Apathy towards a Freedom Fighter's memory

Sheer indifference of the authorities of Nilphamari Pourasabha and Nilphamari Zila Parishad towards a hero of our Liberation War has stunned the freedom-loving people of the district. The concrete pillar engraving the road name, 'Shaheed Bashar Road' got damaged long ago. The road was named after BA 6966 Captain R A M Khairul Bashar, ASC, a national hero of Bangladesh independence war in 1971. But the irony is that local pourasabha authorities who are supposed to reconstruct the concrete pillar are not at all bothered about the task. The important road runs between new poura market intersection at Sabuj Para and PTI (Primary Training Institute) intersection at Ukil Para in Nilphamari town.

Meanwhile, Shaheed Captain Bashar Gate which was built by Nilphamari Zila Parishad at the main entrance of Nilphamari town in 2004, is lying uncared for. Even the official plaque which was engraved on the wall of the gate is now totally hidden under the posters.

The memorial gate is not only a tribute to Shaheed Captain Bashar, but it has also become the ultimate symbol of sacrifice made by the martyrs during the Liberation War in 1971. The authorities concerned should take immediate measures for proper maintenance of the magnificent gate and its surrounding area.

A few days ahead of March 25 night crackdown by Pakistani forces, Pakistani military junta wanted to recapture the SSD (Captain Bashar's Tigers' Den) from the command of the Bengali army officer. The forces of Baluch Regiment of Pakistan attacked the Tigers' Den. But Captain Bashar and his forces successfully repulsed the attack and compelled the forces of Baluch Regiment to retreat. Captain Bashar fell a martyr on May 29, 1971.

Khairuzzaman Topu
Brother of Captain Bashar