Recognise contribution of Agartala people during liberation war

Dr Anisuzzaman and Advocate Sultana Kamal launch a book titled "Bangladesher Swadhinata Juddhe Agartala-Tripura: Dalil Patra" by Dr Sukumar Biswas, extreme right, while Dr Syed Anwar Hossain, second from right, and Dr Abu Muhammad Delwar Hossain, extreme left, look on.Photo: STAR

Speakers at a book launching ceremony yesterday said the nation has failed to recognise the contribution of the people of Agartala who gave all sorts of supports to Bangladeshi refugees during the nine months of the Liberation War.
The people of Agartala, Tripura, despite their poverty, came forward to help the distressed people, they said, adding that we even could not erect any memorial in recognition of the contribution of Indian soldiers killed during the war.
The publication ceremony of the book entitled 'Bangladesher Swadhinata Juddhe Agartala-Tripura: Dalil Patra' (Agartala-Tripura in the war of independence: Documents), by Dr Sukumar Biswas was held at the Liberation War Museum in the city. Ittyadi Grantha Prokash, the publisher, organised the event.
The book contains interviews, reports from the daily Sangbad and the Samachar, and some articles.
Speaking as the chief guest, Prof Anisuzzaman shared his experiences in Agartala and described the book as a rare research document of the Liberation War.
Sultana Kamal, former adviser to the caretaker government, said, "Whatever the debates are about the role of India in our Liberation War, we should never ignore the role of its people. They, irrespective of cast and creed and political belief, willingly paid refugee tax on tickets, ration card and even on stamps."
Dr Syed Anwar Hossain, former director general of Bangla Academy, said history would take its own course and the politics can never beat the spirit of history that stands strong on truth.
Dr Abu Muhammad Delwar Hossain said, "We got food and shelter, the Mujibnagar government got assistance and the freedom fighters got arms and training.... We owe a lot to them."
Editor of the Sangbad Bazlur Rahman and Dr Sukumar Bisaws also spoke at the programme moderated by Kazi Modina.