Smriti 71 Honours 54 Freedom Fighters Linked to Jahangirnagar University

An organisation named Smriti 71 has honoured 54 valiant freedom fighters linked to Jahangirnagar University. The programme, titled 'Jahangirnagar in the Liberation War', was held on Friday afternoon at the Liberation War Museum in Agargaon, Dhaka.

Jahangirnagar University began its journey on 4 January 1971 with 22 teachers and 150 students. The university was formally inaugurated on 12 January, and the Liberation War began two months later. Many students from the university's founding period joined the war, and many others who had fought later enrolled or taught at the university.

The organisation collected the names of 54 freedom fighters linked to the university. Nine freedom fighters present at the programme were given commemorative crests, and everyone stood to pay respect to them.

The organisers said crests will also be delivered to other living freedom fighters and to the families of those who have died.

The programme at the Liberation War Museum auditorium began with the national anthem, followed by a documentary on Jahangirnagar University's Liberation War history. Faruk H Khan, one of the organisers of Smriti 71 and a former student of the university, gave the welcome speech.

Faruk H Khan said Jahangirnagar University has a connection with the Liberation War period. Many students of the first batch took part in the war, others joined the war while at school or college and later enrolled at the university, and several teachers who fought are also on the list.

He said the work of collecting information on the freedom fighters began at the initiative of former students. An alumni association had earlier honoured 33 freedom fighters, and, alongside that list, through discussions with freedom fighters and various sources, they have now found the names of 54 people.

Faruk H Khan said the list is not final, and further research may add names to it or remove some in future.

The organisation said Smriti 71 is not a body that certifies freedom fighters. Invitations were sent after contacting freedom fighters based on information from various sources, and any error in the list can be corrected. It was also stated at the event that the organisation is not a forum of any political party.

The cultural segment included patriotic songs, songs of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra and poetry recitation. The organisers said the aim of the event was to present the memory and history of the Liberation War to the new generation.