30 Million Lives and the liberation warPrint EditionTop of FormUser Rating:/0PoorBestBottom of FormWeekend IndependentFRIDAY, 22 MARCH 2013AUTHOR / SOURCE: MUSA SADIK

Forty one years ago, in 1971, I was working in the blood-drenched war fronts as an Information Officer-cum-War Correspondent of Mujibnagar Government. Alongside I discharged my tough responsibilities in the fronts as War Correspondent of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. I was hovering between life and death among the thousands of bullets being fired and artillery shells whizzing overhead. Defying death I had to rush from one front to another with the valiant Freedom Fighters and Allied forces. I have seen with my own eyes, hundreds of the valiant sons of Mother Bengal falling like wilted flowers in the fronts. I saw them breathing their last with their chests resting on the soil of Mother Bengal. I used to broadcast from Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, usually a round-up of the happenings in the fronts twice a week under the title From the battle-front and from the liberated areas. During the Liberation War many of my dispatches were broadcast by BBC, Radio Australia and Akashbani and were also headlined in many of the worlds newspapers in their international columns. Apart from performing my duty as a war correspondent I had to carry many military secrets and my news gathering about the position and defence preparedness of Pakistani troops in the occupied areas of Bangladesh helped the Alliance in formulating their strategy. In the war-front and occupied areas I often had to run mortal risk and many a time I returned from the jaws of certain death by the grace of Almighty Allah. At the end of the war in the first week of December 71, I was subjected to atrocity and torture by Pak troops and was rescued in an unconscious and critical state from their abandoned bunker after Captain Huda and his valiant freedom fighters launched a sudden attack.

On 16 December 1971, the valiant freedom fighters came home from the front wearing gum boots, their hair tousled and a few days stubble on their cheeks. At first the mother could not recognise her own son. When she did, tears welled up in her eyes like a stream and moistened the sons chest. These are the freedom fighters of Bangladesh who held prisoners ninety-six thousand-strong occupation forces of Pakistan. The triumph of the freedom fighters was being sung round the four corners of the earth. The whole world was watching the freedom fighters with love and admiration. From Teknaf to Tetulia the whole of Bangladesh was eager to embrace the heroes. The flag of Bangladesh emblazoned with the countrys map set against the red sun fluttering all around and the slogan Joy Bangla resounding throughout the battle fronts and villages.

As the valiant sons of the Bangalee mothers were coming home that day, their path was strewn with flowers by the men and women of Bangla. Admirers rained flowers over them. In every home mothers and sisters with their hands upraised prayed for the well-being of the indomitable Prometheuses of Bengal. And for those who did not return from the front but had with their blood blazed the path for other freedom fighters for these immortal heroes they all wept bitterly. Everyone cried, men, women and children. It was mother Bengal in tears.

Those who laid down their lives in absolutely selfless devotion to the cause of liberation - how many of us remember their names today? They lie asleep in the heart of Bengal, along the banks of the Padma-Ichhamati, across the sixty-eight thousand villages. How many are there today who in homage to the martyrs will declaim: you have conquered death. Ever shall you remain alive in every Bangalees heart, in the pupils of the eyes of every bangalee. Many have already forgotten them or their memory has faded. Those who are preoccupied with the rat race for material possession in todays Dhaka are not disturbed by any lingering consciousness of the self-sacrifices of those gallant patriots. But in the remote and tiny hamlets the mothers and sisters of Bengal sitting on their prayer mats and with hands upraised still pray to the merciful for the salvation of their souls. The mothers still shed tears in silence for those beloved names, radiant like the sun, gleaming like the stars.

The Kobiruls were among those who had likewise shed tears on the bank of the river Sonabhori on 2nd October. On the eastern bank of the Sonabhori, at Rajibpur was the defence line of the freedom fighters. The eastern bank stretches from Roumari to Rajibpur, from Mollar Char to Bahadurabad river terminal. The entire area was their stronghold. The Pakistani defence lay along the entire western bank of the river. The two forces used to fire at each other in frontal engagements. This was how the battle was going on.

The undaunted freedom fighters summoned up all their courage and made a sudden thrust across the Sonabhori, the fateful river, in the last week of September. Before sunrise, the Pak defence line on the west bank of the river was occupied. Two men of the occupation forces were killed and many others were wounded. With flawless calculated moves the Mukti Bahini snatched away the long-coveted victory without sustaining any casualty. The Pakistani occupation forces were compelled to abandon their defence and retreat. Standing on the soil of Kodalkati subedar major Altaf Hussain, FF commander Kabirul and freedom fighter Samad prayed to Allah with their hands upraised. They vowed at Kodalkati never again to allow the occupation of their motherland by the occupation forces. On the green lawn of Kodalkati base the flag of the liberation war inscribed with the countrys map set against the crimson sun was fluttering. The Muktibahini consisted of a company of FF and some non-military personnel.

It was 4th of October. It was raining. At 4 oclock in the morning about one hundred men of the Pakistani occupation forces aided by three hundred Razakars attacked the Kodalkati defence base of the muktibahini. In the rain-soaked small hours of the morning on the bank of the Sonabhori the Muktibahini offered a bold resistance against a vast army. On the one side were the Pakistani troops armed with mortars of three inches and six inches while on the other side were the Bangalee freedom fighters carrying 303s and a single LMG. A desperate do-or-die battle was fought for long two hours on the bank of the Sonabhori. Every bullet of the occupation force drew a retaliatory shot from Kabir, Shafiq and others who were hitting their targets accurately. In one bunker they were able to hit three Khan-troops. The occupation force suffered huge casualties. Quite a few Razakars were also killed. The way the freedom fighters were able to push back the invaders despite possessing no safety space on left or right or at the back, further enraged the invaders. After suffering unexpectedly heavy casualties they became desperate to seize Kodalkata, encouraged by the fact that the freedom fighters possessed no safe backyard or any space for manoeuvring. Behind the Muktibahini was the deadly river Sonabhori. Believing that the Muktibahinis defence would not hold out for long, the Pakistani troops mounted stronger pressure. They intensified their attack. Fate also seemed to work against Kabir and his faction. The Muktibahinis defence began to crumble. Till quarter-to-six in the morning the Muktibahini kept fighting with unflinching stamina but ultimately could not match the overwhelmingly superior strength of the enemy. Besides, their weaponry consisted of a single LMG and that too was not in excellent condition. As there was a river at the rear, they lacked any support from behind. After a two-hour-long frontal battle with an army three times stronger, they decided to beat a retreat. Eventually they swam across the sorrowful river Sonabhori and landed to safety. They found that four of their comrades including Abdus Samad, a student of B.Sc of Gaibandha college; were unable to return. The Pakistani occupation troops had captured the four from two bunkers. The sun rose over the Sonabhori. Kobirul and others were on the eastern bank while the occupation troops and Razakars remained on the western bank. The occupation troops brought the four to the river-bank and exhibited their prize captives to Kobirul and his co-fighters.

On this bank everybody was in tears for their friends. But till then no one knew what cruel fate awaited those unfortunate four. Five hours later five launches and two gun boats came cruising from the Bahadurabad terminal side of the river. It was witnessed that five freedom fighters after being tied to the stern of the gunboat with cords were thrown in the water while Pakistani soldiers were steering the boat merrily, shouting Pakistan Zindabad. They performed this in full view of the freedom fighters on the eastern bank. The gunboat was speeding towards Bahadurabad to the accompaniment of gleeful chanting of Pakistan zindabad by Pak armymen. Samad and others tied to the stern were helplessly tossing in the current. The strong tide and the waves churned by the boat were lashing upon them. In this savage way the five brave sons of mother bengal were towed from the bank of Kodalkata to Bahadurabad terminal. The gunboat was cruising along the Western bank of the river Sonabhori. The Pakistani armymen were dancing on board and occasionally firing blank shots at the Eastern bank. The freedom fighters, robbed of their companions, were also running alongside the Eastern bank, laterally to the gunboat. They were all in tears. Their wailing oh Allah, oh Allah orchestrated with the gurgling of the river tide. The news of this atrocity travelled like wild fire through the villages on the river- bank. The villagers, mothers and sisters, with bleeding hearts rushed to the river-bank to witness this devilish spectacle of a gunboat cruising with five freedom fighters tied to the stem and the occupation troops on board holding their rifles in both hands and gleefully shouting Pakistan Zindabad, Pakistan Zindabad. On the Eastern bank was heard only the heart-rending wails help, oh allah, help. The men were running all along the bank from Rajibpur to Bahadurabad river terminal and weeping. No one cares to know today when the five brave youths yoked to the stern of the gunboat disappeared, swallowed by the swirling water. No one among todays tycoons and socialites cares to know that. On the contrary, it is they who have brought back to the heart of Bengal the same Zindabad, the battle cry of Pakistan,

Why were the innocent infants subjected to atrocity? The song Joy Bangla was being relayed from Swadhin Bangla Radio. That was the early phase of the war, April 24th 1971. The morning sun had begun to shine over Shekhpara in Khulna. The innocent children of Sheikhpara had abandoned their play and gone to the near-by pond. From the bank of the pond they jumped into the water in a group and were playfully shouting Joy Bangla as they splashed, tossed and plunged in the water. Those children had no understanding of politics. They had grown no awareness of the foes as distinct from friends. They were unblemished like flowers. Playfully they were jumping and splashing in the water and shouting Joy Bangla. Little did they know that in the guise of play violent death was creeping close to them.

It was not yet noon. A military jeep was rushing through the road on the side of which the pond lay. As the sound of Joy Bangla reached the jeep, it pulled its brake hard and groaned to a halt on the side of the pond. There were seven or eight children in the pond, an old woman on the landing step and on the bank stood a hotel waiter. Three men of the Pakistani army got down from the jeep, sten gun in hand, without sparing a moments thought they emptied the magazines of their guns on the pond. The old woman dropped dead into the water of the pond and the hotel waiter collapsed on its bank. On the surface of the water floated the skulls, eyes, fragments of limbs and organs of the children. The water was dyed red with the childrens blood. After creating a doomsday scene in Sheikhpara the jeep of the occupation troops sped away. Sheikhpara broke into sobs, the city of Khulna sobbed.

When the men of the occupation forces were entering the town of Dinajpur they hoisted the Joy Bangla flag on their vehicles and were chanting Joy Bangla slogan in order to delude the people. At Dinajpur Lodge a boy empathised and shouted Joy Bangla in their direction. That boy was taken to the head of Katabari road and shot dead. The occupation forces did not spare even religious preachers. In Dinajpur Father Lukas Marandi of Ruhia Mission fell a prey to them. Certainly he was not the one to take up arms against the Punjabis. Nor did he instigate the freedom fighters. How could such a charge be brought against a religious savant? His only fault was that he had given shelter to some terrified fugitives. After making this kind of accusation against a pious philanthropist they shot him in the head on the mission premises. Ruhia mission is still carrying forward father Marandis ideals of service, his humanist principles. His name is remembered everyday in the mission. Ruhia mission, the symbol of piety and humanism, is today a temple commemorating father Marandis glorious self-sacrifice.

The men of the Al-badr took the widely revered Professor Muner Chowdhury of Dhaka university to the slaughter ground at Rayer Bazar, his hands tied and his eyes blindfolded. My fond uncle, Dr Murlaza of Dhaka University, was taken to the slaughter ground in the same way from building no. l4 of Dhaka University campus. It was quarter-to-eleven in the morning on December 14th, 1971. A jeep came to a halt in front of the building no. 14. Four people with their faces masked, weapons in their hands. The Al-badr men knocked at a door on the ground floor. Uncle Murtaza himself opened the door and asked, what do you want the masked and weapon-carrying AI-badr men replied, We want Dr Murtaza, uncle replied composedly, Thats me. They tied up uncles hands with the cord they themselves had brought. They said, Come with us, at the gate the messengers of death stopped and looked back. Behind uncle stood auntie, frightened and bewildered, and their two-year-old daughter Miti. The deadly messengers eyes were fixed upon Miti. Auntie felt a chill. One of the deadly messengers stepped forward in Mitis direction. Auntie screamed, Why are you taking her. Shes an innocent child. What wrong has she done? they pulled away Mitis odna, a long scarf worn by muslim women. It was red striped. Miti was fond of wearing sari. Uncle had brought her that red striped scarf a few days earlier. With that scarf they blindfolded Dr. Murtazas eyes. He was whisked away to an unknown place. >

How did they take away the universally loved Kader master of Tetulia, far away from Dhaka? from Teknaf to Tetulia has become a common Bengalee phrase. Maulana Bhashani often pronounced it in a rhetorical vein. To that Tetulia belonged Kader master whose memory still brings tears to the eyes of his students, whose name is still recalled with reverence by all and sundry. This universally adored Kader master was caught by the Punjabis. What were his faults? Those were: (I) helping the freedom fighters; (2) falsely propagating that the Pakistani soldiers committed atrocities. On these charges the Punjabis caught Kader master and carried him from Tetulia to Thakurgaon. But can you imagine how he was carried? Can you visualise the hair-raising tortures inflicted by the forces of Yazid? The incident at Tetulia would remind one of karbala.

Kader master was the one who had kindled patriotism in the hearts of the students, inspired them to join the Liberation War, gave shelter to many a freedom fighter on many an occasion. On 19 November, Kader master was tied to the rear of a jeep and dragged at high speed from Tetulia to Thakurgaon by the Pakistani Yazids. This atrocity was committed amidst the hysterical crying and shedding of tears by the students and common people.

On the way the jeep halted at towns and markets for demonstrating to the common people while the men in the jeep shouted This is the punishment for the traitor Muktis. Whoever saw his dear Kader Master tied to the rear of the jeep with a cord, his head crushed, his body mangled and battered and bathed in blood, wept only helplessly. A teacher of this country was tied to the rear of a jeep and dragged from Tetulia to Thakurgaon. No one knows when that mauled and mangled body fell dead.

Innumerable incidents of fiendish torture were perpetrated which for their enormity could be compared with the incidents of Karbala. Few of these are known and documented. Those who witnessed the fiendish spectacle on the road from Tetulia to Thakurgaon shed silent tears in sympathy for this unknown valiant Freedom Fighter and made supplications to the Almighty, Save us, Oh Allah, save the Bangalee nation from the Yazids of Pakistan. Save us, O Merciful. Oh God! Bring them to the path of religion. We want no more bloodshed. We want brotherhood among the followers of all religions.

The 16th December is the landmark date in our nations life. It is the date on which we saw light after darkness, a new sun-etched flag was raised signalling the birth of the Bengalee nation. We must renew our pledge on this day to build Sonar Bangla as dreamt by our Father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. I appeal to the thirty crore Bangalees of the world to please hoist the flag on every house on the day of our independence and write on it in letters of gold: Bangalees are a nation of heroes, a nation of three million martyrs. The immortal soul of the Bengalee nation is Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.Egyptian president urges end to Syrian bloodshedEgyptian President Mohamed Morsi called Tuesday for an urgent halt to the bloodshed in Syria after holding talks with Indian leaders in New Delhi.Morsi, who arrived in India late Monday for a two-day visit, told reporters that the global community must work together to end the bloodshed in Syria and find a peaceful solution. The statements by Egypts first democratically chosen leader came after talks with Indias Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi.Morsis tour started in Pakistan where President Asif Ali Zardari urged him to assist efforts to end the conflict in Syria that has claimed 70,000 lives and forced millions from their homes, according to UN figures.Egypt has been a strong backer of the Syrian revolution, insisting President Bashar al-Assads administration has no place in Syrias future.Singh, whose government last month supported an Arab League proposal urging the Syrian president to quit, also condemned the violence in Syria.China warns against US missile defence plansChina warned against the bolstering of military power and urged caution on Monday after the US announced it would increase its missile defences in response to threats from North Korea. All measures seeking to increase military capacities will only intensify antagonism and will not help to solve the problem, foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said when asked about the US plans announced on Friday. We hope that the relevant parties will... adopt a responsible attitude and deal with this issue in a cautious manner, he said, adding: China has always sought to prevent missile proliferation. The anti-missile issue has a direct bearing on global and regional balance and stability. It also concerns mutual strategic interests between countries, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told a daily news briefing.Actions such as strengthening anti-missile (Defences) will intensify antagonism and will not be beneficial to finding a solution for the problem, Hong said.China hopes the relevant country will proceed on the basis of peace and stability, adopt a responsible attitude and act prudently.His remarks came days after US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel vowed to increase by almost half the number of interceptors stationed in Alaska, following Pyongyangs threat of a pre-emptive nuclear attack against its arch-foe.As Baghdad Empties, Hussein Is DefiantAs the streets of the Iraqi capital emptied today in expectation of war, President Saddam Hussein gave a defiant rebuff to President Bushs despicable and reckless ultimatum giving the Iraqi leader and his two sons until Wednesday to quit Iraq. At a series of top-level meetings, the 65-year-old Saddam Hussein rejected outright the ultimatum given by President Bush this week ten years ago. And added a warning to the American, English and Zionist invading aggressors that they faced defeat. Using the Islamic references and the anti-Israeli virulence that have been a dominant feature of his recent speeches, he predicted a holy war that would wipe out the ranks of invading American troops.Independence Day across the GlobePrint EditionTop of FormUser Rating:/0PoorBestBottom of FormWeekend IndependentFRIDAY, 22 MARCH 2013AUTHOR / SOURCE: SAQUIB CHOWDHURY

Pride, glory, achievement and sheer honour; that is what we experience as Bangladeshis whenever we think about the sacrifices that made our march towards independence possible and it is for those sacrifices that we enjoy freedom. As our historic Independence Day approaches us once again, we as a proud nation cannot help but be filled with pride. The day is embraced and we celebrate the glorious occasion with utmost enthusiasm and dignity. The word independence is synonymous with achievement, victory, freedom and most of all, pride. Alongside the celebrations, the spirit of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice is remembered, cherished and honoured. All over the world, Independence Day is celebrated and honoured with the highest expressions of respect and felicitations, and in every corner of the globe, the celebrations are a tribute to those who made it possible, and it is a glorious expression of how a nation values their independence. According to online sources, all over the world, it is a time for various types of celebrations and tribute. Let us take a ride across the world and know how this particular day is honoured.

Independence Day in the USA is most commonly known as Fourth of July. Highlighted by patriotic displays, the day is a national holiday. It is associated with parades, fireworks, barbecues, fairs, picnics, carnivals, concerts, sporting events, political speeches to praise the nations heritage, history, society and the people. The decorations consist of red, white and blue, the colours of the American Flag. The parades mostly take place during the day, and firework displays occur in the evening in open spaces like parks, fairgrounds, or town squares. The celebrations are accompanied by patriotic songs such as the national anthem The Star-Spangled Banner, God Bless America, America the Beautiful, My Country, Tis of Thee, This Land Is Your Land, Stars and Stripes Forever, and, regionally, Yankee Doodle in northeastern states and Dixie in southern states. Images of the Revolutionary War or the War of 1812 are recalled in some of the lyrics. A salute of one gun for each state in the United States, called a salute to the union, is fired on Independence Day at noon by any proper military base. Usually, the first week of July is one of the busiest travelling periods of the year, as many people utilize their holidays to take vacations.

Independence Day of India is celebrated on the fifteenth of August. The day is celebrated to commemorate its sovereignty as a nation. Flag hoisting ceremonies take place all over the country on this national holiday, and the main celebrations take place in Delhi, the capital city, where the Prime Minister hoists the national flag at the Red Fort and delivers a nationally televised speech. The achievements of the government are highlighted, and inspirational speeches about further progress are made. The leaders of the freedom struggle are also paid tribute. Flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programs take place in all the state capitals. Schools and colleges around the country organize flag hoisting ceremonies and various cultural events within their premises, where younger children in costume represent their idols of the Independence Era. Kite-flying is a popular activity, and many construct special kites in national colors for the occasion.

The annual celebration of Independence in France held on July 14 is known as both La Fte Nationale and Bastille Day. It is a grand affair and one of the countrys greatest celebrations. The parade opens with cadets from the cole Polytechnique, Saint-Cyr, cole Navale, and so forth, then other infantry troops, then motorized troops; aircraft of the Patrouille de France aerobatics team fly above. Many French presidents have recognized the day by pardoning prisoners, though the current administration has chosen not to continue this tradition. The Bastille Day Military Parade is the French military parade that has been held on the morning of 14 July each year in Paris since 1880. While previously held elsewhere within or near the capital city, since 1918 it has been held on the Champs-Elyses, with the evident agreement of the Allies as represented in the Versailles Peace Conference and with the exception of the period of German occupation from 1940 to 1944. This parade goes from Champs-Elyses from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, where the President of the French Republic, his government and foreign ambassadors to France stand. The event is broadcasted on French TV, and is considered the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe.

On August 17, Indonesia celebrates its liberation from Dutch colonial rule as people drape the national colors, red and white, across the country. A popular event of the day is Panjat Pinang, in which young people shinny their way up greased poles, which have prizes hanging at the top. September 15 marks Costa Ricas independence. On September 15, 1821, after the final Spanish defeat in the Mexican War of Independence (181021), the authorities in Guatemala declared the independence of all of Central America. That date is still celebrated as Independence Day in Costa Rica, even though, technically, under the Spanish Constitution of 1812 that had been readopted in 1820, Nicaragua and Costa Rica had become an autonomous province with its capital in Len. In Costa Rica, young people can be seen dancing in traditional clothes, commemorating their day of independence.

In the land down under, Australia Day, the official national day of Australia, is celebrated annually on January 26. The date commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the proclamation at that time of British sovereignty over the eastern seaboard of New Holland. Even though it was not officially known as Australia Day until over a century later, records of celebrations on 26 January date back to 1808, with the first official celebration of the formation of New South Wales held in 1818. It is presently an official public holiday in every state and territory of Australia and the day is highlighted by the presentation of the Australian of the Year Awards on Australia Day Eve, announcement of the Honours List for the Order of Australia and addresses from the Governor-General and Prime Minister. The day consists of community festivals, concerts and citizenship ceremonies. Celebrations take place in large and small communities and cities around the nation. Australia Day is considered as the biggest annual civic event in Australia.

So as the historic day approaches us, let us never forget the sacrifices made by the brave warriors who made it all possible and must all times value our freedom for which they stood up and fought and ultimately sacrificed themselves so that we all can walk proud in a free and independent nationCinematic Depictions of IndependencePrint EditionTop of FormUser Rating:/0PoorBestBottom of FormWeekend IndependentFRIDAY, 22 MARCH 2013AUTHOR / SOURCE: ISHTIAQUE HOSSAIN

There are more than just a few cinematic depictions of our Liberation War and the timeline surrounding our Independence Day. However, there are a few gems that are worth mentioning and should be a part of Independence Day celebrations. For those of us who were born long after 1971, these movies can help us gain some perspective on how it must have been for our ancestors. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then movies must be worth a billion at least! So without further ado, lets go through a few noteworthy movies that brilliantly portray our bloody struggle for independence and offer an essence of understanding regarding how turbulent life must have been for our ancestors in those times.Matir Moyna (2002)Even though Matir Moyna was not nominated for an Oscar, this movie is Bangladeshs first film ever to be submitted to the Academy Awards for consideration for the Best Foreign Language Film category. This is movie is at the same time highly controversial and critically acclaimed. The story deals with a young protagonists experiences studying at a Madrassah, amidst the rising hostilities between East and West Pakistan which culminates in the Bangladesh War of Liberation. There are scattered historical references throughout the movie, portraying historical occurrences through human experiences. This is one of the most relatable stories of our Independence, seen through the eyes of an adolescent. Even though the movie was critically acclaimed internationally, it was initially banned in Bangladesh on grounds of religious sensitivity. The ban was repealed and the DVD version was released on April 16, 2005Aguner Poroshmoni (1995)Written and directed by the legendary Humayun Ahmed, this movie follows the story of freedom fighter amidst the full on destruction and chaos surrounding the Liberation War. On one side of the coin, there is the protagonist Badiul Alam. A freedom fighter dedicated towards protecting his motherland. On the flipside we also get to observe the lifestyle of a quintessential Bengali family. After being injured in one of his daredevil guerilla operations, Alam is grievously injured and has to take shelter with a Bengali family. The patron of the family shelters him, at the same time compromising the safety of his family, namely his two young and beautiful daughters Ratri and Opala. The insecurity felt by the family is palpable, so is the indomitable spirit of a freedom fighter.Shyamol Chhaya (2004)Another masterpiece by the brilliant author and novelist Humayun Ahmed, Shaymol Chhaya tells the tale of a war ravaged country in 1971. The story starts with a scenic journey tainted by the terrors of war. Traumatised fragments of once happy families are the passengers on a boat that promises to land on the shores of a safe haven. Pitambar, his blind father and grandmother, Karim with his daughter-in-law Ratri, Fuli with her mother, Maulana Munshi Muslem and his wife Begum, Gourango with his mother and wife are the passengers on board. Each of these passengers has a shocking tale to share about the war. As to try to find a much elusive safe haven, the story unravels around them with the signature mastery of Humayun Ahmed.Amar Bondhu Rashed (2011)Written by Mohammad Zafar Iqbal, this is one of the most humane and heart warming stories surrounding the struggle for our independence. Even though its a war movie, the storytelling is lighthearted as it is seen through the eyes of a playful young boy. Rashed, the central character of the movie, is an oddball amongst his friends. While other children his age are concerned with playful shenanigans, Rashed immerses himself in news and politics. Rashed explains the significance of Bangladeshs struggle for independence, as best as he can to his pre-teen friends. At one point Rashed witnesses a mass murder which scars him for life. Eventually Rashed dives in to help the freedom fighters and is captured by the invading Pakistani army. His friends embark on a daredevil mission to rescue him. This is a heart-warming humanistic movie that beautifully captures the atmosphere of 1971, through the child-like innocence of Rashed and his friend. The ending is heartfelt and touching and will leave most viewers in tears.The Unofficial Anthems of BangladeshPrint EditionTop of FormUser Rating:/0PoorBestBottom of FormWeekend IndependentFRIDAY, 22 MARCH 2013AUTHOR / SOURCE: FAIZUL KHAN TANIM

A not-so super-star singer-songwriter Kaiser Cartel once wrote and sang these beautiful lines and got his name nailed in the heart of good tunes - End of the day on the subway, in my ear, along the way, the headphones play...i can hear you, youre my favourite song...i want to sing it again. And call it remembrances or loyalty, there are some songs about Bangladesh which give you immense kicks to sing them again...and again...and again. Bangladesh had its fair share of these songs from pre-Liberation era and the phase while we got our independence. However, there are some post-liberation and contemporary tunes which are playing in the heads of this generation. And the best thing about them is that they are catchy, some of them sung a little out-of-tune accompanied by a lot of distortion and music madness but they are not shelved for special days...they are played everyday because everyday is an independence day. We have comfortably fallen in love with these hymns and we find that when we listen to these tunes, for some reason, everyone we see or bump in to become instantly more patriotic. These tracks somehow make everyone look like a viable comrade, a soldier, a flag waver and sing aloud - get up, stand up...stand up for your rights. Get up, stand up...dont give up the fight.

And here they are, songs that we have been re-listening in constant repeat, cultivating and revisiting our motherland and no matter what geographical distance stands between us and our nation, hearing those immortal songs makes us feel that we are not all that far away.

And a song which most rockingly moves us is Bangladesh by George Harrison. This is the song, which ignited immense strength and power for all freedom craving Bangladeshis in 1971. And again around the early 90s, when popular TV show Ittyadi telecasted the powerful music video of this song, once again, The Concert for Bangladesh was revisited and it oozed out inspiration about our nations birth for the young generation. And today, when this immortal song is played with Harrisons words: My friend (Pandit Ravi Shankar) came to me, with sadness in his eyes. He told me that he wanted help before his country dies. Although I couldnt feel the pain, I knew I had to try. Now Im asking all of you to help us save some lives...Bangla Desh, Bangla Desh.

Our citizens should reminisce how the war was won and take the helm and probably that is why our Late Guru Azam Khan sang this beautiful song in a post-liberation Bangladesh - Rail Line er Oi Bosti Te - and this is probably one of the greatest socio-politically motivated patriotic songs. This song even today makes not only our hair stand up but urges thousands of people in concerts at stadiums around the country to salute, spell out the letters with their hands and arm gestures, and shout aloud one word Bangladesh. It is a pure passionate phenomenon when you sing this song.

And rightfully the song that follows the revolution of Azam Khans track is Bangladesh 95 by Maqsood O Dhaka. From the turbulent times of the mid 1990s, to todays current state, a musician like Maqsood has always expressed his opinion about the crises in the country through his lyrics and tunes. And probably his most imperative lines are Nijer desh, hotey parey ei gorib er desh, hotey parey oboheliter desh, tobu je amar Bangladesh. Music like this one offers comfort and hope behind all the emotional outbursts and non-patriotic detonations, and even more during todays troubled and tragic times.

Shortly after Bangladesh 95, many songs were released to capture the essence of Bangladesh but no one could be that strong. So, our eager minds waited and waited until the dawn of heavy and thrash metal in the country and the songs which were then the best things that happened were - Shamanno Dushshopno by Rockstrata and Shadhikar by Warfaze (Jibon Dhara ata later stage by this band became a more epic track about this nation). Both these songs are heavy with rage and nationalistic passion. They remind us to BREAK FREE and urges to get back to the two powerful rock songs again and again and bring a change.

It was the mid 90s and soon-to-arrive Y2K was the sexiest catch word coined back then, and in the midst of all the bandana, lenin glasses and polka dot fashion statement, we heard another great song. LRB sung, probably one of their greatest songs after Shei Tumi, and this was titled Bangladesh as well. One of the most inspiring songs with very powerful lyrics and soothing composition, and every time one listens to this track, it feels like you are in the middle of a field, saluting the national flag, which is waving for peace, prospect, and most of all freedom because the lines go like this - tomar majhei shopner shuru, tomar majhei er shesh...shudhu bhalo laga bhalo bashay tumi...amar Bangladesh.

Another great song from that time was Bangladesh by Ark. And when Hasan sang this song with his shrill voice, all the fans felt urgency. An urgency to come back to our roots, to smell the air, taste the stream and wave the flag of freedom instead of shelving it for special and national days. And this was speared into the hearts of Bangladeshis by the positively piercing voice and optimistic composition.

And then Y2K happened and we saw punk, rap-metal and a heavy influence of Seattle grunge in our music scene. Cholo Bangladesh by Cryptic Fate is undoubtedly one of the best sounds which added a whole new dimension of music composition in our musics bloodstream and nothing would be the same anymore. Now here is a song composed with a great deal of enthusiasm just to make our blood run faster because it is simultaneously about Bangladesh and Bangladeshi cricket. As I always listen to this song on repeat, I pay attention and realise that it turns into an involved picture of a very brave voice with proud tones of racing guitar riffs, solo, power drumming, and the song gallantly applies to the courageous people of this country. The idea is to generate all the feelings that make up this great nation, convince you that you are right here, and can move forward with an inspired heart. Cholo Bangladesh never fails to encourage you to bring out your wings of yearning and its newer re-recorded version kicks more ass.

Cryptic Fate brought a new sound and a new way of realizing Bangladesh so the next song had to be louder or a more out-of-the box singer-songwriter song. a song which would actually make you cry rather than marching on the fields of battle. And if you are to ask this question - Are there any songs, which bring back memories from where you were? The answer is Probash Theke by Aurthohin. This song is extremely potent. Beware while listening to it! You are bound to cry aloud if residing out of Bangladesh for a long time for the lyrics are profoundly intriguing which describe the smell, taste, sound and even certain noises one experiences while living here. This song will make you imagine your loving mother, your caring father, your best friends brothers and sisters and comfortably, every minute detail in between.

Meanwhile, two bands - Dew Drops and Artcell performed Nazruls Chol Chol Chol and Durgom Giri consecutively. They were not the bands original songs but they successfully stirred a lot of emotions in the minds and souls of patriotic Bangladeshis.

This list can never end and it never should and although factors like word limits halt us writers but our lists continues to dwell outside the vicinity of our articles. And although Amar Shonar Bangla by Nagarbaul / James is the last treat here but someone, somehow will continue with a fresher list of Songs screaming Bangladesh. Now, here is one song, which narrated the league of extraordinary gentlemen of this country and that is why it is very special. Unlike the other great tunes, this song is a story of the stellar cast of immortal leaders who loved to weave naksikanthas of epic proportion, who dreamt a dream of a golden Bangladesh. As their dream is carried in this song, it is our duty to feel and bring that dream in to reality. But can we? That remains the most viable question with all the animosity going on in 2013!