Ethnic people and the Liberation War
A play titled “Aale hu disham le Swadinakada” focusing on the significant role of indigenous people especially the Santal community from greater Dinajpur district in the Liberation War of 1971, was staged at the district's central Shaheed Minar on Wednesday night.
A group of students of Thakurgaon Government College performed the play, written and directed by Dr. Tito Redwan, a folklore researcher.
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy organised the programme, based on Liberation War of Thakurgaon district.
Thakurgaon District Shilpaka Academy implemented the programme in tandem with Thakurgaon Government College.
The play based on a true story, reveals how the indigenous community of village Paria under Pirgonj Upazila in Thakurgaon joined the battle in 1971, inspiring other members of their community, while ignoring the threats of their landlord, who was a collaborator of the Pakistani occupation forces. However, despite their participation in the Liberation War like other Bengalis, they are yet to be given their constitutional rights.
The play also showcases the untold sufferings of ethnic people who are subjected to the cruelty of the family members of the landlord, even 40 years of independence. The powerful elements even evict the ethnic people from their ancestral land.
Prior to the play Dr. Tito Redwan gave a brief summary of the play to the audience, while principal of Thakurgaon Government College Dr. Golam Kibria Mondol was present as chief guest.
Tito said the name of the play in Santal language 'Aale hu disham le Swadinakada' means 'We also freed our country'. (Amrao desh swadhin korechi ).
The cast included Zobaidul Rahman, Morium Akhter, Arafat Hossain, Bannya Rani Datta, Shamima Akhter, Santona Bonik, Khadija Mitu, Mamun or Rashid, Sohel Akash, Anisur Rahman, Al Amin, Nurshat Jahan, Sabika Islam, Hosna Jahan, Ansarul Haque, Farukh Hossain and Rabiul Alam.
Credit for stage management and lighting goes to Partho Sarothi Das and Nur-e Alam and costume and make-up Morium Akhter.
Hundreds of people including the children enjoyed the drama.
After the play, freedom fighter Habel Hemrom, the main character of the play who organised his community to join the freedom movement, was introduced to the audience.
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