Tales of unsung struggles

Contribution of women in the 1971 Liberation War has not yet been recognised even after 47 years of independence, said freedom fighter and human rights activist Sultana Kamal yesterday.

“Till date, we have to distinguish the important contribution of women in the Liberation War,” she said.

She said this at a dialogue on “Women in Liberation War: Bangladesh Hospital, Bisramganj 1971” organised by Gyantapas Abdur Razzaq Foundation at Gyantapas Abdur Razzaq Bidyapeeth in Dhanmondi.

During the Liberation War, Sultana Kamal, Saeeda Kamal, Minu Billah, Khuku Ahmed, Asma Nisar and Reshma Amin provided treatment to wounded freedom fighters at Bangladesh Hospital in Bisramganj of India.

They narrated how they left the country risking their lives and carried out their service amid numerous obstacles at the hospital.

“We passed several nights in a deep forest on a bed of polythene. Insects ran beneath it. We didn't have any pillows. We used to roll our clothes as a substitute,” said Saeeda.

Minu said, “We ate only rice and bread. Often, worms were found in these.”

Asma worked at the medicine department while her younger sister Reshma was posted at surgery department.

Reshma said during the surgery, one had to hold a hurricane lamp all the time.

Khuku, wife of Bir Pratik Dr Maj (retd) Akhtar Ahmed, narrated how they gave treatment to injured freedom fighters with resource constraints and limited training.

“We became like a family,” she said.

Director General of the Foundation Dr Ahrar Ahmad delivered a welcome speech at the event.