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Obituary

Passing Away of a Warrior

Farhana Urmee

He fought for the independence of the country; he wanted a country free from the war criminals who committed crimes against humanity in 1971, Quazi Nooruzzaman, a freedom fighter, a citizen soldier passed away last Friday. He was 86 and was suffering from various health related complications.

The freedom fighter who was the commander of Sector Seven gave fearless leadership to other fighters during liberation war and continued his crusade for the trial of the collaborators to the occupation Pakistani army in 1971. Born on March 24, 1925 in Jessore, Nooruzzaman joined the defence force at a young age and led a life of bravery. He never compromised his dignity for any material benefit.

Patriot Nooruzzaman joined the British Indian Navy in 1943 at the age of 18, against his father Quazi Sadrul Ola's wishes. Before joining there he studied Chemistry at St Xavier's college in Calcutta. Later, he was transferred to the army and his journey of valiance began. He fought for the allies in the Second World War off the coasts of Burma and Sumatra. When he was serving in the Pakistan Army he could live in West Pakistan and could lead a better life but progressive thinker Nooruzzaman moved to the then East Pakistan to introduce his children to Bengali culture and heritage. Noruuzzaman fought in the Liberation War on March 28, 1971 and took the responsibility of Sector Seven as its commander on September 26.

Quazi Nooruzzaman at freedom fighters camp during the liberation war. Photos: courtesy

Nooruzzam, a motivating leader for his compatriots always represented the common people. He fought the battle, and after the war was over he never wanted to cash in on his contribution for the country's independence. He always believed that the liberation war was entirely a people's war and a fighter coming from among the common people fought for the country not for an award. That's why he refused the Bir Uttam award that he was given for his role in the liberation war.

Sector Commander Quazi Nooruzzamn has also left his mark as a writer by articulating his thoughts and experiences about society, politics and liberation war of the country. He has authored Muktijuddha O Rajniti, Bangladesher Samaj O Rajniti, Swadesh Chinta and A Sector Commander Remembers Bangladesh Liberation War. He was the Editor of weekly Noya Padoddhani and one of the editors of the book, Ekattorer Ghatak O Dalalra Ke Kothay.

Quazi Nooruzzaman was one of the architects of Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, a Committee to try the killers and collaborators of the Pakistani army during the liberation war. As the Chairman of the Muktijoddha Sangsad, he was also jailed for demanding a ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and trial for the war criminals in the 1980's. His dream of a country with parity and free from anti-liberation forces could not be fulfilled in his lifetime but his deeds will be commemorated while carrying out any patriotic endeavour. The warrior resting in peace at the Banani Army Graveyard in the city will be an example of an idealist and uncompromising leadership for the countrymen forever.