That evening, a blade sliced through string, through skin, red on red on red. Kutta, the man in khaki says. It is only later I realize it is me he is calling dog. Dog. Dog.

Using a Fulbright fellowship, Tarfia decided to come to Bangladesh to research the war and interview the women whom the Bangladesh government, in 1972, titled Birangona (war heroines). These interviews resulted in 'Seam' (Southern Illinois University Press, 2014).

Remove bureaucratic hurdles and harassment in their certification as freedom fighters.

The government recognises 15 more Biranganas (war heroines) as freedom fighters for their significant role during the country’s Liberation War in 1971.

Twenty-three more Biranganas (war heroines) are recognised as freedom fighters for their contribution in the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.

While we congratulate the government's decision to recognise Biranganas as freedom fighters, we would like to apologise to these great women for taking a long 43 years to honour them for their sacrifice for our country.

Forty-one Biranganas (war heroines) are recognised as freedom fighters for their contribution in the country’s Liberation War in 1971.