Ten women in Raninagar upazila have finally received official recognition as freedom fighters.
These women who lost their children and husbands will enjoy the facilities normally accorded to freedom fighters. However, of the ten, received the honour posthumously. They are, Bani Rani Pal, Khanta Rani Pal, Renu Bala and Sushma Sutradhar.
The ones still living are: Maya Rani Sutradhar, Rashmoni Sutradhar, Shondhya Rani Pal, KalidasI Pal, Shondhya Rani and Geeta Rani. They have been living with the horrible memories of 1971, finally overcoming years of destitution and social stigma.
They are residents of Palpara village, which is 7 km to the south west of Naogaon, by the Jamuna River. On 25 April, 1971, the invading Pakistani Army carried out atrocities against the Hindu community living here.
Birangana Kali Dasi Pal, says: “That day, my husband was taken away by the army; I pleaded with them but they killed him and 51 others. Then they abused us.
"I have been leading a life of destitution but am happy with the recognition," she added.
Freedom fighter of Raniganj, advocate Ismail Hossain, said: “After much effort, we managed to have the names of the ten women included in the gazette. All formalities are over and once the allotment comes, the women will be officially honoured on the coming victory day programme.”
MP of Naogaon-6 (Atrai-Raninagar), and District AL General Secretary, Md. Israfil Alam, observed: “The Prime Minister [Sheikh Hasina] is very keen to help freedom fighters, martyrs, and women who were abused in 1971. Through the efforts of all, the women have now received recognition. We are elated.”
The women could now live with respect and pride, he added.