FF needs help to survive

Abu Musa Chowdhury with his wife and daughter.

His wife Marium Akhtar, son AHM Sultanul Islam, who passed HSC this year, and daughter Halima Sadia, a class nine student at Isphani Public School and College, are hapless as they are unable to bear the cost of treatment of Musa on their own.

"Physicians suggested my husband's complete angiogram and other relevant treatment abroad. At least Tk 25 lakh to Tk 30 lakh is needed, which is beyond our capacity," Marium Akhtar told The Daily Star.

The 'traumatised' family on October 25 appeared for the first time at a press conference to inform the nation of their grievances, agonies and financial inability for his treatment.

"This (press meet) is our last hope. What else can we do? We can't beg money knocking door-to-door for his treatment," Marium said.

Musa Chowdhury, 51, was only a 15-year-teen and a secondary school certificate (SSC) examinee from Narayanhat High School in Fatikchhari when he joined the War of Liberation.

He was the mastermind of a successful 'under-water' operation to blow away two foreign ships at Chittagong port. It was one of the most thrilling and courageous operations at the fag end of the war that immediately drew international attention.

The historic day was October 1, 1971. The then Indian naval commander Saber Singh had initially hesitated to give the 'dangerous' task to Musa considering his tender age. But it was Musa's courage and youthful exuberance that ultimately compelled commander Singh to oblige and allow him to lead the operation, popularly known as "Avluse Operation."

Musa and his two fellow freedom fighters Taher and Manoj were finally given the responsibility to detonate two foreign vessels, one is Greek flag carrier MT Avluse and the other US ship MV Mana, anchored at Chittagong port jetty.

Musa and his comrades had successfully laid, under cover of thick dark, two limpet mines on the vessels. One of the mines exploded in 45 minutes and another, unfortunately, in just 10 minutes.

The mission was accomplished but as ill luck would have it Musa became the victim for the rest of his life off the second mine that took 10 minutes to set off. He was injured due to untimely blast.

The injury in fact wrought life-long havoc on him. He underwent treatment in Bangladesh and India with little remedy. His condition deteriorated since 1986. He went to the United States, thanks to the benevolence of a few freedom fighters like Col (Retd) Oli Ahmad Bir Bikram, Dr Mahfuzur Rahman and Jahangir Alam. Musa stayed in the US for treatment until 2003 and compel to return home being unable to bear the cost.

Back in country, his condition deteriorated fast. Now, he very often gets unconscious and once that happens it takes around five to six hours to regain the consciousness. The family, quoting physicians, said that he needs immediate treatment abroad.

Musa's family is now looking forward for help from the government or the affluent section of the society.

"We feel proud of our father for what he did for the country's cause in 1971. But we are not sure whether that valour is enough to save his life now," said Sultan and Sadia, two children of Musa.