Memoirs of a woman freedom fighter

Kazi Shila plays the protagonist. Photo: STAR

“Piar Chand”, a play based on the memoirs of a female freedom fighter of Sunamganj district, was staged at 'Bijoy Mela' (victory fair) at the Manikganj Government High School playground last Wednesday night.
Ganosangskriti department of Proshika Manobik Unnoyon Kendra staged the play written by Kumar Preetesh Bal and directed by Debasheesh Ghosh.
Kazi Shila played the role of Piar Chand who participated in the Liberation War. During the time of the non-cooperation movement initiated by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Piar Chand and Badiuzzaman fell in love and married. Soon after the Liberation War broke out and Badiuzzaman joined the guerrilla resistance. A local hoodlum, Ishak, who had his eye on Piar for years, joined the razakars (collaborators of the Pakistani army). Taking advantage of the absence of her husband, Ishak kidnapped Piar and confined her to a house. Having heard of this nefarious deed, Ishak's wife rescued and released Piar.
Following the incident, Piar took part in the Liberation War. Badiuzzaman was martyred in the war and Ishak was killed by Piar.
The event also featured renditions of inspirational and patriotic songs narrating historic incidents between 1947 and 1971. Shova Khan and Sharan Barua performed two gano sangeet.
Muktijuddher Bijoy Mela Udjapon Parishad-2010 has organised the 15-day-long victory fair, one of the largest events of its kind in the country, on the occasion of Manikganj Free Day (December 13).
Besides photo exhibition on the Liberation War, around 250 stalls with food items, toys, musical instruments, clothes and books provide fascinating fare to visitors.
Discussions on the Liberation War have been arranged on the occasion. National personalities including organisers of the Liberation War, freedom fighters, politicians, journalists, lawyers and teachers take part in the discussions.
Circus, puppet show, pala gaan, theatre, cultural competitions, traditional games, football, cricket, badminton, and lathi khela are other attractions of the fair.