"We raised the historical unsettled issues with Pakistan, including a formal public apology," says foreign secy
The interview explores the evolving narrative of democracy in Bangladesh since 1971.
Corruption charges against ministry officials, others must be investigated
The 1971 Liberation War was the culmination of a long struggle for a democratic, secular, and egalitarian society.
What matters when there's a Motherland to defend?
Professor Anisur Rahman was the founding father of the “Two Economies” theory, which formed the intellectual foundation of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.
Review of ‘Bangladesh: A Legacy of Blood’ (Hodder and Stoughton, 1986) by Anthony Mascarenhas
Those responsible should be held accountable
The spirit of 1971 lives on, and it is up to the present generation to ensure that its promises are fulfilled.
Chowdhury’s contributions go beyond this iconic song and journalism. He was a distinguished storyteller with notable works, including the acclaimed short story collection “Samrat-er Chhobi” (The Emperor’s Picture). He also authored significant novels and plays, consistently emerging as an active progressive writer and political commentator through the twists and turns of history. He was not just an observer of history but an active participant.
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.
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.
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.
The Daily Star (TDS): What was the situation like on the eve of the 1971 war?
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 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.
We were returning via Fazlul Haque Avenue. Islamabad had three roads named after A.K. Fazlul Haque, Khwaja Nazimuddin, and Suhrawardy.
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.
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.
