On February 26, 1972, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman came to Basantpur village north of Nagarbari in Pabna district. On that day, he inaugurated the construction of Mujibbandh. A public meeting was organized on the occasion of the construction of the said Mujibbandh. There were so many people in the public meeting – so many people have never been in a public meeting in Pabna. On the eve of Bangabandhu’s speech, there was some commotion on one side of the public meeting. Some women want to come to Bangabandhu, but they are stopped. Bangabandhu ordered to let them come. They rushed and fell at Bangabandhu’s feet. One said, he had a very happy family. Pakistani occupation forces assaulted him. Her husband no longer wants to take her into the family. People around are also chirping. Bangabandhu listened to him very attentively.
Finally, Bangabandhu got up on stage to give a speech. First he said, “From now on, the women oppressed by the Pakistani occupation forces are not ordinary women. They will henceforth be awarded the title of Birangana. Why not, they gave honor to the country. Their contribution is not less than the freedom fighters, but a few steps higher, which you all know, no need to explain. So they should be given heroic status and should be shown respect as usual. And to those husbands or fathers I say you are blessed too. Why not become the husband or father of such a devoted and noble wife.”
Reference: Birangana 1971 (Pages: 43-44)
Author: Muntasir Mamun.
