Liberation War 1971
A timeless image
A boy, barely out of childhood, holds a grenade in his hand. His gaze, although defiant, also holds a flicker of innocence, a boyish vulnerability peeking through the steely resolve. Flanking him on either side stand two older teenagers, rifles aimed towards the enemy.
REFLECTIONS / Byting wisely: The varying narratives of nationalism and independence
So in the spirit of Independence, I urge my reader to exercise independence of consumption—to question what you are buying, what you are reading, what you are watching, and which of these you are really given the freedom to choose.
Echoes of 1971: A journey through memories
Over the last four decades, commemorative writings about the liberation war have established themselves as a separate genre of writing in the literary scene in Bangladesh.
Two Martyred Pandits: Sharada & Annada Charan
In the wake of the ‘Mountbatten Plan’ on June 3, 1947, which set the date of independence for August 14 of the same year, British India was slated to be divided into two dominions: Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan.
Rao Farman Ali and 1971
We were returning via Fazlul Haque Avenue. Islamabad had three roads named after A.K. Fazlul Haque, Khwaja Nazimuddin, and Suhrawardy.
Defiance and Dilemmas / Administrative dynamics in 1971’s War of Liberation
The War of Liberation in 1971 commenced late on the night of March 25th, as the Pakistani army initiated a genocidal campaign from all its cantonments, aiming to seize control of cities amidst the growing resistance movement.
Australia’s Response to the 1971 Refugee Crisis
The Daily Star (TDS): What sparked your interest in researching the events of 1971 in Bangladesh, particularly the connection to Australia, which had largely remained obscure before your investigation?
The untold story of Jashore’s resistance during the Liberation War
The Daily Star (TDS): What was the situation like on the eve of the 1971 war?
Chronicling Bangladesh’s birth: Tumultuous 1960s
In the early 1960s, another covert group codenamed “Nucleus” emerged in the scene to further the cause of an independent Bangladesh alongside the Inner Group, East Bengal Liberation Front, and Apurba Sangsad.
‘He who fought for the country with guns and guitar’
Ekushey Padak-winning musician Azam Khan is regarded as the pioneer of Bangla pop music. He was not only the first pop superstar of Bangladesh, but he was also a freedom fighter who valiantly fought for the independence of the country. Today, on his 74th birth anniversary, this article chronicles this maestro's life, tracing his journey from the Liberation War until his death on June 5, 2011.
This Victory Day should be a turning point
After 52 years, do we practise our founding principles?
The unfinished struggle for a democratic, egalitarian state
We don’t worry about freeing everyone anymore; we only think of ourselves.
I, Whore; I, Birangona
Would it be too much to ask you/ To forgive me for the carnal sin I did not commit?
Child artists return to paint Dhaka walls with Liberation War-themed graffiti
The innovative activity, fostered and curated by former Cultural Affairs Minister and eminent cultural personality, Asaduzzaman Noor has commenced recently with hundreds of child artists painting the roadside walls of Dhaka city.
Eminent author, journalist Gita Mehta passes away
Mehta also directed the documentary film Dateline Bangladesh based on her time stationed in Bangladesh during the war.
‘Bay of Blood’: A powerful call for recognition and justice
Krishnendu Bose’s directorial “Bay of Blood” is a searing feature documentary, a gripping narrative that takes you on a journey through the heart-wrenching history of Bangladesh’s birth, unearthing the chilling truths of a genocide that echoed across the ages.
Two storms and a nation’s birth
The Vortex is a collage of selfless acts to help victims of the Bhola cyclone and the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.
“Fragile Things”: How ghosts and spirituality make it into writing
Participants, including the show’s hosts and guests, picked up discarded pebbles, photo frames, children’s artwork, and other knick knacks—all fragile things collected and displayed by the author.
How Pakistan viewed ‘71: Academics and publishers discuss
To understand the attitude of the adversaries of the Liberation War, I went to collect the data for this book and found that Pakistanis are defending themselves.
