‘A true freedom fighter doesn’t need a certificate’

A historic house in Chandrapur village of Kaliganj upazila, where nearly five hundred freedom fighters got shelter and training from an unrecognised freedom fighter couple during the Liberation War 50 years ago, was recently rediscovered by 15 former freedom fighters.

The 15 war veterans -- including company commanders, camp commanders and trainers -- revisited the house to pay homage to houseowners Izzat Ali Master and his wife Razia Khatun, whose selfless support and contribution facilitated a safe passage for the freedom fighters to get extensive combat training in India.

But much to their disappointment, the war veterans found out that Izzat Ali Master, from whom they all got their first basic training, never received formal recognition as a freedom fighter and passed away in 2006 at the age of 79.

Izzat Ali Master used his house -- one half kilometre from the border between Bangladesh and India -- as a transit camp, where he provided food, accommodation and initial training to fresh recruits before they were dispatched to warfare training facilities for freedom fighters in India during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh. 

During their stay at the house, Izzat Ali's wife Razia Khatun ensured safekeeping of their arms and ammunition while she cooked meals for about 100 to 120 freedom fighters and refugees every day, said Ainul Islam, former operation commander of the freedom fighters.

"Izzat Ali Master took part in various operations with us too," he also said.

Freedom fighter Moniruzzaman Moni, former company commander, said around five hundred freedom fighters received their first training from Izzat Ali Master before crossing into India. 

Following their training in the neighbouring country, they returned to the house to conduct operations inside the territory occupied by Pakistan occupation forces and five of their compatriots, who were trained by Izzat Ali Master, later received country's fourth highest gallantry award Bir Protik, he added.

"Young recruits from different parts of the country used to get a 15-day basic training course at the house before they were sent out to India. Refugees on way to shelters in India would also make their stopovers at the house for food," said freedom fighter Sirajul Islam, commander of the camp during the war.

Izzat Ali Master in his lifetime did not have a hankering for a freedom fighter's certificate. His wife, Razia Khatun, is now suffering from old-age complications. Their four sons and four daughters are established in their own professions.

College teacher Reaz Uddin, one of the sons, said, "Our father told us the history of our house, but he asked us not to share it with others.

"He also said that a true patriot and freedom fighter does not need a certificate. [However,] We would be honoured to see our mother and diseased father recognised as freedom fighters."