticipated at the time.

I then argued that India's security could only be ensured through a firm assurance from the Soviet Union — specifically, that the Soviets would deter any potential Chinese aggression. I reminded him that China still had around one lakh soldiers deployed along the Ussuri River, and there was fighting between these two countries along the border. If China were to intervene and the Soviet Union formed a formal alliance with India, it could dissuade Chinese action. Only under such an arrangement, I asserted, could India feel genuinely secure. At that point, we had no other support on the global stage.

Tajuddin remained silent for a while and then suggested that I go to Delhi to raise these strategic concerns with Indian policymakers. Following his advice, I went to Delhi to engage with Indian policy-level think tanks.

The rest of my account of working with Tajuddin Ahmad during the Liberation War is documented in detail in my book Muldhara '71.

The interview was taken by Priyam Paul.​

 

[Saif]

The forgotten luminary of Bangladesh’s liberation war

History has a cruel way of dimming the light of those who served with quiet dignity while amplifying the voices of those who demanded attention. In the pantheon of Bangladesh’s founding fathers, few figures have been as systematically overlooked—and arguably mistreated—as Tajuddin Ahmed, the...

www.thedailystar.net

The forgotten luminary of Bangladesh’s liberation war

Members of the cabinet of the provisional government of Bangladesh. From left to right: Syed Nazrul Islam, Tajuddin Ahmad, Khandaker Mushtaq Ahmed, Captain M. Mansur Ali, A.H.M. Qamaruzzaman, and Colonel M.A.G. Osmani.

History has a cruel way of dimming the light of those who served with quiet dignity while amplifying the voices of those who demanded attention. In the pantheon of Bangladesh's founding fathers, few figures have been as systematically overlooked—and arguably mistreated—as Tajuddin Ahmed, the nation's first Prime Minister. Born on July 23, 1925, Ahmed's story is one of unwavering principle, strategic brilliance, and ultimate sacrifice, yet it remains largely ignored in the popular consciousness of the very nation he helped birth.

The Hero of 1971

While Sheikh Mujibur Rahman rightfully earned the title "Bangabandhu" (Friend of Bengal), Tajuddin Ahmed led the first Government of Bangladesh as its Prime Minister during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, and is regarded as one of the most instrumental figures in the birth of Bangladesh. When the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight on 25 March 1971, it was Ahmad who demonstrated the presence of mind and organisational acumen that would prove crucial to the independence struggle.

In the chaos following the crackdown, while many leaders fled or were captured, Ahmad managed to escape to India and immediately set about the monumental task of establishing a government-in-exile. He became the Prime Minister of the Bangladesh government in exile at Mujibnagar and organised the war of liberation. The Mujibnagar Government, proclaimed on 17 April 1971, was not merely a symbolic gesture—it was a functioning administration that coordinated the liberation war, managed international diplomacy, and laid the groundwork for the independent state that would emerge nine months later.

Ahmad's leadership during this critical period was characterised by pragmatism and strategic thinking. He understood that military action alone would not suffice; the independence movement needed legitimacy, organisation, and international support. Under his guidance, the provisional government established diplomatic relations, organised the Mukti Bahini (liberation forces), and created the administrative framework that would transition into the independent state's governance structure.

The Principled Politician

What distinguished Ahmad from many of his contemporaries was his unwavering commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. Unlike the populist politics that often characterised South Asian leadership, Ahmad believed in institutional integrity and the rule of law. This principled approach, while admirable, would later contribute to his political marginalisation.

Tajuddin's life was a long, ceaseless commitment to principles. Even after independence, when opportunities for personal enrichment and political manoeuvring abounded, Ahmad remained steadfast in his convictions. He believed in a parliamentary system of government, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive economic development—positions that sometimes put him at odds with the more populist tendencies of the time.

His vision for Bangladesh was that of a secular, democratic state with a mixed economy that could provide opportunities for all citizens. This vision, though prescient, was perhaps too sophisticated for a nation emerging from the trauma of war and struggling with immediate survival needs.

The Tragic Downfall

The greatest tragedy of Ahmad's story is not merely his assassination but the circumstances that led to his political eclipse. He resigned from the cabinet in 1974 to live a quiet life. This resignation was not born of personal ambition or political manoeuvring but of principled disagreement with the direction the country was taking.

Ahmad had grown increasingly concerned about the concentration of power, the suspension of democratic institutions, and the establishment of a one-party state. His opposition to these developments, while constitutionally sound, marked him as a potential threat to the new order. In late July 1975, he received a desperate call from a trusted source, warning him of a conspiracy to assassinate Bangabandhu. True to his loyal nature, he rushed to warn Sheikh Mujib, despite their political differences.

The assassination of Bangabandhu on 15 August 1975 sealed Ahmed's fate. Following Sheikh Mujib's assassination in a coup d'état, Tajuddin was arrested and assassinated on 3 November 1975 while in prison, along with three senior Awami League leaders. On 3 November 1975, just over two months after their capture, all four men were brutally assassinated—a flagrant violation of both prison regulations and the nation's legal framework.

This heinous act completed a systematic campaign to eliminate every key leader from the 1971 government. Only one figure from that era's leadership survived: Khondoker Mushtaque Ahmed, Tajuddin's former colleague in the government-in-exile, who had conspired with pro-Pakistani forces to orchestrate this carnage. Even during the 1971 struggle, Mushtaque's loyalty had been questionable, though Tajuddin had managed to contain his subversive influence and prevent him from undermining the independence cause. The 1975 assassinations represented the ultimate settling of scores—revenge finally seizing its moment.

The manner of his death was particularly barbaric. The four senior leaders of the Awami League were killed with "bullets and bayonets" by those opposed to Bangladesh's liberation, working closely with Bangabandhu's assassins. As he went down the stairway of his residence in August 1975, a man in army custody, Tajuddin told his wife he might be going away forever. These words proved prophetic, and his widow was left to raise their children alone, struggling against both poverty and the political ostracism that followed.

Historical Injustice and the Need for Rectification

The treatment of Tajuddin Ahmad's legacy represents one of the most glaring injustices in Bangladesh's historical narrative. While other leaders have been celebrated with monuments, institutions, and extensive biographical works, Ahmad has remained largely in the shadows. This oversight is not merely academic—it represents a fundamental misrepresentation of the independence struggle and the values upon which the nation was founded.

Several factors contributed to the historical marginalisation of Tajuddin Ahmad. First, his principled opposition to authoritarian tendencies made him inconvenient for successive governments that preferred compliant historical narratives. Second, his intellectual approach to politics and governance lacked the populist appeal that resonates with mass political movements. Third, Tajuddin's assassination removed his voice from post-independence political discourse, leaving his legacy in the hands of others with different priorities.

Moreover, the political dynamics of post-independence Bangladesh meant that acknowledging Ahmad's contributions might have implied criticism of other leaders' actions. This created a climate where his role was systematically minimised.

The Case for Restoration

The time has come for Bangladesh to rectify this historical injustice and properly acknowledge Tajuddin Ahmad's contributions. This is not merely about historical accuracy—though that alone would justify the effort—but about reclaiming the values and vision that he represented.

Ahmad's commitment to democratic governance, constitutional propriety, and inclusive development remains relevant to contemporary Bangladesh. His understanding that independence was not merely about political sovereignty but about creating institutions that serve the people offers valuable lessons for current challenges.

The resurrection of Ahmad's legacy should involve several concrete steps. Educational curricula should properly reflect his role in the independence struggle and post-liberation governance. Public institutions should bear his name, and scholarship programmes should support research into his contributions. Most importantly, his political philosophy and approach to governance should be studied and discussed as part of the ongoing effort to strengthen Bangladesh's democratic institutions.

Conclusion

Tajuddin Ahmad was more than Bangladesh's first Prime Minister—he was the architect of its independence struggle and a visionary leader whose principled approach to governance offers enduring lessons. His assassination was not merely the loss of a political leader but the silencing of a voice that advocated for the democratic values and institutional integrity that any nation needs to thrive.

The failure to properly honour his memory represents not just ingratitude toward a founding father but a fundamental misunderstanding of the values that should guide the nation he helped create. Bangladesh's journey towards fulfilling its founding promise remains incomplete as long as leaders like Tajuddin Ahmad are kept in the shadows.

Tajuddin was merely 50 years old when he was murdered, leaving behind a young family and an unfinished vision for his country. The ultimate tribute to his memory would be the creation of the democratic, just, and prosperous Bangladesh he envisioned—a goal that requires first acknowledging the debt the nation owes to this forgotten architect of independence.

In remembering Tajuddin Ahmad, we remember not just a man but a set of principles that transcend individual personalities and political calculations. His resurrection in the national consciousness is not about partisan politics but about reclaiming the values of integrity, service, and democratic governance that he embodied. Bangladesh deserves to know and honour this remarkable leader who gave everything for his country and asked for nothing in return.

The prevailing impulse to diminish our heritage of struggle and liberation while undermining the legacy of our founding fathers portends troubling times for our nation. The ramifications manifest themselves with stark clarity: diminished leaders stumble through obscurity, stripped of wisdom and bereft of any sense of national purpose, while our directionless state founders amid tempestuous waters. What we urgently require is another sagacious and prescient leader of Tajuddin Ahmed's stature—one capable of delivering us from our own folly.

K A S Murshid, an economist, served with the Foreign Ministry of the Mujibnagar Government during the Liberation War in 1971.​

 

[Saif]

Tajuddin Ahmad at 100

Tajuddin Ahmad would be a centenarian on 23 July. He was a mere fifty years old when he was assassinated in November 1975. Yet in those brief five decades of his life, he achieved a feat rare in the history of political men. He rose to the peaks of leadership in the brilliance emitted by Bangabandh

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Tajuddin Ahmad at 100
Reflections on wartime leader

Syed Badrul Ahsan
Published :
Jul 24, 2025 23:24
Updated :
Jul 24, 2025 23:24

Tajuddin Ahmad would be a centenarian on 23 July. He was a mere fifty years old when he was assassinated in November 1975. Yet in those brief five decades of his life, he achieved a feat rare in the history of political men. He rose to the peaks of leadership in the brilliance emitted by Bangabandhu and remained there till almost the very end. In between, he managed to pull off what was certainly the most significant success in its long socio-political narrative for the Bengali nation, the formation of the very first Bengali government in history and the liberation of Bangladesh. That was his moment of glory.

In recent years, a necessary revival of interest in the life and career of Tajuddin Ahmad, given the callous and deliberate manner in which he has been ignored by the post-1975 Awami League leadership, has served to add the missing links to Bangladesh’s national history. Much of the revival is again a result of the strenuous efforts put into the story of the wartime leader by his daughters Sharmin Ahmad, Simeen Hossain Rimi and Mahjabin Ahmad Mimi. They have had Tajuddin’s life, in the form of biographies, letters and diaries, researched and transcribed in Bangla and published in immaculate form. Add to the story Tanvir Mokammel’s remarkable biopic, ‘Tajuddin Ahmad: Nishshongo Sharothi’, on the nation’s first Prime Minister.

Maidul Hasan’s Muldhara ’71 and Faruk Aziz Khan’s Spring 1971 have additionally highlighted the intellectual politics Tajuddin Ahmad brought into play in steering the nation to victory on the battlefield. The Mahbub Karim-edited Tajuddin Ahmad: Neta O Manush’ and Badruddin Ahmad’s Muktijuddher Mohanayok Tajuddin Ahmad have been commendable appraisals of the great man’s life and career. These works are touching tributes to the humble, austere man who has, especially since his assassination in 1975, become an icon for students of history. They have offered his legacy anew to a nation that might well have been blown off course had he not been around to take charge.

Back in March 1971, the risk for Bengalis was double-edged. On the one hand was the reality of Bangabandhu’s captivity at the hands of the Pakistan army. On the other, there was no clear sign of anyone else in the Awami League hierarchy, at least up to that point, taking control and reassuring the country that everything was on course, or soon would be. The call of duty was one that Tajuddin Ahmad heard loud and clear. By the time he crossed the border, he knew that exile, his and that of everyone else in those times of horror, would need to be purposeful. He lost little time in linking up with Indira Gandhi and laying out before her his plans of Bangladesh’s road to liberation.

Tajuddin could not have been happy, post-liberation, at being relegated to the job of Finance Minister once Bangabandhu took charge as Prime Minister, but his acute sense of loyalty precluded demonstrating any hint of his displeasure. Discipline was a lesson he had learned early on in life. He was not inclined to verbosity. He was not an orator. It was his organisational abilities which complemented the inspirational leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. These two men, more than anyone else in the party, were the reason why Bangladesh needed to be. On their watch in the early 1960s came the Six Points. In early March 1971, as Yahya Khan and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto resorted to chicanery, it was deep-rooted Mujib-Tajuddin strength that kept them at bay, until the junta unleashed the dogs of war.

That was not the only tragedy. Somewhere between cobbling the Mujibnagar government into shape in 1971 and making his way out of government in 1974, Tajuddin was a lonely, persecuted traveller. Sheikh Fazlul Haq Moni and his band of Young Turks undermined the nation’s first Prime Minister in 1971 even as he defined military and political strategy for a nation at war. There were other troubles as well. Tajuddin had constantly to look back, behind his shoulder, for there was an odour of conspiracy in Khondokar Moshtaque. Tajuddin’s loneliness took on newer dimensions in early 1972. The men who had never forgiven him for taking control of the liberation struggle now drove a wedge between him and his leader.

It was Tajuddin Ahmad’s sadness that he could not come by the opportunity to explain to Bangladesh’s founder how he and his colleagues had organised the armed struggle for freedom. It seared the soul in the battlefield leader to know that the Father of the Nation had little time for him. Worrying too for him was Bangabandhu’s move towards a definitive shift in foreign policy. A clear trend towards developing ties with the United States (US) and towards closer association with donor institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) left Tajuddin perturbed. He had studiously ignored Robert McNamara in early 1972. And yet it was McNamara he was compelled by circumstances to meet in 1974, at a time when famine stalked the land and socialism did not appear to hold much promise for Bangladesh.

There was something of the abrupt about Tajuddin’s departure from government. Disillusioned, he spoke of resignation and told perhaps a lot of people about it. In the end, the satisfaction of leaving government voluntarily was not to be his. It was Bangabandhu who asked him, in the larger national interest (as his terse note to Tajuddin pointed out), in October 1974 to submit his resignation. Tajuddin Ahmad complied with the directive. Between that low point in his life and the end of life itself, he would lapse into silence. The assault on pluralist democracy, through the rise of the one-party BAKSAL system of government in January 1975, appalled him.

It was the statesmanship in him that informed him of the tragedy ahead. Conditions were coming to a pass where Bangabandhu would be destroyed, he reasoned, for his enemies were gathering around him, indeed closing in on him in sinister fashion. And with Bangabandhu gone, Tajuddin and everyone else would be pushed towards doom. And that was precisely the way things happened. As he went down the stairway of his residence in August 1975, a man in army custody, Tajuddin told his wife he might be going away forever. He was to return home in November, shot and bayoneted to an ugly death.

It is the quiet legend of the man that was Tajuddin Ahmad which Bengalis have not forgotten. In the darkness that swept across the country on 15 August 1975, there were yet the intimations of light at the end of the tunnel. Someday Tajuddin Ahmad might again take charge, as he had taken charge in April 1971, and restore the nation’s self-esteem? Someday the dreams he and Bangabandhu had forged together in their halcyon days would be born anew?

But that was not to be. That has been Bangladesh’s long agony, its indigenous Greek tragedy, often punctuated by Shakespearean despair.​

 

[Saif]

A real leader is one who perceives everyone's sufferings

Sharmin Ahmad is the eldest daughter of Tajuddin Ahmad, Bangladesh's first prime minister, the centre-point of Bangladesh's government-in-exile during the liberation war. In an interview with Prothom Alo's editor Matiur Rahman taken on 10 November 2024, she spoke about Tajuddin Ahmed as a...

en.prothomalo.com

Interview: Sharmin Ahmad on father Tajuddin's 100th birth anniversary
A real leader is one who perceives everyone's sufferings
Sharmin Ahmad

Sharmin Ahmad is the eldest daughter of Tajuddin Ahmad, Bangladesh's first prime minister, the centre-point of Bangladesh's government-in-exile during the liberation war. In an interview with Prothom Alo's editor Matiur Rahman taken on 10 November 2024, she spoke about Tajuddin Ahmed as a father, a leader and, most importantly, as a man. It was Tajuddin Ahmad's 100th birth anniversary on 23 July this year and this interview is being published in three parts on the occasion. Today we publish Part 1 of the interview.

Prothom Alo: Matiur Rahman: Today we have come to our studio to speak with Sharmin Ahmad, the eldest daughter of Tajuddin Ahmad, the prime minister of the independent Bangladesh government during the Liberation War. Sharmin Ahmed is also known as Ripi. Her mother Zohra Tajuddin was the vice president of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad. I had close connect to Zohra Tajuddin since the end of the seventies and this bond remained for life. I recall interviewing Zohra Tajuddin in November 1993. It was a long interview, published across three days in Bhorer Kagoj. It had created quite a stir at the time. I had met Tajuddin Ahmed three times when he had been the finance minister.

Tajuddin Ahmad is coming more and more into the forefront of Bangladesh's political discourse and in the media too. We published a book from Prothoma -- 'Tajuddin Namey Ekjon Prodhan Montri Chhilen' (There was a prime minister called Tajuddin Ahmed). In the meantime, it seemed that we had been forgetting that he had been the prime minister of Bangladesh at one of its most difficult times. Now I will talk with Sharmin Ahmad about Tajuddin Ahmad as a father, as a leader and most importantly as a human being.

In these new times and new circumstances, we would like to talk to you about Tajuddin Ahmad, his life, his education, his role as a father, as a leader, and as a person. We know that Tajuddin Ahmad was quite brilliant from childhood. In the matric examination, he ranked 12th among all students in what was then East Pakistan. Later, he sat for his intermediate exams from college and, if I’m not mistaken, placed fourth in the Dhaka Division. Though he studied economics at Dhaka University, he couldn’t complete his master’s degree. Later, while in jail, he passed the law examination. He was a politically conscious activist. He engaged in various activities at the time. He also kept a regular diary. This process of a leader taking shape, his studies at school, college, and university, his diary writing, his involvement in different activities—how do you view your father through all of this?

Sharmin Ahmad: This is a very wonderful question you’ve asked. You’ve already provided the context: a leader doesn’t suddenly emerge. It never happens suddenly. It comes from a lifelong discipline, from daily habits. That’s how character is built.

I remember, when I was about four or five years old, Abbu hadn’t yet been imprisoned. He had been in jail every now and then. He went away for an extended time on 8 May of 1966 and was released in 1969.

What did he do before that? Every morning at dawn, he would wake me and my younger sister Rimi, right at Fajr time. After that, he would say his prayers, and then he’d take us out in the morning. Marching us along, saying “left-right, left-right,” we’d walk through Dhanmondi’s Road 21 toward Satmasjid Road. There were many bakul trees along the way. And there was something else he always did—if a tree branch had fallen, or there was any trash lying around, he would pick it up. He would tell us, “Pick it up, too. This isn’t right. These things shouldn’t be here.” And what I noticed in all this was that, even though we were just little kids, even if we were half-asleep, he wouldn’t excuse us.

He’d say, “If you wake up early in the morning, everything else gets easier. And if you want to do good work, you must build the habit of rising early.” And he not only would say that he truly lived that himself.

Another thing I saw in him, he always kept his word. If he told someone, “Alright, I’ll see you,” or “Yes, I’ll come,” it wasn’t said casually. He would pause and think. He would really consider, ten times over, before making a promise, whether he could actually keep it. Another trait he had was deep compassion, for people, and also for animals and birds.

Prothom Alo: Matiur Rahman: We find this in various writings of your siblings, that he would plant trees at your Dhanmondi house – mango trees, other trees, flower plants. And he would tend to them himself, weed them. He would care for animals too, take you all to the zoo to see the animals. As you were saying, about his connection to nature...

Sharmin Ahmad: When we used to walk with him in the mornings, there were stray dogs along the way. My father would bring them home. Rimi used to be a bit scared of them. Then my father and I would bathe the dogs with soap, feed them, and care for them. That’s how we ended up looking after five or six dogs at home. They would play with us.

I believe a truly great leader is someone who understands suffering in its totality, someone who can feel the pain not only of people, but also of dogs, cats, birds, any living being. Only then can one be a genuinely good leader.

The person who sows the seeds of beauty in the unseen corners, he has integrity. It’s something broader than honesty.

Prothom Alo : Matiur Rahman: We would see him taking part in all sorts of meetings and discussions, he would regularly mingle with the old and the young. He would get involved in all sorts of work, big and small. He developed his leadership through a process. He had been Awami League's cultural secretary, social welfare secretary. Then organising secretary. And then the general secretary. He didn't suddenly become a leader through anyone's influence or by money or any such thing. His diaries are clear evidence of that evolution. He has published five of his diaries so far. What are your reflections or observations on what shaped his political growth.

Sharmin Ahmad: There’s an English word, "integrity". It has an extensive meaning. It means doing what is right, the act of compassion, act of love, and act of beauty, to do those acts even if no one sees it. Someone who keeps doing those things unceasingly, even when no one is watching, has integrity. The person who sows the seeds of beauty in the unseen corners, he has integrity. It’s something broader than honesty.

Let me recount an incident of a bulbul bird. My books talks about the 1970 cyclone when many people took shelter in our home. The cyclone struct on 12 November. A bulbul bird had built its next in a money plant that grew in a flower pot in our verandah. My father would always take care of the bird. he had perhaps forgot to bring it in at the time, but the fact is that the bird died. Mother had sent me to call my father. I found him cradling the dead bulbul bird in his hands, crying. When he saw me, he looked a little embarrassed. He didn’t eat properly that day. He kept regretting, “How could I forget it?” He never blamed anyone else. He never said, you didn’t remind me, or you didn’t bring this to my notice. He was such a busy man, and it was election time. Yet in that moment, all he could think of was the bulbul. He told my mother, "How could I make that mistake? I gave shelter to so many people, Lily, yet I forgot to bring in the bulbul." Later, when I grew older, I realised, this is called humanity. He was a born leader, born humanitarian, born statesman—one who carries within him sorrow of even a little bulbul bird.

Prothom Alo: Matiur Rahman: I read of an incident in your book this morning. A boy of the village has died due to a mistake. His name was Aziz and your father was very pained at his death. He had arranged his medical treatment, given 13 ounces of blood, but the youth couldn't be saved. This had created quite a commotion, even threats of a lawsuit and such. But he managed to bring things under control, forge an understanding. This kind of thinking is what the world talks about today; a person’s view of life -- is reconciliation a path out of conflict?

Sharmin Ahmad: Certainly, reconciliation, not letting things get out of hand, creating a common ground. In that incident, a shot was accidentally fired from a gentleman’s rifle and hit the boy. When they were about to file a case over the incident, he brought both parties together and explained that it had been a mistake. The bond of goodwill he fostered between the two previously hostile sides still remains to this day.

If you remember the Liberation War of 1971, Ziaur Rahman named his force “Z Force”. At that time, General Osmani was a bit upset. He said, “How can he just name it himself? There was a process. He didn’t consult us.” So, it looked like a conflict was emerging between Ziaur Rahman and General Osmani. Then my father said, “Okay, if he names it the Z Force, we have 10 other sectors. So let Khaled Mosharraf name his force as K, others like Shafiullah name their Force as S.” That way, everyone was equal. And the dispute stopped right there.

Prothom Alo : Matiur Rahman: At the very beginning of the Liberation War, Tajuddin Ahmad crossed the border at Kushtia, went through Kolkata, and then on to Delhi. On 4 April he met with Indira Gandhi and completed the preliminary groundwork for the war. Decisions were made on what speeches would be delivered, what form the constitution would take, and so on.

What we later saw was that, throughout the war, a significant faction within Awami League, known as the Mujib Bahini, consistently tried to obstruct and oppose the Liberation War that was being led under Tajuddin Ahmad’s leadership. There were even attempts to relieve him of that responsibility. Yet, we observe that he tried to work inclusively, bringing everyone on board regardless of party affiliation. You will remember we did a book on the Siliguri Conference titled "1971: Siliguri Sammilon" (1971: The Siliguri Conference).

Sharmin Ahmad: A meeting was held with the participation of most members of parliament, members of the National Assembly, and members of the Provincial Assembly, where discussions took place. From that meeting, support for Tajuddin Ahmad’s leadership was affirmed, and the Liberation War was conducted under his leadership.​