The 1971 war heroine

The Mukti Bahini translates as 'freedom fighters', or liberation army, also known as the Bangladesh Forces, are the guerrilla resistance movement formed by the Bangladesh's military, paramilitary and civilians during the War of Liberation that transformed the-then East Pakistan into Bangladesh in 1971.

A woman's war is distinct. She not only has to be a fighter, but also is expected to maintain and eventually return to her traditional role as a mother, wife, and anchor of the family at the end of the fight. Bangladeshi women played key roles during and after the 1971 war, serving as combatants, informants, nurses, weapons smugglers, and more.

War heroes include those women who have supported the valiant freedom fighters with food, shelter, funds; who have nursed the wounded and hide weapons risking their own lives.

They also include those who have willingly given their sons to war, who have lost their loved ones and even worse been subjected to sexual abuse and still survived to tell their stories.

Bengali women had contributed so much to the war. They devoted themselves to taking care of the refugees in the camps and even took up arms to fight as part of the Mukti Bahini. They collected and distributed clothes and other necessary items for the children in the refugee camps. They took part in activities of the Mujibnagar government-in-exile who had their headquarters in Kolkata, India.

Women underwent training on guerrilla warfare and first aid - in some instances there were more than 200 women in the training camp. Most of them had lost their family members and were resolute to take revenge. The food they used to get at the training camp was paltry but that didn't bother the camp inmates.

One such woman was Taramon Bibi. She joined the Sector 11 (Mymensingh-Tangail). Some women even tied grenades to their bodies and threw themselves on the road in order to kill as many of the enemies as possible. Many women assisted at the 480-bed hospital in Agartala, Tripura (east of Bangladesh), known as the 'Bangladesh Hospital'. Here they treated injured freedom fighters and cared for their well-being.

This group of young women put their heart and soul into their job as medical attendants and consoled themselves in the knowledge that helping out at the hospital was almost as good as fighting in the war. This group were led by Dr. Sitara Begum, the only other woman to be awarded the 'Bir Protik' along with Taramon Bibi. She was a lieutenant at the start of the war, but promoted to Captain by Colonel Osmani.

Similar to Bir Protik Taramon Bibi and Dr. Captain Sitara Begum many countless women carried out heroic deed during the war but they have gone unnoticed. It is an unfortunate characteristic of human beings, in general, around the world to neglect the veterans of war - both men and women. Their bravery and sacrifice for the greater good of humanity provides inspiration, but they are abandoned after the war and left to look after themselves.

The vast majority of the coverage of women's role in the 1971 war has centred on women as victims. However, even under such harrowing atmosphere and personal grievances, women fought in the war in so many different ways. They were active and willing participant in the fight for Bangladesh's independence.

At the age of 62, Freedom Fighter Bir Protik Taramon Bibi passed away on 1 December 2018 at her house in Shangkar Madhabpur village of Rajibpur upazila in Kurigram. The war heroine had been suffering from respiratory problems.

As she was interested in the war effort and asked Havildar Muhit in infantry regiment of Sector 11 to get training, he trained her on the usage of 303 British Rifle and submachine guns. Thus she had engaged in direct combat during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971 as a member of the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army) which was a guerrilla force that fought against the Pakistani military.

After Bangladesh came into being, Taramon Bibi was awarded Bir Protik (Symbol of Valour) by Bangladesh government in 1973.  But her whereabouts were unknown and the award could not be handed over to her. She herself remained unaware of this until 1995 when a researcher from Mymensingh discovered her and she was then awarded the gallantry title of Bir Protik. Bibi was married to Abdul Mazid. Together they had a son and a daughter.

Decorated freedom fighter Taramon was given Guard of Honor. Her funeral was attended by freedom fighters, local administrative officers, and political leaders. PM Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of this valiant freedom fighter. 

She recalled with profound respect the outstanding contribution of Taramon Bibi to Bangladesh's Liberation War. "Taramon Bibi played a courageous role in resisting the Pakistan occupation forces with weapons and her contributions to the Liberation War will be remembered forever," she said. Tributes and condolences also continued to pour in for this valiant woman freedom fighter from people from all walks of life.

All true men and women of this nation who follow the bicolor fold of Bangladesh's flag, come and join in sincere lamentation and pray for the true and the bold. Taramon Bibi was marching to meet their brave comrades of danger they were not afraid, but out for the cause of our freedom.

Borne on the shoulders of comrades, we mourn her silent and deep and in remembrance, we laid her to take her last sleep. Beloved, honoured, respected, forgotten never shall they be while the sun it shines over the pole of Bangladesh and Taramon Bibi flows into the sea.

That was the Rebel Girl, that was the Rebel Lady! To us, she is a precious pearl. She brought courage, pride and joy to the fighting for her motherland. For it was great to fight for freedom with a Rebel Girl in 1971.

When the Freedom Fighters' inspiration through their blood shall run, there can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun; yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one, but the conjugation of our people and Taramon Bibi like FFs made us strong in 1971 to give the Pakistani occupation forces a crushing defeat to establish Bangladesh.

For all the children of the earth of Bangladesh, let us sing of love and freedom against all anti-Bangladesh liberation forces and their mango-twigs. The banner of hope is raised for the banner of justice and peace. Let us gather up our strength and courage to triumph over those evil, communal and reactionary forces. Deep in our hearts, let friendship, joy and sharing reign. The flame that lights our way knows no bounds.

Friends, let us march in solidarity; and march on towards the light. We now wish to recall the words of Sqn. Ldr. Ahsanullah (Retd) who wrote an article sometime in 2015, "To Whom It May Concern, should be alarmed that when these twinkling stars shall flash out and flare up together, all the luxurious and deluxe sky scrapper buildings, installations and other infrastructures may be blazed up, tormented down and ruined in. History repeats itself, whether one recognizes or not. Still there's time to realize.

The powerful human gods who play the power games should be aware of that they must play their role sincerely, honestly and appropriately for the common people. They must keep in mind that this land is 'of the people, by the people and for the people'. Their active participation must be ensured in society and state affairs."

When we heard the news of Taramon Bibi's demise, we found our comrades in tears, coming down her graveyard site to witness the death of our brave sister. We mourn for her. We bow down our heads to her honour. We salute her. Let us carry forward the memory and contributions of this decorated FF for the independence of Bangladesh till our demise. Let us sing: Freedom, cherished freedom, lead and sustain our freedom's arms...

Taramon Bibi, a unique daughter of Bangladesh! Your blood runs Bangladesh; the sun that rises from this country Illuminating the entire human race. You are a rare breed. Your blood is pure blue. You fought like a Spartan soldier until the adversaries kissed the canvas. You sacrificed your youthful energy and comfort. You remained resolute to free your people like other comrades.

You are a true freedom fighter. Your type is rare. You sapped your energy for our freedom and indeed you helped to give us freedom. Taramon Bibi, greatest freedom fighter ever, we doff our hats. Thank you so much, Madam. We deeply mourn the passing of this valorous FF of 1971.

The writer is a senior citizen, writes on politics, political and human-centred figures,
current and international affairs