Freedom fighter Sirajuddin, now aged 75, fought for the independence of Bangladesh in 1971. He is now a tea stall owner at Tekorpara Bazar in Panchagarh.
Born in a now-extinct exclave, Garati, Siraj came to Mofijar Rahman College ground yesterday to celebrate the Victory Day, for the first time as a Bangladeshi, thanks to the exchange of exclaves in August this year.
Like other freedom fighters of the district, he got invitation from the Panchagarh district administration every year to attend the Victory Day celebrations. “I never felt proud as a freedom fighter in all these 44 years,” he said.
“Yes, I get freedom fighter allowance from the Bangladeshi government. But to be registered as a freedom fighter, I had to give the address of a person living inside the Bangladesh territory since I was the resident of an exclave.” he said.
Siraj recalled that he had taken training in Majid camp in India and later joined the war under Rangpur sector.
“After taking a one-month training in Majid camp in India, I entered the country through Nilphamari’s Burimari area. I participated in battles along with other freedom fighters against the Pakistani occupation forces in Nilphamari district.
“I killed many Pakistani Army personnel with my arms during the war and freed many areas.”
After the independence, Siraj said he had gone to Thakurgaon and lived there for one month. “Four months after the independence, I went back to my home in Garati exclave.
“During my absence, many people of the area tried to grab my land. I also lost my documents regarding the training and freedom fighter certificate after robbers attacked my house several times.
“When I applied for another certificate giving a fake address, the local administration first disbelieved me. But they finally approved my application as I told them about the robbery and how I fought for Bangladesh.”
