Published: 16 June 2022
The Liberation War is a glorious chapter in the history of Bangladesh. Since the very beginning of the country’s independence, those who fought with arms, organised and participated in the war, and contributed in administrative and diplomatic spheres have primarily been recognised and honoured by the people and the State as freedom fighters. A significant number of women in Bangladesh were involved in the Liberation War in various ways. However, women’s participation and roles in the Liberation War have never been adequately recognised, made visible, or duly evaluated.
In 1971, the Pakistani forces, with the direct assistance of their collaborators, including Razakars and other collaborators, subjected women in Bangladesh to rape and torture. According to government estimates, 200,000 women were subjected to such violence during the war. However, various research reports estimate that the actual number was between 600,000 and 1 million. Immediately after independence, on 22 December 1971, the Government of Bangladesh conferred the title of ‘Birangana’ upon women who had been subjected to violence during the Liberation War in recognition of their sacrifice. Subsequently, on 26 February 1972, Bangabandhu announced that women who had been subjected to violence by the Pakistani occupation forces would be honoured as ‘Birangana’.
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