War hero but not in list
Rabiul Islam, locally known as Borno Mia, who fought against the Pakistani occupation forces and their collaborators during the Liberation War in 1971, is yet to be enlisted as a freedom fighter even after 45 years of the country's independence.
During a visit to his home, this correspondent found the 70-year-old man from Gazipur village under Benapole Police Station suffering from various old-age complications and lying on his bed without any treatment.
Borno said responding to the call of Bangabandhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman he joined the freedom fighters and took training at Chapabaria Muktifouj Training Camp in North 24 Parganas of West Bengal in India in 1971.
After completing his training, Borno along with local youths Irfan, Yusuf, Batul and Sattar joined the other freedom fighters in Jhikargachha upazila and fought against the Pakistan army in different areas of Jessore under the leadership of Sector Commander Major Ziaur Rahman.
After the country was liberated, Borno failed to submit his certificate issued by the commander bearing serial number 1773 to the proper place and remained unrecognised till today.
As a result, the brave fighter was denied the facilities of a freedom fighter, which pushed him and his family into an absolute despair.
Now he has no work as he cannot even go out of his house.
Shah Alam, commander of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad's Benapole municipal unit, said he had issued a certificate stating Borno's role in 1971 but unfortunately he failed to submit the certificate through proper channel, which led him to the untold sufferings.
Borno said only Prime Minister Sheik Hasina could pull him out of the disaster, adding that he expects the Awami League government to take necessary steps to enlist him as a freedom fighter before his death.
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