‘Nothing is more joyous to me than witnessing Bangladesh’s success’

Raisul Islam Asad. Photo: Star

50 years ago, life was quite different. Blood was shed and lives were lost in exchange for Bangladesh's independence. We made many sacrifices in order to claim the country's freedom.

When I look back at those days, I become sentimental. I was about seventeen or eighteen years old. Now, I am 68. My memories from 50 years ago bring back the pain of losing loved ones, the horrors of the war and the countless sacrifices. However, our Victory Day is one of my most cherished memories.

Today is a proud moment for all Bangladeshis because our country has achieved a milestone. As a freedom fighter, nothing is more joyous to me than witnessing the country's success and records of achievements.

I knew that we won the Liberation War when we stepped into the month of December. During the first week of December 1971, I was in Dhamrai. Slowly, I started to make my journey to Dhaka. I came to the city on the 15th of December. From October to December, we were stationed in various places near Dhaka. My team leader was Sawar, who passed away a few days ago. Before 16th December, I was promoted to the post of team leader in place of Sawar. I was responsible for an operation which I executed successfully. I was also a part of several other operations.

Times were very difficult and uncertain, but we only had one goal – victory! There was a small unit of our forces in Dhaka. I was in charge of that unit at the time. The streets of Dhaka in 1971 were a different picture. They were mostly empty. A few cars were travelling on the streets of Malibagh. I slowly made my way to the main road, where there were a few people. Come afternoon, the news of victory was travelling from ear to ear. A country was born before our eyes in exchange for hundreds of precious lives. 50 years ago, Bangladesh was able to emerge as a free country. It was the greatest moment in my life.

Translated by Shaniz Chowdhury