Ferdousi Priyabhashini: Bangladesh is my biggest achievement

The words of encouragement came from freedom fighter and renowned sculptor Ferodusi Priyabhashini, a Birangana who was the first in the country to openly speak about being tortured by Pakistan occupational forces during 1971 Liberation War. She has just been officially recognised as a freedom fighter – a gazette notification was issued on Thursday in this regard. “Having even the slightest contribution to our country’s struggle for independence is my greatest honour. What I have suffered during the Liberation War, I dedicate it to the 400,000 mothers and sisters who were tortured and three million people who died in the war,” she said. Ferdousi believes there is still a lot more to be done regarding the history of Liberation War. “A faculty on Liberation War should be established at Dhaka University. Students should be sent to every nook and cranny around the country in order to figure out the true horror of the war. There are still many survivors who themselves have forgotten what they went through. Their stories must be brought out in the open.” Ferdousi is not the first Birangana to be recognised as a freedom fighter – 122 others have received the honour before her. “I am happy,” she said when asked how she felt about her new identity. “It is difficult to express your own feelings in situations like this. Of course, such recognition always brings joy.” Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for the honour, she said never asked for it. “I never spoke about it at the ministry. I have always said that I would not apply for the freedom fighter status. But the minister explained to me that application was part of the process.” Ferdousi firmly believes in recognising one’s own worth before the world does it. “One must respect themselves. Which is why I have always felt proud. Now I have the social recognition too.” She said life was a test even after the war. “I had a family, worked for a living, struggled through life – that is how I have spent my life. Whatever sufferings I have endured, are mine. I won’t share them with anyone. You can share happiness with others, not sorrow.” Talking about the anti-liberation forces in the country, Ferdousi said: “It’s now time to remove the anti-liberation forces. They don’t deserve mercy, because they didn’t show mercy in 1971.” Looking back, what is the greatest acheivement in Ferdousi’s life? “I witnessed the birth of Bangladesh after the Liberation War. Bangladesh is my greatest achievement.”