An icon laid to rest

Swadhinata Padak recipient Ferdousi Priyabhashini was a pioneering representative of the tortured women of the country's Liberation War. She held the conscience of 1971 in her heart which also reflected in her life struggle and art.

Her death is an irreparable loss to the field of sculpture and her contribution to the Liberation War will be remembered forever.

That was how the noted sculptor and freedom fighter was remembered yesterday.

Priyabhashini was laid to eternal rest beside the grave of Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard.

Prior to that, people from all walks of life paid their last tributes to her at Central Shaheed Minar. She was also given a guard of honour there.

Artistes, political leaders and activists of different socio-cultural organisations converged on the area to bid her farewell. A memorial programme will be held on the premises at 4:30pm on March 13.

Priyabhashini's elder son Karu Titas, also a noted artist, said she adored her artworks like her children. He said his mother's works should be preserved properly.

Mafidul Haque, writer-researcher and one of the trustees of Liberation War Museum, said, “She is immortal and will always be with us.”

“Priyabhashini had a determined soul to establish Biranganas as freedom fighters. She worked like an authentic artist giving up fame and money,” said renowned artist Prof Nisar Hossain, dean of fine arts faculty at Dhaka University.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said, “She frequently faced assaults and fought back to protect the honour of women.”

“She is an icon of our time. She created a unique school of art that carries a strong message and is beamed with nature and her elements. Without having a deep love for nature, no one can become such a great artist,” said internationally acclaimed artist Monirul Islam.

Prof Muntasir Mamun said, “Ferdousi Priyabhashini freed all the persecuted women of the 1971 war from disgrace and social stigma. She played a great role in accelerating the process of trying the war criminals.”

“She will be remembered as a courageous woman -- the lone voice of war-time persecuted women -- who later faced intolerable humiliation… As an outstanding sculptor, her contributions will also remain as a great source of inspiration for the forthcoming artists,” said renowned thespian Ramendu Majumdar.