Ailing FF Aku Mia rescued at last

Freedom fighter Aku Mia, passing hard days with injuries sustained during the Liberation War, now eyes 'happy' future as the government has taken responsibility for his treatment, decent living and family maintenance. Photo: STAR

Authorities have finally decided to rehabilitate ailing and poverty-stricken freedom fighter Aku Mia.
The Daily Star report headlined 'Unending war of an FF' that was published on Sunday prompted the decision.
"As per instruction from the Liberation War Affairs Ministry, Khagrachhari district administration will provide Aku Mia treatment facilities and steps have been taken to rehabilitate him with necessary financial assistance," Khagrachhari Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Abdullah told The Daily Star correspondent at his office in presence of the freedom fighter yesterday.
“I asked Sadar upazila nirbahi officer to choose a piece of land to settle Aku Mia and his family by December 31. We will provide him financial assistance to make a house and live happily,” he added.
Expressing gratitude to The Daily Star for bringing him to light and making things easier for him, freedom fighter Aku Mia said, “Now I can leave begging. I am waiting for a happy life for which we fought in 1971.”
Still carrying a bullet that he received during a fight with the Pakistan occupation forces during the Liberation War, Aku Mia has passed tough times to survive with his family.
"We are thankful to the district administration and the ministry for quick action to rehabilitate Aku Mia. We hope every war hero will be rehabilitated with due honour by the tenure of the present government," said freedom fighter Rono Bikrom Tripura, also vice president of district Awami League.