THE WAY I SAW IT
During the Liberation War of 1971, I was a student of class seven and reading in a residential school. Following the address of Sk Mujib our school was closed and we were sent home. In those days our communication system were not that good. Most of us had to depent on railway line. Our home was in greater Dinajpur district. So on 10/12 March 1971 I went to my home at around 11/12 pm. During those days almost everyday there was a hartal and procession. We used to enjoy all these slogans like "Joy Bangla, Tomar Amar Thikana, Padma- Meghna-Jumuna".
So, one day I went along with my mama to enjoy a Circus and"Jatra Party" on a "bail gari". It was on 21/22 March. In the circus party I enjoyed a song, " Piare bango bondhu Sk Mujibur Rahman, tu chahe, tu dede bangalee apni jane", then the whole night I enjoyed the "Jattra Party". But than suddenly some Awami Leaque leaders came and started poltical speech and said that from here we have to go for a procession in protest against Yahya Khan and so it started. I was fleeling very drowsy but still shouted with a loud voice , "Joy Bangla".
My home was in a village closer to a Thana HQ(around 3 km). On 26 March 1971 I saw in all the houses the flag of Bangladesh(Map of E Pak engraved at the middle). I also stealed one flag and and placed at the top of our house. At that time I hardly understand any politics. One day I heard that there was some problem in Dinajpur and Thakurgaon in EPR wing and than we come to know all clear and everything is under EPR control. By this time all non-Bengalies were killed in EPR, however it took 3/4 days fighting with them. Even in BOPs all non-Bengalies were killed. Then one day some EPR personnels came to our area and killed all Biharees. All Police and civil administration coperated with them. At that time all Pakistani Army were concentrated at Rangpur and Saidpur. Some of the Bengali soldiers who mutineed also came to our area and we used to hear all horror stories of Pakistan Army. Then all these EPR and soldiers were organised along with new recruits marched towards Saidpur.(To be continued)