Bring forth lesser-known aspects of Liberation War

Speakers at a discussion yesterday urged journalists to bring forward lesser-explored areas of the Liberation War, including accounts of refugees relocated to the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, and participation of indigenous communities in the war.

Noting that the 50th anniversary of independence is coming up in two years, they suggested that print and electronic media journalists work on research-based stories that would interest the new generation.

The daylong views-exchange meeting on journalistic articles about the Liberation War for “Bazlur Rahman Smriti Padak” was held at Liberation War Museum in Agargaon.

With financial support from family members and friends of late eminent journalist Bazlur Rahman, the museum authorities have been giving the award since 2008.

Liberation War Museum Trustee Dr Sarwar Ali said the country has changed a lot since 1971 and audience for the memoir-based articles on the war has declined over time.  

Freedom fighter Maj (retd) ASM Shamsul Arefin suggested writing more on the interim Mujibnagar government.

At the event, researcher and Dean of Faculty of Arts at Dhaka University Dr Abu Md Delwar Hossain shared some lesser-known aspects about those who surrendered to Bangladesh and Indian joint command on December 16, 1971.

Referring to the killing of Abrar Fahad, former DU Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said, “We talk about the spirit of the Liberation War, but it did not reach the children, generation after generation.”

He urged journalists to do stories that would rekindle spirit of the Liberation War among youths.

Eminent journalist Ajay Dasgupta, media personality Nowajesh Ali Khan, and museum trustees Ziauddin Tariq Ali and Rabiul Hasan also spoke at the meeting.