Ten Biranganas honoured

State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury with 10 Biranganas, who were honoured at an event at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy yesterday for their role in the Liberation War. Chesta, an NGO working for rehabilitation for Biranganas, organised the event.Photo: STAR

Biranganas yesterday asked the state to give them an allowance to help them lead their lives with some dignity.
They made the request at an event held at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy to honour their role in the Liberation War.
Ten Biranganas (women who were brutalised by the invading Pakistani army and their collaborators) are Suraiya Begum, Asia Akhtar, Hajera Begum, Komola Begum, Nurjahan Begun, Josna Begum, Raju Bala, Rahima Begum, Joydan and Shurjo Begum.
Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, state minister for the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, presented the women with flowers and uttorio (celebratory scarves).
Raju Bala, who was only 14 during the time of the war, recalled the day on which she lost her husband, her child, her dignity and her will to live.
“When the military came, they locked my in-laws in one room and killed my husband in front of me. They dragged me and my baby fell from my arms. They stepped on my child with their boots and crushed him to death,” she told the audience.
Shirin Sharmin said she would try her best to convince the government to create a comprehensive list of women affected during the war. That process might be long and difficult, but till then, the government can give an allowance to those who have already been identified, she said.
Chesta, an organisation working for the rehabilitation of Biranganas, organised the event. Poet Kazi Roby, among others, spoke.