A friend in need...

By Md Zillur Rahman, Gandaria, Dhaka
21 September 2004, 18:00 PM
. PHOTO: STAR
Liberation war is our glory and freedom fighters are the crown of our liberation war. Besides the freedom fighters, many allies helped us during our liberation war in 1971. It is unforgettable how Pundit Ravi Shankar and George Harrison arranged the "Concert for Bangladesh" in New York to help our liberation war. US poet Allan Ginsberg composed the "September on Jessore Road." while Hemar Wadarland (Australian citizen born in Netherlands) actively fought for our land. Symon Dring ( a Briton) sent the news of the barbaric "Operation Searchlight" throughout the world. Like them, many other foreigners encouraged people to support our cause. The Daily Star published a news item on September 10, 2004 -- "Bangladesh loses a friend", where it was mentioned that Archer K Blood was a selfless well-wisher of Bangladesh and he was the author of "The crude birth of Bangladesh" on the then East Pakistan in 1971. On hearing this sad news, we sent a condolence message to his bereaved family.

On important national days, we honour people who have served the nation in various capacities. But comrades of our liberation war have never been honoured by our government, though some anti-liberation elements are known to have received medals. Among the foreigners , only Hemar got "Bir Protik" medal but was never invited to this country. Like him, many comrades of our liberation war have already passed away.

Why have we failed to honour them? Is it not a shame for the nation?