Unending war of an FF

Still bearing a bullet received during the Liberation War, freedom fighter Aku Mia now cannot manage three square meals for his family, let alone treatment cost.Photo: STAR

Freedom fighter Aku Mia, who risked his life for freedom of the country in 1971, is now fighting to survive with his gangrene-affected back.
The war hero, now struggling to maintain his six-member family by begging, cannot even think of treatment at his own cost.
During a fight with Pakistan army in Noakhali, the valiant freedom fighter received a few bullets in his body but continued to take part in the war until the final victory.
Carrying a bullet inside his body for the last 38 years, the valiant war hero now suffers from gangrene in his back from where fluids ooze out.
"I was 22 years old when I joined the Liberation War after hearing the announcement of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman," he told The Daily Star correspondent recently.
"When Independence Day or Victory Day comes, the government gives us special food and arranges reception for us [freedom fighters]. But we have to pass miserable days throughout the year. Why making such fun?" he sighed.
Aku Mia now lives at a rented hut at Shalbagun in Sadar upazila for Tk 300 a month.
"It is not possible for me to maintain my family by begging. I have no land. I do not know where I will be laid for final rest after my death," Aku Mia murmured.
"Freedom fighter Aku Mia received a few bullets during a fight with the pakistani occupation forces. He is now struggling to survive, Mongshathowai Chowdhury, president of district unit command of Muktijodda Sangsad.
"Nobody wants to sit beside him as bad smell comes out of his gangrene affected body. We have urged the government to take step for his treatment so that he can live well," he said.