<i>Shamsher's martyrdom yet to get recognition</i>
Martyred freedom fighter Shamsher Ali's wife Rahima Begum, middle, daughter Samiara Begum and son Jhumur Ali at Chitholia village in Bagatipara upazila of Natore. Photo: STAR
Independence Day today remains as meaningless as it has been for the last 40 years for the family of martyred freedom fighter Shamsher Ali, who is yet to be recognised. No one has called Shamser's family members to any meeting, or give any honour to the freedom fighter. Even, family members have no time to recall him except to shed silent tears. Though Shamsher's name as a martyr freedom fighter now is recalled by almost all the villagers and his fellow freedom fighters, the name was not included in any state records, said Kasimuddin, commander of Muktijoddha Command Council of Bagatipara upazila in Natore. “As per state records, he is not a freedom fighter, or a martyred one. And [this situation] occurred because his family was poor and people's leaders concerned were apathetic to his contributions [to the liberation war].” During a visit to Chitholia village of Bagatipara on Sunday, this correspondent was informed that Shamsher's wife Rahima Begum, 60, was married off to one Sadek Ali while her son Jhumur Ali, 45, and daughter Samiara Begum, 40, live at their respective in-laws' houses. They had a home of their own on five bighas of land when Shamsher joined the liberation war but later the land was sold due to their economic hardship. “I left the house and went to my parents' house at Malanchi as the Razakars started torturing us,” said Rahima, choking on her tears. Shamsher's sister Zobeda Begum said her brother wanted to protect the country but his family had been almost ravaged and homeless in the absence of the lone bread earner. Mozammel who also joined the war with Shamsher told The Daily Star that Shamsher embraced martyrdom during the Alaipur operation in Rajshahi some days before victory. As per plan, a group of freedom fighters attacked the Alaipur Razakar camp, arrested 26 Razakars and seized a huge amount of arms and ammunition. All the freedom fighters, except seven, left the camp. Shamsher stayed there. But hours later, Pakistani army attacked the camp. The seven fled by crossing the river and started crawling on the river char as heavy gunfire raged around them. As he was crawling, a mortar shell suddenly hit Shamsher, leaving his waist broken, recalled Mozammel, who was also crawling about 15-20 yards away from Shamsher. “Go away brother, go away. I cannot make it,” Shamsher told Mozammel. Shamsher carried some grenades but he could not use these, said Mozammel who also received a bullet. At one stage, the Pakistani army caught Shamsher and brutally killed him and dumped the body under the sand. Rahima Begum identified her husband's body by his yellow shirt and black and red lungi several days after liberation.
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