Selling money of book on Birangonas to be used for them

Staff Correspondent: Birangona means ‘Brave Woman’. In the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence from Pakistan, more than 200,000 women and girls were systematically raped and tortured.

The term Birnangana is used to mention them. Birnanganas are the brave women in Bangladesh and they became dark section of the community due to mind set of the people of Bangladesh. 

The year is 1971; the war of independence tears through Bangladesh, and no part of the country is left untouched. Since then, the Biranganas kept silence as most of them are poor and old age now. But who will be breaking the silence of these war victims’ women. Very quickly told all these by UK based famous writer and research scholar Debasish Das.

When asked why did he write this book and what is the background of that, the writer told that nobody cared for and honoured Birangonas as they entitle according to their contribution in liberation and independence of Bangladesh. After Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, these women were ignored by the society where rape is seen as a source of shame for the victim. They were silent, ostracised and forgotten. Now the big question in the society is who will help to break their silence . . .

These are the background of the book ‘Birangona theke Muktijodda’ written by UK based writer and Research scholar Debasish Das. The writer tried to describe the inner situation of each Birangona of Bangladesh. Every poem of the book describes the practical lifestyle and present position of the Birangonas. This is a historical book in the history of Liberation war in Bangladesh, specially for the women freedom fighters of Bangladesh. 

The writer also added that Bangladesh is developing rapidly, But the life of Birangonas have never been changed. Unfortunately they are always ignored by the government and social safety net. As a result, they do not have proper shelter and living. Few of them are begging regularly to earn their livelihood. This is not the real ‘SONAR BANGLA’ where women freedom fighters are begging to earn their living and in the other hand the traitors who never wanted or believe in independent of Bangladesh became minister or government high officials. This is the real picture of Bangladesh.

When asked the writer how would he help these war victims –Biragonas? The writer, who is involved in various social-welfare activates in Bangladesh and aboard, said that the total revenue collected from the sale of this book (Birnagona theke Muktijodda) will be donated to the Birangonas.

The book, published by ‘Sristy Prokashoni’ Dhaka, costs only Tk. 100 and according to the writer anybody could afford this price. This book will be available in Ekushey Book Fair 2015 at the stall of Sristy Prokashoni, Durjoy Bangla, Alpona Prokashoni, and Udahoron Prokashoni etc. Anyone can also buy the book from the internet book shop rokomari.com.

Debasish Das is also the author of other two books. One is a book of romantic poems ‘Firee Chai Valobasa’ and the other is a romantic fiction ‘Rimar Valobasa’. Both books are also published by Sristy Prokashoni, Dhaha. 

The UK based writer and research scholar Debasish Das appealed to all to help the Birangonas for their better lives by purchasing the book.

risingbd/DHAKA/Jan 14, 2015/Augustin Sujan