"This interview of Amena Noorjahan Doly(female freedom fighter of Bangladesh)was taken by Kh.Samira Lamisha Samonti currently doing bachelors in Computer Science and Engineering from Brac University"
Date:17 March 2023
My maternal grandmother Mrs.Amena Noorjahan Dolly aged 70 years had been a part of the glorious liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971.She witnessed and took part in the war indirectly.Often medias portray the scenarios of men fighting against the Pakistanis but the role of women was also immense.In answer to the question,what inspired her to take part in the liberation war she said,”What didn’t inspire me!The moment every Bangladeshi understood that West Pakistanis were deliberately looting us and arranging conspiracy to dominate,we became prepared for the war to save our beloved motherland,to protect our motherland.”I still saw the flairs of patriotism in her eyes.I asked her how had she participated in the liberation war.She with a big smile on her face said,”I sang songs in Bangladesh Betar along with Runa Laila and Sabina Yasmin.My father used to take me to the radio.We used to sing Chol Chol Chol,Mora ekti phul ke bachabo bole juddho kori and many other.I believe our songs encouraged the guerilla and freedom fighters to accomplish their mission successfully.Not only this,I also took part in many processions shouting with the slogan Joy Bangla! and stood against the Pakistanis.My classmates who were good in nursing played a vital role by providing medical support to the injured freedom fighters.”She also added that,”The times during the war were surely not in favor of the Bangladeshis but the Bangladeshis forced the time to be with them.Days were hard after 25th March.We used to live in Purana Paltan.Our house was just beside the main road.My father covered all the windows with carbon paper so that lights of candles or hurricanes do not go outside.My elder brother participated in the war directly.He was assigned with underground missions.He used to supply grenade and other necessary weapons needed.Despite of shelter issues,shortage of food,lack of security,lack of support from international organizations,lack of resources etc.Bangladesh did never stop fighting to achieve their success.Such never giving up attitude of Bangladeshis caught the attention of different international organizations and they provided us help as well.”I suddenly saw flares of fire in her.Then I asked her what did she or the people at that time used to do to keep themselves motivated and determined.My grandmother replied,”The common nationality we shared kept us united and determined to fight for the country.Besides the urge to make the beloved land of ours free from those Pakistani monsters always kept the freedom fighters motivated.All they wanted was the security and the recognition that Bangladeshis deserved.”Then I added that whether there were any memorable experience of hers during the war.She said,”A ton of memorables experiences.Let me mention one. As we used to live in Purana Paltan,all the military tanks and cars used to stop just beside our house.They used to plan from there whom to kill and who not to.One night when they were planning my elder brother shouted from the baranda Joy Bangla and every army were shocked from where the noise came.They searched in wonder everywhere but couldn’t find us.But my father scolded my brother then.”I asked her then what key features lead Bangladesh towards the ultimate victory and todays sovereign and independent Bangladesh.She mentioned a ton of features.”Bangladesh did not have a well trained military force nor it had the weapons needed for the war.India helped us a lot during the liberation war.They trained our men.They provided us with the weapons needed.Friendship of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and Indira Gandhi was an idle that time.Indira Gandhi for the sake of this friendship gave shelter to thousands of refugees in India.And the motivations given by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman were always in peak to keep the people of Bangladesh more focused to achieve independence.The key features would be Guerilla attacks,the struggle led by Mukti Bahini,international media coverages and concerts arranged for Bangladesh and most importantly public gatherings and processions.Pakistanis always feared the unity we have.”Lastly I asked my grandmother if she had anything to say to the younger generation about the importance of freedom and independence and what they should do to protect it.My grandmother with a slight smile said,”We fought yesterday to keep you safe today.The glorious story of this victory would always remain glorious if today's young generation take steps to protect it.In Spite of leaning into the western era today's young generation should try to represent their own nationality.To maintain the independence,one should keep in mind that no matter what happens the territory you are living on is yours and no other man can establish their reign over you.”The statement of hers made me realize the importance of freedom and independence that I am enjoying now achieved through a long nine months war.
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