War hero Selina fought for repression-free society

Politician and social worker Selina Banu in her entire life had fought to establish a society free of repression and discrimination as well as to realise rights of the commoners, speakers at a book launching ceremony said yesterday.
They said Selina, who participated in the anti-British 'Swadeshi' movement and later in the liberation war of 1971 in male dress, was at a time a social worker, noted politician and friend of the deprived quarters in society.
The speakers said this at the publication ceremony of the book titled 'Selina Banu: Sangrami Nari' (Selina Banu: A struggling woman) published by Jatiya Sahitya Prokashoni at Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on the Dhaka University campus.
Addressing the ceremony, DU Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique termed the book a precious work and hoped that it would help young generation know about Selina and build their lives following her ideology.
“Human beings pass away, but their memories and works left. Contributions of Selina to the society would keep her alive in people's minds,” the VC said, adding that she played a vital role in the country's social and political arena by wining people's hearts through love and her activities.
Selina was born on October 12, 1926 in Pabna and played a vital role in women's education and was involved in the left-leaning student politics. She was an active worker at all secular movements and took part in demonstrations when the 'communal clashes' were continuing in 1964.
The Statesman published an interview titled “A shy girl with gun” of Selina on April 12, 1971 when she was in the battlefield of the liberation war.
The veteran war hero died on January 26 in 1983.
Noted journalist Kamal Lohani presided over the programme which was also addressed by Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Mujahidul Islam Selim, Duta President Prof Khandokar Bazlul Haque, Prof MM Akash and Prateeti Dutta.