Tangail Zilla’r Bir Muktijoddha

The Liberation War of 1971 is a chapter of great pride in the history of Bangladesh. It is just not possible to write down the whole history of this glorious war, simply because there are numerous known and unknown stories and events regarding it. However, the book ‘Tangail Zilla’r Bir Muktijoddha’ (The Brave Freedom Fighter of Tangail District), edited by Brigadier General M Abdus Sabur Miah, has done a terrific job of portraying the sanguinary history of the great struggle of the freedom fighters of Tangail district.

Abdus Sabur Miah is currently the director of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital. Besides carrying out his official duty, Miah managed to find the time to compile a rich book like ‘Tangail Zilla’r Bir Muktijoddha’. In the book, he has documented the history of Tangail’s 27 prominent organisers of the Liberation War, a list of recognised freedom fighters of the district, stories of five martyrs, the history behind the formation of ‘Kaderia Bahini’ and its influence and significance during the war.
The book also records the deeds of 26 commanders, identities of recognised freedom fighters and their roles, contributions of 67 self-abnegating freedom fighters, life stories of eight members of ‘Baten Bahini’ and numerous others who were intricately involved with the Liberation War.
The book also portrays the role of ‘Baten Bahini’ organiser, eminent politician Khandokar Abdul Baten, during the war. Names of various other politicians of Tangail who played their part to cement the independence of Bangladesh are also included.
However, in the introduction of the book, Miah admits that the immense patriotism and steel-solid unity of the people of Bangladesh during the Liberation War did remiss significantly after independence due to various reasons. From this insight, it can be easily understood how transparent and deep the editor’s ideas and thoughts are about the politics of this nation’s past.
Besides compiling a transparent history of the Liberation War and various social problems thereafter, Miah also expresses the need of documenting the actions not only of those from Tangail, but all other freedom fighters of the country. He also advocates conserving the documents in libraries, both government and private ones. 
Besides freedom fighters, the editor also did not forget to note the significant roles of politicians, writers and poets, scientists, organisers, businessmen, traders and social workers. ‘Majlum Jananeta’ Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani, Justice Abu Sayeed Chowdhury, National Council member and former minister Abdul Mannan, Abdul Kader Siddiqui ‘Bir Uttom’, Barrister Shawkat Ali Khan, Brigadier Fazlur Rahman, Commander Shawkat Momen Shahjahan, expatriate freedom fighter Amena Panni, poet Rafique Azad, Dr Md Abdur Razzak Bhola, freedom fighter Fazlur Rahman Khan Faruk and various other eminent persons have also been mentioned in the book edited by Abdus Sabur Miah. 
The book is published by Chayyanir of Naya Paltan, Dhaka (January 2017) and costs Tk 500. 

The writer is a freelance journalist.