Voice of 71

History of 1971: March 11

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Sun, 11 Mar 2018 17:03:00 +0000

In demand of an independent Bangladesh, under the instruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all co-operation with the government is kept suspended. And keeping in lieu with Bangabandhu’s agitation the high court judge and administrative Secretary along with many office goers throughout the country quit office.
Fighting civilians put up barriers and create obstacles in the process of procurement of day to day items by the Military authorities. In Sylhet, one convoy supplying rations is intercepted by the civilians.
That night, 114 number military order is enforced saying that if any civilians willingly or unwillingly harms the government property or creates obstacles in the work of the military that will be punishable by law
In Tangail, Bindubashini High school field, NAP leader Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan in a people’s rally announces his support for the freedom fight and says Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the leader of 7 crore people and to follow his instructions. To achieve the goals all must unite and fight together.

History of 1971: March 10

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Sat, 10 Mar 2018 17:02:00 +0000

Under the instruction of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, all government and semi-government institutions remain closed for the tenth day. Whilst the Bangladeshi Flag inlaid with the Map of Bangladesh flies on the roof of every household, even Rajarbagh Police line, police stations, High court and the Justice Residence also hoisted the Bangladesh Flag.
In Dhaka Bangabandhu in a statement said that the order that he had issued to keep offices, banks and other institutions to be closed is being followed through along with that he also said that this is a ploy to keep the country in the grips of a military led rule and to instigate emergency situation in the nation.
In Karachi, in a press briefing, NAP chief Wali Khan tells the Journalists that he will head to Bangladesh to meet with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on 13th March.
People’s Party Chairman sent a telegram/telephone message Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Highlighting the plight of the nation, saying that the country is in grave uncertainty and the future of the country is in blurs, and says that both have responsibilities in this circumstance and they need to do whatever is required to protect the nation.
In Karachi, Air Marshall Asghar Khan says that situation is changing very swiftly and to protect the country from being separated and in protecting the country’s future many responsibilities are there and steps need to be taken. And right now in Dhaka, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the acting government and his orders are being taken, and only in the cantonment premises are the flag of Pakistan flying and unless power is handed to the major vote winning party this issue cannot be solved.

History of 1971: March 8

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Thu, 08 Mar 2018 17:00:00 +0000

At 8:30am with the airing of Bangabandhu’s Race course speech work resumes in Dhaka radio station.
Chhatra League president Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui, General Secretary Shahjahan Shiraj and Daksur Vice President A.S.M Abdur Rob and general secretary Abdul Quddus Makhan in a joint statement say that this present fight to be termed as a “Freedom Fight” and Bangabandhu as the father of the Nation. They also give their complete consent with the speech given at the Race course field along with the upcoming arrangements.
Late that night in another statement by General secretary of Awami League, it is said that the Press note released by the Military authorities gives a gross and wrong depiction of events significantly lowering the number of casualties and deaths suffered by innocent civilians when they are involved in processions and rallies fighting for their rights.
Almost 10 thousand Bangladeshis living in Britain gather in front of the Pakistani High commission in London demanding for an Independent Bangladesh.
In Rajshahi, the Military authorities imposed curfew from 9pm in the night for an indefinite period and this is deemed as unreasonable and the military is urged to withdraw the curfew.
In the morning, the Bangladeshi people working in PIA, march out of the Airport and take a procession to Sheikh Mujib’s Dhanmondi Residence.

History of 1971: March 7

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Wed, 07 Mar 2018 06:02:00 +0000

In the evening Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in a historical congregation of almost 10 lakh people in a 20 minute long speech announces “Ebarer Shongram amader muktir shongram, Ebarer shongram, shadhinotar Shongram” (This war is a war for independence, this war is a war for Freedom)
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman reached the Race course premises at 3:15 pm in a white Punjabi and Pajama with the characteristic Black overcoat. As he walked on the stage, the confluence of people welcomed him with Slogans of Joy Bangla. In his speech he urged everyone “raise forts in every house, fight the enemy with what you have at hand”. He also said, “I don’t want the premiership of the country, all I want is the right of the people of this land and if one fire is shot and if one my men is hurt and I am unable to give any advice then you fight, you fight the enemy with what you have at hand. Since we have already shed blood, we will shed even more blood, we will free the people of this country In’shaallah”
People are chanting slogans in response to the speech urging all to fight for Bangladesh’s Freedom.
In opposition to the fact that Sheikh Mujib’s Speech is not relayed on Dhaka Betaar, all employed Bangladeshis working in Dhaka Betaar suspended the broadcast of all programs and when the news of the relay reached the people, all Bangladeshis waited eagerly with radio in hand to listen to the historic speech. However the Military authorities decided to bar the speech from being broadcasted and this resulted in the complete breakdown of all work in the radio station. Eventually authorities are forced to allow the speech to be broadcasted and in deep into the night Bangabandhu’s speech is decided to be aired and work resumes in the Dhaka radio station.
After the speech, in a Press conference in Dhaka, Air Marshall Retired Asghar Ali Khan asked for the handover of power to the Majority winning Party of Awami league and also urged the withdrawal of power from Military authorities.

History of 1971: March 6

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Tue, 06 Mar 2018 05:58:00 +0000

Agitated Bengal is now high in the fervor of meetings-conferences and rallies. In
Dhaka, the hartal continued for the 6th day and like Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman asked strikes kept continuing in a peaceful manner whilst people who did not get their salaries from their offices, as advised go to collect them after 2:30pm.
At 11 in the morning, 321 prisoners break open the central jail to escape, during the escapade, 7 are shot whilst 30 are injured.
Pakistan President Yahya Khan in the afternoon in a radio broadcast invites for the National Committee meeting to be held on the 25th March and also says that as long Pakistan Military is under his command and as long as he is the president he will ensure the solidarity of Pakistan unchallenged.
Soon after the announcement by Yahya, spontaneous processions are led out by people in Narayanganj and Dhaka. In Rawalpindi, Peoples Party Chairman Z.A. Bhutto welcome the proposal by President Yahya and in a Press conference he says that his political party is interested in putting together a structure for the government even prior to the National committee meeting.
In an interview in Lahore, Muslim League leader Air Marshall Nur Khan said that it is the legal right of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to be able to rule the country. He urges that all barriers to the handover of power be overcome immediately and he also expresses remorse over the accusation on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in regard to the deteriorating condition of the country brought about in the speech by the president.
President and chief Marshall Law Administrator General Yahya Khan appointed Lieutenant General Tikka Khan as the Governor of East Pakistan.

History of 1971: March 5

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 05:41:00 +0000

On the fifth day of the hartal, under fire from members of Armed forces 4 laborers while 25 of them get hurt in Tongi. Upon receiving this news, people in Dhaka city burst out in anger.
In Dhaka, announcements are made saying that the Army has been moved back to the barracks.
In Rawalpindi, People’s Party Chairman Z. A. Bhutto talks to President Yahya in the Presidential residence for more than 5 hours.
Retired Air Marshall Asghar Khan reaches Dhaka in the evening from Karachi and holds a meeting with Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in his Dhanmondi Residence.
That night Sheikh Mujibur Rahman completely shuns the news broadcasted by foreign radio saying that he is willing to share and separate the country with Bhutto claiming that this news is ill fated and only imagined by Mr Bhutto.
The main leader of the 11 point demand, Mr Tofayel Ahmed urges the radio station Dhaka Betaar to directly relay the speech to be made by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the upcoming 7th March rally on the Race Course Premises.
After the meeting between Z.A Bhutto and President Yahya in Rawalpindi, the spokesperson for Peoples Party says that the reaction and response of Awami league to the suspension of the National Committee meeting is utterly baseless and has no validity.

History of 1971: March 4

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Sat, 03 Mar 2018 20:15:00 +0000

During the strike, 6 people are martyred in Khulna, and in Chittagong, the death toll including March 4, falls at 121.
Radio Pakistan Dhaka Kendra, starts broadcasting as Dhaka Betaar Kendra, and Pakistan television starts broadcasting as Dhaka Television. Radio-Television artists announce that until, the people and students of the country continue to fight, till then they will also not participate in any programs of television and radio.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in one speech says, without immense sacrifice no country has ever achieved independence. He says we need to stand up against this ploy to continue the repression and rule of a colonial era and applauds the nation’s courage in standing up against this.
Awami League chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called for hartals on 5 & 6 March starting from 6am in the morning to 2pm in the afternoon. He also says, that those office-goers both public and private who have not yet received their salary, those offices will remain open from 2:30pm to 4pm.
In a press conference in Karachi Press club, (Retired) air marshal Asghar Khan urges Awami League to hand over power to keep the country from being separated.
The students and 55 teachers in Dhaka University in individual statements express anger over the role of Dhaka’s Pakistan Observer against public opinion
In Pakistan,Karachi, People’s Party Chairman, Z.A. Bhutto in a press conference said that to reduce the friction/ anger in the country they would try their best to meet the 6 point demand.

History of 1971: March 3

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 20:13:00 +0000

Add caption

Called by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, complete strikes are observed all through Bangladesh for the first time and in the Capital Dhaka for the second time. During the strike general going-on in the city comes to a complete standstill.
During the strike, in the spontaneous processions brought about by general people, under fire of Pakistani Military many people die. Apart from Dhaka, curfew is imposed on Rangpur and Sylhet.
In Rangpur, as fight breaks out between Pakistani army men and civilians, from 2:30pm in the afternoon a 24 hour curfew is imposed. In Sylhet the Curfew is imposed from 7:30 in the morning to 7:30 in the evening. Whereas in Dhaka the curfew time is softened and changed from 10:30 in the night to 6 in the morning.
President Yahya Khan, in an announcement said that a meeting would be arranged on the coming 10th March between the political leaders. This is announced from the President Bhaban in Rawalpindi where it is also said that after the conference, within two weeks, the national Parliamentary/committee assembly will be held. Bangabandhu, instantly rejects the invitation by President Yahya Khan.
Bangabandhu says in a speech directed towards Mr Bhutto, that “if you do not want a democratically elected government, then you can form your own government. We will form the government/constitution of Bangladesh” said Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

History of 1971: March 2

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Fri, 02 Mar 2018 16:11:00 +0000

In a historic student rally held in Bottola of the Dhaka University Premises, the Bangladesh flag with the Map of Bangladesh inlaid in it is hoisted. The Flag is hoisted by Student leader A. S. M. Abdur Rob, along with him are present Chhatra Sangram Parishad leader Tofayel Ahmed,Abdul Quddus Makhan, and Nur-e-Alam Siddiqui are present.In this huge meeting, determination is expressed to undergo any sacrifice and continue to fight till the end. An oath is taken in the beginning of the meeting by the student body under the leadership of Bangabandhu to continue the fight for freedom. In the meeting, Chhatra League secretary Shahjahan Shiraj and Dakshur general secretary Abdul Quddus Makhan also give speeches. After the meeting ends a huge procession is lead out chanting Freedom/independence slogans ending at Baitul Mukarram.
In the afternoon, the Pakistani flag is pulled down and the Bangladeshi Flag inlaid with Bangladesh map is hoisted in the Dhaka University and in the Secretariat premises.
Suddenly that very night curfew is imposed in the Dhaka City through radio. As soon as the curfew is announced, students from student hostels and student-general people alike headed out from their houses to chant slogans opposing the curfew and took out processions. Their slogan is “Shandho Ain Mani na”, “ Joy Bangla”, “Bir Bangali osthro dhoro, Bangladesh shadhin Koro”. Throughout the city the curfew is broken and barricades are formed. In DIT intersection, in front of the Morning News Newspaper office, at 09:30pm the military open fire on the people. When a huge procession of people break the curfew and head towards the Governor’s house, shots are fired at them as well. Apart from this, reckless shots are fired at everyone who broke the curfew in various areas.

To read this in Bangla, Click here.

History of 1971: March 1

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Thu, 01 Mar 2018 16:08:00 +0000

President Yahya in a sudden radio speech suspends the national committee session to be held on 3rd march for an indefinite period. He says, as one of the major parties of Pakistan, People’s Party and some other parties express that they are unwilling to join in the National (Parliamentary) committee session scheduled for March 3, this decision has been taken.
Upon hearing the news of suspension of the National (parliamentary) committee suspension by President Yahya Khan, Dhaka city erupts in anger and eventually group by group people of all classes take to the streets, and spontaneously all stores and business centers in the city close down as well.
The cricket match being held in Dhaka stadium between BCCP and International XI is suspended. The audiences leave the stadium to take part in protests and they head towards Hotel Purbani in Motijheel to receive further directions from Awami League chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Political leaders from Bangladesh deliver individual statements expressing ardent opposition against suspension of National parliamentary Committee session and refer to the president’s announcement as an initiative to abolish the process of re-establishing sovereignty of citizens and delivering/handing over the power to the people’s representatives.
After the Parliamentary party meeting in Hotel Purbani in a crowded press conference Awami league chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman expresses severe/deep objection to President Yahya Khan’s Announcement of suspending the national/Parliamentary committee meeting and also says that the people of the country have refused the decision and deem it unacceptable. In regard of this decision (Sheikh Mujibur Rahman) calls for a hartal/strike in Dhaka on 2nd March, countrywide strike on 3rd March and a rally in Race course field on 7th March as a part of an all pervading agitation or movement. He also says, in the Race course rally the complete policy implications, as a part of the total agitation will be announced. Regarding the current situation, he says, he will immediately hold talks with the political leaders.
Later in the evening he talks about the changed political situation with various political leaders and after the evening he selects a representative to talk to Maulana Bhashani.
Pakistan Muslim League Chief Khan Abdul Qayyum called the decision of the President as “the only correct decision” and welcomes it. In opposition to this secretary general Khan A. Shochib announces to resign as a member and secretary of the party.
That night, President and Chief Marshall Law Administrator General A. M. Yahya Khan, appoints Lieutenant General Shahebzada M Eyakur Rahman, Kha region’s, Military dictator as the Civil administrator/ruler of the state. Deep into the night, Kha region’s Military ruler sends out a new order wherein no news or photograph that hurts the oneness and sovereignty of the nation can be published.
The general strike that People’s Party have called in West Pakistan because of the National Parliamentary/Committee meeting scheduled to be held is called off after the President announces the suspension of the meeting.

To read this in Bangla, Click Here.

Source: Liberation war Museum

Bir Sreshtho Sipahi Mostofa Kamal

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 14:03:00 +0000

Bir Sreshtho Mostofa Kamal is generally known as Shaheed (martyr) Shipahi (an official position of Bangladesh Army) Mostofa Kamal. Mostofa Kamal was a sepoy in the Bangladesh Army during the Liberation War. Mostofa Kamal scarified his life during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971 and showed his unbelievable performance. Mostofa Kamal was killed in a defensive battle against the occupying Pakistan Army in Daruin village of Comilla. His actions inflicted heavy casualties on his enemy squads. He saved his teammates and the whole Bangladesh by sacrificed his life. He was awarded the highest recognition of bravery of Bangladesh, Bir Sreshtho.

Early Life

Shipahi Mostofa Kamal was born on 16 December 1947 in Poshchim Hajipur village under Daulatkhana upazilla in Bhola district. His father Md. Habibur Rahman was a Habildar (a lower official position of Pakistani Army, who serving the army) in the Pakistani Army. The birth of Mostofa Kamal brought happiness to his parents who were determined to bring him up with extra care. Mostofa Kamal passed his childhood with his parents in the cantonment where he had the scope of witnessing the disciplined life of soldiers. Kamal had his education only up to second grade. As the days passed by he was fascinated by the military profession and started nurturing the dream of becoming a soldier. But his father was reluctant to allow him to join the Army.

Mostofa Kamal escaped from his house without informing anyone due to his parent’s decision and he joined the East Bengal Regiment on 16 December 1967. Mostofa Kamal was also a well known boxer. It may be noted that the East Bengal Regimental Centre Boxing Ring was named after this great hero to recognize his excellence in the field of boxing which no doubt inspires today’s young soldiers. After the training, Mostofa Kamal was posted to 4th East Bengal Regiment which was located at Comilla Cantonment during the mid March in 1971. He displayed some extra ordinary qualities and as a result, he became one of the best soldiers of the unit in a very short time.

Battle of Gangasagar – Brahmanbaria:

Gangasagar is located at Kasba Thana of Brahmanbaria near Akhaura. This battle will be remembered for long time due to supreme sacrifice of Mostofa Kamal. After the incidents of 25 March, 4th Regiment successfully brought Brahmanbaria under control. In April 1971, 4th East Bengal took up defensive position at Akhaura along the river Titas after fighting a series of smaller engagements. Pakistani squads led by 12 Frontier Force (FF), which was advancing from Comilla, succeeded in capturing Saidabad. The enemy then advanced further along the railway line and contacted the defense at Gangasagar. Shipahi Mostofa Kamal was a member of the number 2 Platoon of A Company. On 13 April 1971, the Pakistani forces reached Gangasagar and they attacked Akhaura from Brahmanbaria but their advance was effectively stopped on the southern side of Hawra Nadi by the platoon of Shipahi Md. Mostofa Kamal. Then Pakistani squads immediately launched a quick operation on own defensive position at Daruin supported by heavy artillery fire, but own squads repulsed their attack firmly causing the death of 3 Pakistani officers and about 75-80 soldiers. A fresh battalion was inducted by the Pakistani Brigade Commander and was ordered to clear village Daruin within next two days.

Battle of Daruin – Comilla:

To avoid any unexpected attacked from the Pakistanis, 2nd Platoon of the company "Alpha" was sent to Daruin village. Mostafa Kamal was one of the section commanders of 2nd Platoon.

On 16 April, Pakistan Army started to approach towards the Regiment camp. They were coming over the railway of the Comilla-Aakhaura root. The 4th regiment also reconciled their position at Daruin. They settled on their trenches near a pond. Mostafa Kamal took the rightmost position.

On 17 April, Pakistanis opened fire. Number 11 platoon of Delta Company under Havilder Munir Ahmed was sent by Major Shafayat Jamil to strengthen the defense at Daruin. But Pakistani army opened fire at about 11:00 hours on 18 April, 1971. At around 12 pm the Pakistanis attacked from West. Another part of the Pakistan Army attacked Mukti Bahini from behind. As a result, Regiment had decided to retreat from Daruin. Mostafa Kamal took the responsibly to cover for his fellow fighters. Most of the fighters retreated to a safer position as Kamal relentlessly kept firing with his light machine gun. He managed to neutralise (kill) 8-10 Pakistani soldiers. Pakistani progressed slowly due to the continued fire from the LMG of Shipahi Mostofa Kamal. But at one stage, he ran out of bullets and was surrounded. The last two soldiers who had been fighting alongside Shipahi Mostofa started withdrawing and requested Mostofa repeatedly to fall back. But Mostofa refused to leave his trench. He was well aware that the safe extrication of his comrades largely depended on his continued supporting fire. Pakistanis eventually closed within 50 meters of his trench and encircled him. Pakistani army asked him to surrender. Mostofa, meanwhile, finished all his ammunition. At this critical situation of his life Mostofa showed unbelievable courage and decided not to surrender. He utilized both the grenades as the enemy reached within grenade firing distance. He then jumped out of his trench and charged on the enemy with the empty LMG shouting “JOY BANGLA”. In the process he received a heavy volume of fire. He was bayoneted to death. He along with 20 to 40 other soldiers died at this battle.

The tomb of Birsrestho Sipahi Mostofa Kamal

Legacy

After the independence of Bangladesh in recognition of his sacrifice in the War of Liberation he was honored with the highest state insignia of “Bir Sreshtho”. Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Sipahi Mohammad Mostafa Kamal Stadium in Kamalapur a football stadium was named after him.

Source:
1. Mostafa Kamal (Bir Sreshtho) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2. Bangladesh Continual: Bir Sreshtho Mostofa Kamal (Battle of Gangasagar - Brahmanbari & Battle of Daruin - Comilla)

To read this in Bangla, Click Here.

Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Tue, 18 Apr 2017 07:33:00 +0000

Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf (1 May 1943 – 18 April 1971) is one of the valiant heroes in the history of Bangladesh. He is generally known as Shaheed (martyr) Lance Nayek (an official position of East Pakistan Rifles [EPR]) Munshi Abdur Rouf. He gave his life for independence during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971 . He saved nearly 150 soldiers of the Mukti Bahini before his death. He was really a great freedom fighter for Bangladesh.

He was awarded Bir Sreshtho, which is the highest recognition of bravery in Bangladesh.

Early life

Munshi Abdur Rouf was born on 1 May 1943 at Salamatpur village (renamed Rouf Nagar) under Boalmari thana (currently Madhukhali thana) in Faridpur District. His father Munshi Mehedi Hossain was an "Imam" at a local mosque and his mother was Mukidunnesa. He had two sisters, their names were Zahura and Hazera. Rouf was quite intelligent but not an attentive student in the school. He was an indomitable and dare devil boy. Rouf was a typical restless Bengali village boy. After his father's death in 1955, Rouf had to stop his education at the eighth grade. Rouf’s family faced lots of poverty after his father’s death. As a result his mother started stitching clothes and making some handicrafts to earn some money to bring up her beloved children. He joined the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) on 8 May 1963. He had to increase his age three years to get the job. Rouf learnt from his comrades that he used to be a disciplined and serious type of soldier, who took responsibilities with utmost sincerity and dedication. After the preliminary training at the EPR camp at Chuadanga, Rouf went to West Pakistan (present Pakistan) to receive advanced training. After 6 months when he completed his advanced training, he was appointed to Comilla. On joining the EPR he had been regularly sending major portion of the salary to his mother for maintaining the family.

Battle of Rangamati – Mahalchari

After the night of 25 March in 1971, Munshi Abdur Rouf joined the EPR sector 8 with a group of soldiers. He was serving as a soldier in this company. East Bengal Regiment wanted to restrict the Pakistan Army from using the Rangamati-Mahalchari waterway. Thus, they camped at both of the Chingri Lakes at Burighat. Rouf was serving as a soldier in this company. 8th East Bengal Regiment constructed a camp at both sides on the Rangamati – Mahalchari waterway. These camps were established to monitor the Pakistani squads and to protect the waterway. EPR wanted to attack Pakistani squads after a few days.

But suddenly on 18 April 1971, Pakistani squads identified the defensive position of Mukti Bahini at Rangamati – Mahalchari waterway. They attacked with 7 speed boats and 2 launches at the defense position of Mukti Bahini. Their mission was to drive the Mukti Bahini away from the waterway of Rangamati and Mohalchari. Munshi Abdur Rouf's company also started returning fire. Pakistani forces managed to disorient Mukti Bahini by coming closer to them and firing heavily. In the meantime Pakistanis surrounded the freedom fighters and managed to isolate nearly 100 of them. Rouf realised the threat to the entire company. So, he crawled forward to his trench and continuously fired towards the enemies with his automatic machine gun. As a result, the Pakistanis dragged their launches back to a safer place and resumed firing from there. Then Pakistani squad brought massive mortar fire, which created panic and shock among the protective Mukti Bahini squads. Due to shock and fear, most of the team mates of Munshi Abdur Rouf jumped into the water. But only Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf stood audaciously with automatic machine gun to stop the enemy advance. Company Commander Captain Khalequzzaman could foresee that he would suffer heavy casualties if he did not withdraw at this stage. But the brave and courageous soldier Munshi Abdur Rouf told the company commander, “Sir, I will keep the enemy busy with covering fire, you should move behind with the company.” Then suddenly Bir Sreshtho Rouf's bunker was exposed to the enemy and a mortar directly hit Munshi Abdur Rouf. He breathed his last with holding his automatic machine gun. Munshi Abdur Rouf’s valiant effort helped his company to survive and saved nearly 150 soldiers of the Mukti Bahini on that day.

Grave of Shahid Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf Bir Shreshtho at Burighat, Naniarchar, Rangamati

Legacy

After the independence of Bangladesh in recognition of his sacrifice in the War of Liberation he was honored with the highest state insignia of “Bir Sreshtho”. Bangladesh Rifles College was renamed Bir Shrestha Munshi Abdur Rouf Public College in Pilkhana in 2014. A monument for Rouf was built by Engineering Construction Battalion (ECB-16) at Shalbagan, midpoint of the Chittagong-Rangamati road, Sapchhari. A high school in Manikchari Muslim Para, Mahalchhari, Khagrachari has been named after him. A cricket stadium has been named is Sylhet after him. A college in Faridpur was named after him, which was nationalised by the Government.

Source:
1. Munshi Abdur Rouf From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
2. Bangladesh Continual: Bir Sreshtho Munshi Abdur Rouf (Battle of Rangamati - Mahalchari, Chittagong)

To read this in Bangla, Click Here.

In the Name of Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Thu, 30 Mar 2017 19:51:00 +0000

New York Times, USA, March 31, 1971

Acting "in the name of God and a united Pakistan," forces of the West Pakistan-dominated military government of President Yahya Khan have dishonored both by their ruthless crackdown on the Bengali majority seeking a large measure of autonomy for their homeland in the
country's eastern region.

Any appearance of "unity" achieved by vicious military attacks on unarmed civilians of the kind described by correspondents and diplomats who were in the East Pakistani capital of Dacca when the crackdown began cannot possibly have real meaning or enduring effect. The brutality of the Western troops toward their "Moslem brothers" in the East tends only to confirm the argument of the outright secessionists in Bengal who argue that differences between East and West Pakistan are irreconcilable.

Although this is a domestic dispute, the struggle in Pakistan could have dangerous international consequences, especially if a prolonged period· of guerrilla warfare ensues. The least the world community can do
at this stage is to call on President Yahya, in the name of humanity and common sense, to stop the bloodshed and restore Sheik Mujibur Rahman to his rightful role as elected leader of his people.

The United States, having played a major role in training and equipping Pakistan's armed forces, has a special obligation now to withhold any military aid to the Yahya Government. Economic assistance should be continued only on condition that a. major portion be used to help bind up East Pakistan's grievous wounds.

TOLL CALLED HIGH: Deaths Put at 10,000 - Radio Says Army is in Control

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Tue, 28 Mar 2017 13:54:00 +0000

Special to The New York Times

NEW DELHI, March 27

Pakistani Governn1ont troops supported by artillery and air force jets were reported battling on many fronts today with the forces of Sheik Mujibur Rahman, the nationalist leader of East Pakistan.

According to one Indian press report, the Pakistani Army has killed more than 10,000 people, most of them by artillery and tank fire. The air force was reported to have bombed Comilla, A town of 50,000 people, which is said to be under the control of Sheik Mujib's forces.

Another Indian press report quoted Sheik Mujib's clandestine radio as having said that Lieut. Gen. Tikka Khan, the martial-law administrator of East Pakistan, had been assassinated. Other reports said that the general had been seriously injured, but not killed by a shot.

Attacked at House

He was reportedly attacked at his house in Dacca this afternoon by members of Sheik Mujib's Awami League.

[The official Pakistan radio was reported by United Press International to have said that the army was in full control in East Pakistan and that reports of fighting by some foreign news agencies were without foundation.]

The Awami League volunteers were reported to have been joined in the over-all fighting by the East Pakistan Rifles, the provincial militia, and East Pakistani policemen. They were reported to be battling central Government troops in many towns and cities, including area and the barracks of the East Pakistan Rifles, a paramilitary force made up of Bengalis, the predominant people of East Pakistan.

Some fires were still burning and sporadic shooting was continuing early this morning when the 35 foreign newsmen were expelled from Dacca. "My God, my God," said a Pakistani student watching from a hotel window, trying to keep back tears, "they're killing them. They're slaughtering them."

Homes Set Afire

On the ride to the airport in a guarded convoy of military trucks, the newsmen saw troops setting fire to the thatched roof houses of poor Bengalis who Jive along the road and who are same of the stanchest supporters of the self-rule movement.

"Bangla Desh is finished, many people are killed," a West Pakistani soldier at the airport said in a matter-of-fact tone. Bangla Desh, or Bengal Nation, was the name adopted by leaders of the autonomy movement in East Pakistan.

When the military action began on Thursday night, soldiers, shouting victory slogans, set ablaze large areas in many parts of Dacca after first shooting into the buildings with automatic rifles, machine guns and recoilless rifles.

The firing started at about -11 P.M., but at first it was intermittent and it was not clear that a full-scale military operation had started.

When the foreign newsmen, all of whom were staying at the Intercontinental Hotel, tried to go outside to find out what was happening, they were forced back in by a heavily reinforced army guard and told they would be shot if they tried to step out of the building.

Telephone calls to friends and news sources in the city, brought reports of scattered shooting and civilians' putting up barricades in the streets. At 12:20 A.M., a call to the home of Sheik Mujibur Rahman, leader of the independent movement, was answered by a man who said he was an official of the Awami League, Sheik Mujib's political party.

"The situation is very bad," he said, and he added that Sheik Mujib was in his bedroom. The Pakistan radio reported later that Sheik Mujib was arrested at 1:30 A.M. The report said that five of his colleagues were also arrested.

The firing began to increase in the vicinity of the hotel and at 1 A.M. at seemed to become very heavy all over the city. Artillery opened up, but it was difficult to tell where the shells were landing. Some, however, seemed to be falling in the areas of the university and the East Pakistan Rifles headquarters.

At 1:25 A.M. the phones at the hotel went dead, shut down by order of the military guard outside. The lights on the telegraph office tower went our at about the same time. Heavy automatic-weapons fire could be heard in the university area and other districts.

Occasionally there would be an answering report, perhaps from one of the old rifles that some of the militant students were reported to have been collecting. But at no time was there any significant answering fire.

Attack at Shopping Bazaar

At about 2:15 A.M. a jeep with a mounted machine gun drove by the front of the hotel, turned left on Mymensingh Road and stopped in front of a shopping bazaar, with its gun trained on the second floor windows. A dozen soldiers on foot joined those on the jeep, one group carrying some kind of rocket piece.

From the second floor suddenly came cries of "Bengalis, unite!" and the soldiers opened fire with the machine gun, spraying the building indiscriminately. The soldiers then started moving down an alley adjacent to the bazaar, firing into, and then overturning cars that were blocking the alley. The scene was lit by the soldiers' flashlights, and to the newsmen watching from the 10th floor of the Intercontinental, it was an incredible drama.

As the soldiers were firing down the alley, a group of about 15 or 20 young Bengalis started along the road toward them, from a bout 200 yards off. They were shouting in defiance at the soldiers, but they seamed unarmed and their hands appeared empty.

The machine gun on the jeep swung around toward them and opened fire. Soldiers with automatic rifles joined in. The Bengali youths scattered into the shadows on both sides of the road. It was impossible to tell whether any had been wounded or killed.

The soldiers then turned their attention back to the alley. They set a spare-parts garage on fire and then moved on to what was apparently their main objective, the office and press of The People; an English language daily paper that had strongly supported Sheik Mujib and ridiculed the army.

Shouting in Urdu, the language of West Pakistan, the soldiers warned any persons inside ·that unless they surrendered they would be shot. There was no answer and no one emerged. The troops then fired a rocket into the building and followed this with small arms fire and machine-gun bursts. Then they set fire to the building and began smashing the press and other equipment.

Moving farther along, they set ablaze all the shops and shacks behind the bazaar and soon the flames were climbing high above the two-story building. Then they came back down the alley toward the street, waving their hands in the air and shouting war cries.

They were shouting "Narai' Takbir," a Moslem cry meaning "victory for God,'' and "Pakistan Zindabad!" - "Long Live Pakistan!"

Fire Lights Sky

In the distance, fire that looked as though it extended over at least an acre lighted the sky. Pakistani journalists in the hotel said two dormitories at the university appeared to be on fire.

Shortly after 4 A.M. the shouting eased somewhat, but artillery rounds and machine gun bursts could be heard occasionally. Tracer bullets from a long way off flew by the hotel.

At 4:45 A.M., another big fire blazed, in the direction of the East Pakistan Rifles headquarters.

At 5:45, in the hazy light of dawn, six Chinese-made T-54 light tanks with soldiers riding on them rumbled into the city and began patrolling main thoroughfares.

The intermittent firing and occasional artillery bursts continued through yesterday and early today, right up to the time the newsmen were expelled.

Helicopter flew overhead yesterday morning, apparently on reconnaissance. Four helicopters given to Pakistan by Saudi Arabia for relief work after last November's cyclone and tidal wave in East Pakistan were reported being used for the military operation in the province.

At 7 A.M. the Dacca radio, which had been taken over by the army, announced that President Agha Mahammad Yahya Khan had arrived back in West Pakistan and would address the nation at 8.P.M.

A West Pakistan brigadier who came into the hotel was asked by newsmen what the military operation was all about. "We've taken over, it's as simple as that," he said.

A military vehicle with a loudspeaker went through the streets issuing a warning. People immediately went to their roofs to remove the black flags that had been one of the symbols of the noncooperation movement.

Shortly after 8 A.M., a black 1959 Chevrolet with an armed escort of troops in jeeps and trucks pulled up in front of the hotel. This convoy was to take Zuifikar Ali Bhutto and his party to the airport to f)y bnck
to West Pakistan.

Mr. Bhutto, the dominant political leader of West Pakistan, opposed Sheik Mujib's demands for East Pakistan autonomy.

It is generally accepted that his opposition, supported or engineered by the army and business establishment in West Pakistan, was what forced the crisis. Mr. Bhutto, who is aware that the Bengalis largely blame him for their present troubles, came into the lobby flanked by civilian and army bodyguards with automatic weapons. He looked frightened and brushed off all news-men's questions with, "I have no comment to make."

Hotel Clerk Sobs

Just before he left the hotel, the Dacca radio said that any one who violated the curfew would be shot. It then went off the air for an hour and a half, signing off with the Pakistan national anthem sung in Urdu. One of the clerks at the hotel desk leaned on the counter, his hands clasped and shaking in front of him, his eyes brimming with tears.

At 10 A.M. the radio announced the new martial orders that were said to be necessary because "unbridled political activity had assumed an alarming proportion beyond the normal control of the civil administration."

Every time newsmen in the hotel asked officers for information, they were rebuffed. All attempts to reach diplomatic missions failed. In one confrontation, a captain grew enraged at a group of newsmen
who had walked out the front door to talk to him. He ordered them back into the building and, to their retreating backs, he shouted, "I can handle you. If I can kill my own people, I can kill you."

No information was available on what role was played by the East Pakistan Rifles, the Bengali paramilitary force, and the East Bengal Regiment, a heavily Bengali army unit stationed 25 miles north of Dacca.

The Bengali population considered these units potentially sympathetic but the army insisted that they were loyal to the Government.

Crisis reported controlled

Shoftly after noon as artillery bursts and automatic fire could be heard in the city; the Dacca radio announced: "The general situation in the province has been brought under control."

The British Broadcasting Corporation reported at 5 P.M. Friday that Calcutta had monitored a clandestine broadcast saying that Sheik Mujib was calling on his people to carry on the fight against the "enemy forces.''

Shortly afterward the military Government sent word to the hotel that foreign newsmen must be ready to leave by 6:15 P.M. The newsmen packed and paid their bills, but it was 8:20, just after President Yahya's speech, before their convoy of five trucks with soldiers in front and in back, left for the airport.

Just before leaving, the lieutenant colonel in charge was asked by a newsmen why the foreign press had to leave. ''We want you to leave because it would be too dangerous for you," he said. "It will be too bloody." All the hotel employers and other foreigners in the hotel believed that once the newsmen left, carnage would begin.

''This isn't going to be a hotel," said a hotel official, "It's going to be a bloody hospital."

At the airport, with firing going on in the distance, the newsmen's luggage was rigidly checked and some television film, particularly that of the British Broadcasting Corporation, was confiscated.

ARTILLERY USED: Civilians Fired On Sections of Dacca Are Set Ablaze

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 13:06:00 +0000

By SYDNEY R. SCHANBERG
special to The New York Times
DACCA, Pakistan, March 27

Mr. Schanbcrg was one of 35 foreign newsmen expelled Saturday morning from East Pakistan. He cabled this dispatch from Bombay, India.

The Pakistani Army is using artillery and heavy machine guns against unarmed East Pakistani civilians to crush the movement for autonomy in this province of 75 million people.

The attack began late Thursday night without warning. West Pakistani soldiers, who predominate in the army, moved into the streets of Dacca, the provincial capital, to besiege the strongholds of the independence movement, such as the university.

There was no way of knowing how many civilians had been killed or wounded. Neither was any information available on what was happening in the rest of the province, although there had been reports before the Dacca attack of clashes between civilians and West Pakistani soldiers in the interior.

The firing here was at first sporadic, but by 1 A.M. yesterday it had become heavy and nearly continuous, and it remained that way for three hours. Scores of artillery bursts were seen and heard by foreign newsmen confined to the Intercontinental Hotel on threat of death.

From the hotel, which is in North Dacca, huge fires could be seen in various parts of the city, including the university, Dacca, Khulna, Daulatpur, Chittagong and Rangpur.

In a broadcast, Sheik Mujib was said to have denied a West Pakistani radio report that he had been arrested. "I'm free and all right," he was quoted as having said. "Comrades, go ahead with your program to achieve the goal of freedom. Do not be misguided by enemy propaganda."

The fighting between the troops of the central Government in West Pakistan and the East Pakistanis was reported to have erupted yesterday. A proclamation of the East's independence, attributed to Sheik Mujib, was also reported then.

Sheik Mujib has been campaigning for autonomy for East Pakistan, which his followers now call Bangla Desh - Bengali for Bengal Nation. The autonomy movement in the eastern wing of Pakistan, which is separated from the western wing by 1,000 miles of India, is based on the two sections' completely different cultures, languages and physical features as well as on the fact that the western wing has dominated the eastern since the Moslem country was carved from the Indian subcontinent in 1947.

Assembly Postponed

Pakistan's President, Agha Mohanunad Yahya Khan, in a nationwide radio broadcast last night, charged Sheik Mujib and his followers with treason and outlawed the Awami League. In three weeks of strikes and other protests against the central Government, it had in effect gained control of the region from the martial-law authorities.

The Awami League's protest had been directed against President Yahya's decision to postpone the March 3 opening of the National Assembly, which the league would have dominated to start drafting a constitution to return Pakistan to civilian rule.

President Yahya said in his speech that he was ordering the army to restore the Government's authority to save Pakistan's integrity, President Yahya had been in Dacca for 10 days, discussing the political crisis with Sheik Mujib and political leaders from West Pakistan. He slipped out of Dacca unannounced on Thursday and flew back to West Pakistan.

The negotiations over East Pakistan's demands for self-rule had broken down Thursday afternoon, although this was not known until the Army went into action.

The President said that it had been his ''keenness to arrive at a peaceful solution" that kept him from taking action against Sheik Mujib "weeks
ago."

For 17 days, ever since the Army killed scores of demonstrators, the Bengali population had supported Sheik Mujib in refusing to cooperate with the martial-law regime.

In his speech, President Yahya said the Army bad been "subjected to taunts and insults of all kinds."

"I compliment them on their great restraint and sense of discipline," he continued. "I am proud of them."

Indian news agencies remained the major source or news from East Pakistan. After the martial-law administration imposed strict censorship on reporters in Dacca, news began to come out from many Indian towns bordering East Pakistan.

Sheik Mujib's forces were said to have effectively obstructed the movement of Pakistani troops by blowing up bridges and railroads; even in normal times, East Pakistan; crisscrossed by many rivers. is difficult terrain in which to move fast. Central Pakistani forces were also said to be handicapped by inadequate stocks of gasoline. The supplies must be brought in by air from West Pakistan.

Reports of More Troops

News reports quoting East Pakistani sources said that West Pakistan was flying more troops into Dacca's airport to reinforce the 70,000 men already in the East. Meanwhile new martial-law regulations were broadcast to warn people against putting up barricades on roads and on airport runways.

According to one report of the fighting, Pakistani Government troops were forced to withdraw with heavy casualties after attacking a center of the East Pakistan Rifles in Khulna.

In Daulatpur, near Khulna, west Pakistani troops were reported to have fired into a crowd, killing 90 civilians. Reports also said that West Pakistani soldiers were shelling and burning houses and factories as Awami League volunteers poured into towns from their villages and attacked the troops.

Army Expels 35 Foreign Newsmen From Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 06:51:00 +0000

From GRACE LICHTENSTEIN
The New York Times, March 27, 1971

Military authorities expelled 35 foreign newsmen from East Pakistan yesterday after confining them to a hotel In Dacca for more than 48 hours.

Soldiers of the Pakistani Army threatened to shoot the newsmen if they left the Intercontinental Hotel in North Dacca, from which they could
see troops firing on unarmed civilians who supported the East Pakistani rebels.

Before they were put on a plane to Karachi, the newsmen, including The New York Times correspondent, Sydney H. Schanberg, were searched and their notes, films and files were confiscated.

They represented newspapers and other news media in the United States, Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Japan and Russia.

While in Dacca, the newsmen were prevented from filing any dispatches or contacting diplomatic missions.

Correspondents for The Associated Press and Reuters apparently were not at the hotel when the other newsmen were rounded up. Offices or the two news services in New York said that they had not heard from
their men in Dacca.

Mr. Schanberg reported that when the lieutenant colonel in charge of the area around the hotel was asked why the foreign press had to leave, he replied: ''We don't have to explain. This is our country."

Then as he turned away, smiling contemptuously, he added: "we want you to leave because it would be too dangerous for you. It will be too
bloody.''

A. M. Rosenthal, managing editor of The Times, protested the treatment of Mr. Schanberg and the others in a telegram to the Pakistani Government.

The telegram said:

"Stunned by unwarranted and unprecedented expulsion of New York Times correspondent Sydney Schanberg and more than 30 other foreign correspondents from Dacca. Contrary to all principles of international press freedom, Mr. Schanberg and others were confined to the Intercontinental Hotel in Dacca under threat that they would be shot if they left the building in performance or their journalistic duties."

"They were subsequently expelled from the country after confiscation of their papers and film. Can only believe that this must have been error on part of military authorities. Trust that your Governn1cnt will rectify this situation immediately."

The plane carrying the expelled newsmen from Dacca stopped to refuel at Colombo, Ceylon, where the correspondents for The Times, the Washington Star, Newsweek and The Baltimore Sun were able to telephone a pooled dispatch. With the expulsion of the foreign press, the main source of news on East Pakistan was the Press Trust of India, a
group of Indian news agencies. Pakistan, protesting what it charged was India's "interference" in her internal affairs, asserted that the Indian news reports were exaggerated and "designed to malign Pakistan."

Dacca breaks with Pakistan

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Mon, 27 Mar 2017 05:42:00 +0000

From Australian Associated Press
The Age (Australia), March 27, 1971

DACCA, March 26: East Pakistan today declared itself independent of the central Government in Karachi.

The declaration followed a broadcast by President Yahya Khan outlawing East Pakistan's dominant political party, the Awami League, and accusing its leader, Sheik Mujibur Rahman, of treason.

Indian radio monitors reported that Sheik Mujib made the independence proclamation from a radio station believed captured by his supporters from army authorities.

The radio station called itself "Swadhin Bangia Betar Kendra (Free Bengal Radio Station)".

Earlier, the Pakistan army had taken control in the east and banned all political activity in the province.

Political activity was also banned in West Pakistan.

Within hours, fierce street fighting, with heavy casualties, was reported in Dacca, capital of the eastern wing.

The big clamp down by the West Pakistan dominated army came less than 24 hours after. Dacca Radio had announced that President Yahya had agreed in principle to the four major demands of Sheik Mujibur Rahman's Awami League, the all-powerful eastern political party seeking autonomy for East Pakistan.

These demands included the lifting of martia1 law, the return of all troops to barracks and the transfer of power to the elected representatives.

Central Government troops, led mainly by West Pakistani officers, clamped a curfew throughout the East this morning and were given orders to shoot violators on sight.

Troop reinforcements were reported pouring into the eastern wing by air and sea following bitter clashes between the military and civilians yesterday.

Pakistan Radio reported that workers who had been refusing to report for duty as part of a 24-day long paign had been ordered to return to their jobs within 24 hours or face court martial.

According to the United News of India, quoting "authentic sources" across the India Pakistan border, heavy fighting broke out today in several places in East Pakistan, the worst in Dacca.

Yahya's army clamps down on Dacca

The army took over Dacca Radio and all press, radio and television were placed under censorship.

Educational institutions and banks were ordered closed indefinitely and bank accounts were frozen.

Wireless monitors in Calcutta said Sheik Mujib, in a special message, appealed to East Pakistanis "to resist the enemy forces at all costs."

The monitors said the message was believed to have originated from a wireless transmission in either the port city of Chittagong or Chalna.

The message quoted Sheik Mujib as saying:

"Pakistani armed forces suddenly attacked the East Pakistan Rifles base at Bilkhana and Rajarbagh, at zero hours today, March 26, killing a lot of unarmed people.

"Bitter fighting is going on with the EPR in Dacca and the police force. The people are fighting the enemy gallantly for the cause of the freedom of Bangla Desh (Bengali nation).

"Every section of the people of Bangla Desh must resist the enemy forces at all costs in every comer of Bangla Desh."

"May Allah bless you and help you in the struggle for freedom from the enemy."

The Press Trust of India, quoting a '"highly reliable source," said today that six shiploads of troops had landed at Chittagong and Chalna and were on their way to three major towns in East Pakistan.

Troops were also landed at Dacca by air.

Over China

The report said the troops landing at Dacca appeared to have flown via China and Burma

All Bengalis in the East Bengal Regiment, East Pakistan Rifles, the armed reserve Police and the civil police had pledged loyalty to Sheik Mujib, the report said.

According to the press trust of India, fighting had started between West and East Pakistan forces in what amounted to civil war.

Students have raided arms shops in Dacca and Chittagong and carried away weapons and ammunition.

All citizens possessing arms have been asked to surrender them immediately, and the army has been authorised to enter and search all buildings.

Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro and Bangladesh's Declaration of Independence - Mashuqur Rahman and Mahbubur Rahman Jalal

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Sat, 26 Mar 2016 07:04:00 +0000

Soon after the Pakistan army took over Dacca Betar Kendro in the early hours of March 26, 1971. The Pakistanis renamed the radio station "Radio Pakistan Dacca" and used it to announce martial law orders. The Pakistan army's attempt at silencing the voice of the Bengalis had begun. Bengalis, however, fought back. The war of Bangladesh's Liberation had begun.

On the evening of that same day a small radio station started broadcasting defiantly in the face of the Pakistan military's bloody onslaught on the Bengalis. The clandestine radio station, located in Kalurghat, north of the city of Chittagong, declared to the world: "The Sheikh has declared the 75 million people of East Pakistan as citizens of the sovereign independent Bangla Desh." The station called itself Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro.

For the next four days the radio station engaged in a propaganda battle with the Pakistan army. While the Pakistan army claimed all was calm in Bangladesh, the clandestine radio station declared liberation forces were marching on the capital and Pakistani soldiers were surrendering. While the Pakistan army claimed it had crushed the will of the Bengalis, the clandestine radio station declared that the Pakistani military governor General Tikka Khan had been assassinated. While the Pakistan army claimed the Bengalis had been defeated, the clandestine radio station claimed that a provisional government of Bangladesh had been formed.

In those early days of the genocide, Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro declared to the world that Bengalis would not give up, that Bengalis would fight, and that the sacrifice would not go in vain. And the world listened. The small radio station in Kalurghat during those five crucial days in March refused to be silenced. It rallied the morale of the Bengalis and it frustrated the Pakistani army.

The men and women of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro and the men of the East Bengal Regiment who defended the station from attack, and announced to the world that an organised Bengali resistance was fighting back, ensured that Pakistani tanks and airplanes could not silence the voice of the 75 million people of Bangladesh.

The changing historical record

Recently, the Bangladesh government undertook an effort to revise the history textbooks in Bangladesh to more accurately reflect the history of how the independence of Bangladesh was declared on March 26, 1971. In the tug of war between the Awami League and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the history of Bangladesh has been rewritten several times over the past three decades. School textbooks have been written and rewritten to reflect varying narratives of the role of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Ziaur Rahman in the declaration of Bangladesh's independence.

In revising the history books, the current government relied on the government's official history of the war of independence published in 1982 by the Bangladesh government.

The official history has given rise to the following timeline:

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman wrote down an independence declaration sometime after midnight on the morning of March 26,1971
Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's declaration was broadcast on the day of March 26, 1971 from Kalurghat in Chittagong. However, very few people heard that broadcast.
Ziaur Rahman, then a major in the East Bengal Regiment, broadcast a declaration from Kalurghat on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 27, 1971, that was picked up by the foreign press, and the world came to know about Bangladesh's declaration of independence.

The above timeline suggests that until Major Ziaur Rahman broadcast his speech on March 27, the outside world did not hear about Bangladesh's independence.

This version of events is widely accepted and reflects the conventional wisdom that has developed over the last three decades. For example, the article on the Kalurghat radio transmitter on Wikipedia, the popular Internet encyclopedia, states:

"An English translation of the first declaration of independence by M A Hannan on 26th March 1971 ... It is believed that the first declaration of independence was not widely noticed by international media and the international community."

Major Ziaur Rahman's opening words in Bangla, "Ami Major Zia Bolchi," that is, "I am Major Zia speaking," were picked up by news agencies and given wide publicity across the globe. "Ami Major Zia Bolchi" was followed by a declaration of a sovereign and independent Bangladesh.

These words were first picked up by a Japanese ship anchored in Chittagong harbour, and flashed to the world. News of Zia's declaration was first broadcast by Radio Australia, and the world at large came to know of birth of Bangladesh.

The facts and the available documentary evidence however paint a starkly different picture.

March 26, 1971: The Declaration from Kalurghat

A survey of leading English lan-guage newspapers from around the flashed around the world on news wires on the evening of March 26, 1971. world shows that the world came to know about the independence of Bangladesh from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's original message received in Calcutta on the morning of March 26 and from broadcasts from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro on the evening of March 26.

The following English newspapers were surveyed to examine how Bangladesh's declaration of independence was reported in the world press in March, 1971: The Statesman and The Times of India from India; Buenos Aires Herald from Argentina; The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald from Australia; The Guardian from Burma; The Globe and Mail from Canada; Hong Kong Standard from Hong Kong; The Jakarta Times from Indonesia; Asahi Evening News from Japan; The Rising Nepal from Nepal; The Manila Times from the Philippines; The Straits Times from Singapore; The Pretoria News from South Africa; The Bangkok Post from Thailand; The Daily Telegraph, The Guardian, The Times of London from the United Kingdom; and, Baltimore Sun, The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Christian Science Monitor, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, San Francisco Chronicle and The Washington Post from the United States.

The Statesman published from New Delhi on March 27, 1971 and explained the two messages received on March 26:

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made two broadcasts on Friday following the Pakistani troops move to crush his movement, says UNI.

In a message to the world broadcast by an unidentified wireless station monitored in Calcutta, the Awami League leader declared that "the enemy" had struck and that the people were fighting gallantly.

In a subsequent broadcast over a radio station, describing itself as "Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra" (Free Bengal Wireless Station), monitored in Shillong, he proclaimed Bangla Desh an independent republic.

The Statesman published from Calcutta on March 27, 1971, lays out the timeline of the two messages from the previous day:

Mr. Rahman, in a message to the world broadcast by an unidentified wireless station monitored in Calcutta this morning declared that the enemy had struck and that the people were fighting gallantly.

In a subsequent broadcast over a radio station, describing itself as "Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra" (Free Bengal Wireless Station) monitored in Shillong, Mr. Rahman proclaimed Bangla Desh an independent republic.

The Times of India published from Bombay on March 27, 1971, provides the text of the message received from the first broadcast in the morning:

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman said in a message to the world today that the people of Bangla Desh were fighting gallantly for their freedom.

The message, broadcast by an unidentified wireless station, was picked up here.

It was believed that the station was located at Chittagong or Chalna in East Pakistan.

Mr. Rahman said in the message: "Pakistani armed forces suddenly attacked the East Pakistan Rifles base at Bilkhana and Rajarbagh near here at zero hours today, killing a lot of [unarmed people].

"Stern fighting is going on with the EPR in Dacca and the police force. The people are fighting the enemy gallantly for the cause of the freedom of Bangla Desh.

"Every section of the people of Bangla Desh must resist the enemy forces at all costs in every corner of Bangla Desh.

"May Allah bless you and help you in the struggle for freedom from the enemy. Jai Bangla."

The Statesman from New Delhi on March 27, 1971, also provides the text of the first message:

Mr. Rahman said: "Pakistan armed forces suddenly attacked the East Pakistan Rifle base at Pielkhana and Rajabag police station in Dacca at zero hours on March 26, killing a number of unarmed people. Fierce fighting is going on with East Pakistan Rifles at Dacca.

"People are fighting gallantly with the enemy for the cause of freedom of Bangla Desh. Every section of the people of Bangla Desh are asked to resist the enemy forces at any cost in every corner of Bangla Desh. May Allah bless you and help in your struggle for freedom from the enemy. Jai Bangla."

In the evening on March 26, 1971, Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro at Kalurghat came alive for the first time and broadcast multiple messages. These broadcasts were all monitored and reported on. Most significantly, one report from Kalurghat on that evening was monitored in India as saying: "The Sheikh has declared the 75 million people of East Pakistan as citizens of the sovereign independent Bangla Desh."

This announcement as well as the previous message was flashed around the world on news wires on the evening of March, 26, 1971. Bangladesh's declaration of independence thus became front page news on nearly all, if not all, major newspapers around the world published the following day on March 27, 1971. For example, The Los Angeles Times reported on its front page on March 27:

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence for East Pakistan Friday as the long smoldering feud between the two wings of the Islamic nation flamed into open civil war.

A clandestine radio broadcast monitored here from a station identifying itself as "The Voice of Independent Bangla Desh (Bengali homeland)," said, "The sheik has declared the 75 million people of East Pakistan as citizens of the sovereign independent Bangla Desh."

The documentary evidence confirms that Bangladesh's declaration of independence was heard on March 26, 1971, from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro at Kalurghat and reported on in world newspapers the following morning.

According to an article in the Bangladesh Observer published on April 23, 1972, the first persons to broadcast Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's declaration of independence in the evening on March 26, 1971, from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro in English were Ashikul Islam, a WAPDA engineer, and in Bengali, Abul Kashem Sandwip. Later in the evening M. A. Hannan also broadcast the declaration in a speech.

March 27, 1971: Major Zia's announcement

Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro continued to broadcast from Kalurghat from March 26 till March 30, when Kalurghat was abandoned due to Pakistani air attacks.

On March 28, 1971, Indian newspapers reported that a Major "Jia Khan", or "Zia Khan", had also broadcast an announcement on March 27. Zia Khan was identified by the announcer as "Chief of the Liberation Army of Bangla Desh."

The Statesman published from New Delhi on March 28, 1971, reported:

In another broadcast the radio claimed that freedom-loving people of Baluchistan, the North West Frontier Province and Pakhtoonistan had declared independence, following the example of Bangla Desh.

The person who spoke on the radio was identified as "Major Jia, Chief of the Liberation Army of Bangla Desh."

The Times of India published from Bombay on March 28, 1971, reported:

Major Zia Khan, chief of the Bangla Desh liberation army, declared over the free Bangla Radio tonight that Bangla Desh would be rid of the Pakistani military administration in two or three days.

The West Punjabi soldiers "will be annihilated" if they did not surrender, he said.

The reports misidentified Major Ziaur Rahman as "Zia Khan" or "Jia Khan." The reports did not make any mention of a declaration of independence by Major Zia on March 27, 1971.

These two reports in the Indian newspapers on March 28 were not picked up by the world press. Beyond the Indian newspapers, a survey of major English language newspapers around the world on March 28, 1971, found no reports on Major Zia's broadcast on March 27.

March 28, 1971: Major Zia and the "provisional government" of Bangla Desh

On March 28, 1971, broadcasts from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro monitored in India announced that a provisional government of Bangla Desh had been formed and that Major Zia Khan, or Major Jia Khan (again misidentifying Major Ziaur Rahman) had been declared the temporary head of the provisional government. The Kalurghat broadcasts announced that the provisional government "would be guided by Banga Bandhu Mujibur Rahman."

The Statesman published from New Delhi on March 29, 1971 reported a speech by Major Zia declaring himself the provisional head:

In a broadcast over the Free Bangla Radio Major Jia Khan, commander-in-chief of the "liberation army" said: "I hereby assume the powers of the provisional head of the liberation army of Swadhin Bangla Desh.

"As provisional head I order the freedom fighters of Bangla Desh to continue the struggle till ultimate victory. Jai Bangla." He said the enemy was bringing additional troops both by the sea and by the air."

He appealed to all peace-loving peoples of the world to come to help of "the democratic minded fighting people of Bangla Desh."

Major Jia claimed that the "liberation army" had killed 300 men of the Punjab Regiment at Comilla. Other men of the regiment fled at the end of the fighting.

This report of the formation of a "provisional government" with "Major Zia Khan" as its temporary head was picked up and widely reported in the world press on March 29, 1971. For example, The Age from Australia reported on March 29:

Supporters of the East Pakistani leader, Sheik Mujibur Rahman, today formed a provisional Government under the temporary leadership of Major Zia Khan.

A rebel radio, announcing the new Government, identified Major Zia as head of the liberation army of Sheik Mujib's Awami League. The radio did not explain why Sheik Mujib had not been appointed leader of the Government.

There is however no report of Major Zia's declaration of independence in the world press on March 29, 1971.

March 30, 1971: The Dalil Potro and news reports

The official Bangladesh government document on the Liberation War, published in 1982 as 15 volumes is called Bangladesh Swadhinata Juddho: Dalil Potro, used by the current government to revise the textbooks, contains the text of Major Ziaur Rahman's Declaration of Independence in Volume 3. It reads as follows:

"Major Zia, Provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Bangladesh Liberation Army, hereby proclaims, on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the independence of Bangladesh.

"I also declare, we have already framed a sovereign, legal Government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which pledges to function as per law and the constitution. The new democratic Government is committed to a policy of non-alignment in international relations. It will seek friendship with all nations and strive for international peace. I appeal to all Government to mobilige public opinion in their respective countries against the brutal genocide in Bangladesh.

"The Government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is sovereign legal Government of Bangladesh and is entitled to recognition from all democratic nations of the world."

The date of this speech is given in the Dalil Potro as March 27, 1971, and was sourced in the Dalil Potro to The Statesman published from New Delhi on that day. However the March 27, 1971, issue of The Statesman does not contain this speech.

The first reports of Major Zia's speech cited in the Dalil Potro appeared in the Indian newspapers on March 31, 1971. According to Indian reports the speech was broadcast from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro on the morning of March 30, 1971.

The Statesman published from New Delhi on March 31, 1971 reported on page 9:

Calcutta, Mar 30 - The Government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the sovereign legal Government of Bangla Desh and is entitled to recognition by all democratic countries of the world, Maj Jia Khan, provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Army, declared this morning, reports UNI.

In a broadcast over Free Bangla Radio on behalf of the Sheikh, Maj Jia Khan said: "The new democratic Government is committed to a policy of non-alignment in international relations. It will seek friendship with all nations and strive for international peace.

"We have already formed a sovereign legal Government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which pledges to function as per law and the constitution.

"We therefore appeal to all democratic and peace-loving countries of the world to immediately recognize the legal democratic Government of Bangla Desh." He appealed to all Governments to mobilize public opinion in their respective countries against the "brutal genocide" in Bangla Desh.

Maj Jia Khan said the Pakistan Government was trying to confuse and deceive the people of the world through contradictory statements.

"But nobody will be deceived by Yahya Khan and his followers," he said.

The Times of India published from Bombay on March 31, 1971, reported on page 15:

Calcutta, March 30. The Government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is the sovereign, legal Government of Bangla Desh and is entitled to "recognition from all democratic countries of the world." Major Zia Khan, Provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation Army, declared this morning.

In a broadcast over Free Bangla Radio on behalf of the Sheikh, Maj. Zia Khan said: "The new democratic Government is committed to a policy of non-alignment in international relations. It will seek friendship with all nations and strive for international peace."

Maj. Zia Khan began the broadcast with these words: "I, Major Zia, Provisional Commander-in-Chief of the Bangla Liberation Army, hereby proclaim on behalf of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the independence of Bangla Desh.

"I also declare," he continued, "we have already formed a sovereign legal government under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman which pledges to function as per law and the Constitution."

This speech by Major Zia on March 30 that was reported in the Indian press on March 31 was not widely reported in the world press. The declaration of independence, as announced on the morning of March 30, 1971 by Major Zia, was not reported in any of the English language world newspapers outside India that were surveyed.

Conclusion

After Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro ended transmission Kalurghat in the afternoon of March 30, 1971, Major Zia made his way to Brahmanbaria and met up with Major Khalid Musharraf and Major Shafiullah on April 3, 1971. He would then go on to serve with distinction as a sector commander under Colonel M.A.G. Osmani, the commander in chief of the Mukti Bahini.

Contrary to the conventional wisdom that has developed over the last three decades due to the constant rewriting of Bangladesh's official history, the world press reports from late March 1971 make clear that Bangladesh's declaration of independence was widely reported throughout the world based on the broadcasts from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendro on March 26, 1971. There is no doubt that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's original message about attacks on EPR and police barracks in Dhaka at midnight was widely reported in the world press. Although Major Zia's broadcasts from Kalurghat on March 28 about the creation of a provisional government were widely reported in the world press, Major Ziaur Rahman was not credited in the world press for declaring the independence of Bangladesh.

References

1. All foreign and local news reports surveyed for this article can be found on the Internet at

http://www.docstrangelove.com/2008/01/09/swadhin-bangla-betar-kendro-and-bangladeshs-declaration-of-independence

Mashuqur Rahman is a freelance writer. Mahbubur Rahman Jalal is an archivist of Bangladesh Liberation War documents.

This Article has been taken form The Daily Star.

Videos: Dispatches: War Crimes File

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 18:41:00 +0000

Dispatches: War Crimes File
Director: Howard Bradburn
Producer: Twenty Twenty Television.
Aired: 03 May, 1995; Channel 4.
Length: 55 Minutes.

Watch Here:

E Book

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:21:00 +0000

History of Liberation war:

Documents:

Others:

Song of Bangladesh - Joan Baez

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Fri, 12 Feb 2016 14:38:00 +0000

An extraordinary song which was sang for Bangladesh. It was written in 1971. It was written, tuned and sang by Joan Baez. This eminent singer traveled to many countries and she brought to light the genocide of Pakistan army in front of the whole earth.

Title: SONG OF BANGLADESH
Lyric, Tune and Voice: Joan Baez
Download from here

Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
When the sun sinks in the west
Die a million people of the Bangladesh

The story of Bangladesh
Is an ancient one again made fresh
By blind men who carry out commmands
Which flow out of the laws upon which nation stands
Which is to sacrifice a people for a land

Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
When the sun sinks in the west
Die a million people of the Bangladesh

Once again we stand aside
And watch the families crucified
See a teenage mother's vacant eyes
As she watches her feeble baby try
To fight the monsoon rains and the cholera flies

And the students at the university
Asleep at night quite peacefully
The soldiers came and shot them in their beds
And terror took the dorm awakening shrieks of dread
And silent frozen forms and pillows drenched in red

Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
When the sun sinks in the west
Die a million people of the Bangladesh

Did you read about the army officer's plea
For donor's blood? It was given willingly
By boys who took the needles in their veins
And from their bodies every drop of blood was drained
No time to comprehend and there was little pain

And so the story of Bangladesh
Is an ancient one again made fresh
By all who carry out commands
Which flow out of the laws upon which nations stand
Which say to sacrifice a people for a land

Bangladesh, Bangladesh
Bangladesh, Bangladesh
When the sun sinks in the west
Die a million people of the Bangladesh

Watch Video:

7 Bir Srestha: Sepahi Hamidur Rahman

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Tue, 02 Feb 2016 05:15:00 +0000

Bir Srestha Sipahi Hamidur Rahman

Born: 2 February 1953 in Khardo Khalishpur village under jessore district. Joined the Army on 2nd February 1971 and enrolled in the corps of Infantry. Embraced martyrodom on 28 October 1971 at Dhalai in an attempt to capture the enemy position which finally fell to our advancing column. He was buried in Tripura in India. On 27 October 2007, advisers of the Bangladeshi caretaker government decided to bring back his remaining to Bangladesh and bury him besides Bir Shrestho Matiur Rahman.

Sepahi Hamidur Rahman

September On Jessore Road - Allen Ginsberg

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Fri, 01 Jan 2016 13:41:00 +0000

Allen Ginsberg came to Kolkata, india in 1971 towards the end of Bangladesh Liberation war. He had friendship with many writers of Kolkata one of which was Sunil Ganguly. He stayed in Sunil's home. That time, many refugees from Bangladesh took shelter in West Bengal. Then 'Jessore road' was a connection between east and west bengal. Jessore road was under water due to heavy rain. Ginsberg eventually crossed border and reached Jessore by boat. Sunil was with him. They witnessed the miserable condition of the refugees in the camp.

After watching these, Ginsberg wrote this poem. He tuned it and made it a song. After returning to USA, he sang this song in concerts with the help of his friend Bob Dilan and other famous musicians. Thus, he collected fund for Bangladeshi refugees.

Millions of babies watching the skies
Bellies swollen, with big round eyes
On Jessore Road--long bamboo huts
Noplace to shit but sand channel ruts

Millions of fathers in rain
Millions of mothers in pain
Millions of brothers in woe
Millions of sisters nowhere to go

One Million aunts are dying for bread
One Million uncles lamenting the dead
Grandfather millions homeless and sad
Grandmother millions silently mad

Millions of daughters walk in the mud
Millions of children wash in the flood
A Million girls vomit groan
Millions of families hopeless alone

Millions of souls nineteenseventyone
homeless on Jessore road under grey sun
A million are dead, the million who can
Walk toward Calcutta from East Pakistan

Taxi September along Jessore Road
Oxcart skeletons drag charcoal load
past watery fields thru rain flood ruts
Dung cakes on treetrunks, plastic-roof huts

Wet processions Families walk
Stunted boys big heads don't talk
Look bony skulls silent round eyes
Starving black angels in human disguise

Mother squats weeping points to her sons
Standing thin legged like elderly nuns
small bodied hands to their mouths in prayer
Five months small food since they settled there

on one floor mat with small empty pot
Father lifts up his hands at their lot
Tears come to their mother's eye
Pain makes mother Maya cry

Two children together in palmroof shade
Stare at me no word is said
Rice ration, lentils one time a week
Milk powder for warweary infants meek

No vegetable money or work for the man
Rice lasts four days eat while they can
Then children starve three days in a row
and vomit their next food unless they eat slow

On Jessore road Mother wept at my knees
Bengali tongue cried mister Please
Identity card torn up on the floor
Husband still waits at the camp office door

Baby at play I was washing the flood
Now they won't give us any more food
The pieces are here in my celluloid purse
Innocent baby play our death curse

Two policemen surrounded by thousands of boys
Crowded waiting their daily bread joys
Carry big whistles long bamboo sticks
to whack them in line They play hungry tricks

Breaking the line and jumping in front
Into the circle sneaks one skinny runt
Two brothers dance forward on the mud stage
The guards blow their whistles chase them in rage

Why are these infants massed in this place
Laughing in play pushing for space
Why do they wait here so cheerful dread
Why this is the House where they give children bread

The man in the bread door Cries comes out
Thousands of boys and girls Take up his shout
Is it joy? is it prayer? "No more bread today"
Thousands of Children at once scream "Hooray!"

Run home to tents where elders await
Messenger children with bread from the state
No bread more today! and no place to squat
Painful baby, sick shit he has got

Malnutrition skulls thousands for months
Dysentery drains bowels all at once
Nurse shows disease card Enterostrep
Suspension is wanting or else chlorostrep

Refugee camps in hospital shacks
Newborn lay naked on mother's thin laps
Monkeysized week old Rheumatic babe eye
Gastoenteritis Blood Poison thousands must die

September Jessore Road rickshaw
50,000 souls in one camp I saw
Rows of bamboo huts in the flood
Open drains, wet families waiting for food

Border trucks flooded, food cant get past,
American Angel machine please come fast!
Where is Ambassador Bunker today?
Are his Helios machinegunning children at play?

Where are the helicopters of US AID?
Smuggling dope in Bangkok's green shade
Where is America's Air Force of Light?
Bombing North Laos all day and all night?

Where are the President's Armies of Gold?
Billionaire Navies merciful Bold?
Bringing us medicine food and relief?
Napalming North Viet Nam and causing more grief?

Where are our tears? Who weeps for the pain?
Where can these families go in the rain?
Jessore Road's children close their big eyes
Where will we sleep when Our Father dies?

Whom shall we pray to for rice and for care?
Who can bring bread to this shit flood foul'd lair?
Millions of children alone in the rain!
Millions of children weeping in pain!

Ring O ye tongues of the world for their woe
Ring out ye voices for Love we don't know
Ring out ye bells of electrical pain
Ring in the conscious of America brain

How many children are we who are lost
Whose are these daughters we see turn to ghost?
What are our souls that we have lost care?
Ring out ye musics and weep if you dare--

Cries in the mud by the thatch'd house sand drain
Sleeps in huge pipes in the wet shit-field rain
waits by the pump well, Woe to the world!
whose children still starve in their mother's arms curled

Is this what I did to myself in the past?
What shall I do Sunil Poet I asked?
Move on and leave them without any coins?
What should I care for the love of my loins?

What should we care for our cities and cars?
What shall we buy with our Food Stamps on Mars?
How many millions sit down in New York
sup this night's table on bone roast pork?

How many millions of beer cans are tossed
in Oceans of Mother? How much does She cost?
Cigar gasolines and asphalt car dreams
Stinking the world and dimming star beams--

Finish the war in your breast with a sigh
Come tast the tears in your own Human eye
Pity us millions of phantoms you see
Starved in Samsara on planet TV

How many millions of children die more
before our Good Mothers perceive the Great Lord?
How many good fathers pay tax to rebuild
Armed forces that boast the children they've killed?

How many souls walk through Maya in pain
How many babes in illusory pain?
How many families hollow eyed lost?
How many grandmothers turning to ghost?

How many loves who never get bread?
How many Aunts with holes in their head?
How many sisters skulls on the ground?
How many grandfathers make no more sound?

How many fathers in woe
How many sons nowhere to go?
How many daughters nothing to eat?
How many uncles with swollen sick feet?

Millions of babies in pain
Millions of mothers in rain
Millions of brothers in woe
Millions of children nowhere to go

An Ode To Freedom - Shamsur Rahman

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 06:29:00 +0000

Freedom, you're

Tagore's timeless poetry and everlasting lyrics.

Freedom, you're
Kazi Nazrul, the regally maned magnificent man,
rapturous in creation, oh joy.
Freedom, you're
the radiant gathering at Shahid Minar on Language Day.
Freedom, you're
the flag-draped, slogan-serenaded boisterous procession.
Freedom, you're
the farmer amidst his fields, beaming face.
Freedom, you're
the village lass's lightsome swim in mid-day pond.
Freedom, you're
the sinewy muscles on a skilled workman's sun-bronzed arms.
Freedom, you're
the glint in the eyes of a freedom fighter scouting the darkened and deserted borders.
Freedom, you're
the crisply-worded, scorching speech of a sprited scholar beneath the shade of a banyan tree.
Freedom, you're
the tumult of chats in tea-shops, public gathering and the park.
Freedom, you're
the roaring swoop of kal-boishakhi on the fiery horizon athwart.
Freedom, you're
the Meghna's heart, swelling shores in the month of Sraban.
Freedom, you're
the velvety touch, father's chivalrous prayer-mat.
Freedom, you're
the ripples on mother's unadorned sari stretched in the yard.
Freedom, you're
the hue of henna on sister's gentle hand.
Freedom, you're
a vivid placard shimmering stars gripped by a friend.

Freedom, you're
the wife's raven tresses, tempestuous in the untamed wind.
Freedom, you're:
The colorful kurta on a young boy.
The playful sunlight on a girl's supple cheeks.
Freedom, you're:
The home amidst a flower garden; the warble of koel-bird.
The twittering leaves of antediluvian banyan trees.
My notebook of poetry, to pen poems as I please.

[Translated from 'Shadinota Tumi' (Bengali) by Syed M. Islam.]

7 Bir Srestha: Engineroom Artificer Ruhul Amin

noreply@blogger.com (Voice of 71) — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 05:10:00 +0000

Engineroom Artificer Ruhul Amin

Born: at Bagpadura in the district of Noakhali in 1934. After completing his secondary education from Sunaimuri High School in 1949, he joined erstwhile Pakistan navy in 1951. During the Liberation Movement in 1971, he was serving as engineer officer in the appointment of ERA-1 in PNS comilla Gunboat under Chittagong Naval base. On 25th March 1971, he left the pak navy and joined the Liberation war. Later on he joined the naval ship Poash A few days before the country was liberated his ship came under air strike on 10 December 1971 near Khulna shipyard. He foughr bravely to save his ship but was wounded severely and later on the embraced martyrdom. He was honoured with the highest gallantry award “Bir Srestha” for his courage, valour and dedication to the nation.

Engineroom Artificer Ruhul Amin