Still struggling after 1971…..

MR Harun-Ar-Rashid is a renowned author, economist, researcher and columnist. A graduate of Accounting he has written on a wide array of social and political causes/issues. The author has published 40 different books so far as a social novel, research papers, stories and so on.

The book is a compilation of short stories, writings that try to portray the reality of those who fought for the independence of our nation are being haunted by political goons, politicians and people with ill intentions. In few of the stories the author portrays the devastating lives they are living, some by pulling rickshaws or managing a tea stall.

In this book Harun-ar-Rashid focuses on the political exploitation and manipulation that freedom fighters of our country have to face at the hands of political leaders whose only agenda is self-gain. He discusses about the need of the freedom fighters to overcome these hurdles through the development of their own establishments or platforms from where they can protest against these horrendous acts and voice their opinions of the constant struggles that many still face. In the book he emphasizes the fact that many use  politics as a ploy, to cause conflict amongst freedom fighters and disrupt their unity. In this particular book he has compiled actual stories of the sufferings of different freedom fighters who are still living life without being given the respect and dignity that they deserve.

In one story, he talks about Noorjahan Begum, a widow, whose husband died fighting in the Liberation War. Harun-ar-Rashid discusses about the letter of appreciation alongside one thousand taka sent to her from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in which he thanked and acknowledged her husband's sacrifice to liberate the country. 

Harun-ar-Rashid reminds readers that people took part in the Liberation war not for materialistic gains but because they felt a sense of patriotism and moral obligation towards their nation. It was on these values that the freedom fighters were born and so was a nation.

At present many freedom fighters do feel that the lack of political affiliations is one reason why many are treated indifferently or neglected. Through this book, the author clears out the misconceptions and presents the real truth regarding the current state of these glorious freedom fighters.

The reviewer works at The Daily Star.