Celebrating the Birthday of Freedom Fighter-Author Linu Haq

The life and contributions of Linu Haq—a decorated freedom fighter, author, and prominent figure from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War—are celebrated on her birthday. Recognized for her courage and patriotism, Haq remains an active voice in preserving the historical narrative of Bangladesh’s independence struggle through her extensive literary contributions.

Early Life and Wartime Involvement

Born on 15 June 1955 in the Azimpur Government Colony of Dhaka, Linu Haq is the daughter of Kazi Yousuf Ali, a civil servant in the Establishment Division, and Zohra Begum. The family’s ancestral home is situated in Nayanpur, Brahmanbaria. Haq began her formal education at Azimpur School and quickly became politically engaged during her youth, serving as a dedicated student leader for the East Pakistan Chhatra League.

By 1971, while only a tenth-grade student, she actively joined the Bangladesh Liberation War, dedicating herself to the national independence movement despite her young age.

Literary Contributions and Historical Preservation

Following the war, Haq turned her focus towards documenting the experiences, sacrifices, and crucial roles played by women during the conflict. To mark the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence in 2021, she published two highly acclaimed books: Meye Bichhu and Girls of Gallantry: Azimpur 1971. These works detail the bravery of female freedom fighters based in the Azimpur area. To reach a broader international audience, her son, Iresh Haq, subsequently translated Meye Bichhu into English.

Haq expanded her bibliography during the 2023 Ekushey Book Fair with the release of two highly researched historical texts: Oboruddho Nogorer Guerrilla ’71 and Muktijuddher Manchitre Banglar Nari. Today, she continues to share her political insights and wartime recollections through social media platforms.

Family and Professional Legacy

Linu Haq was married to the late Lieutenant Colonel Dr Abdul Hamid. The couple raised two children who have achieved notable professional standing internationally:

• Dr Iresh Haq (Son): Graduated from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) before securing a PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington, supported by institutional funding. He served as an associate professor at the University of Missouri for a decade and currently lectures at BRAC University.

• Daughter: Graduated with a medical degree from Mymensingh Medical College. She currently serves as a Consultant Neurologist at University Hospital Southampton in the United Kingdom, making her one of the first Bangladeshi female physicians to hold this prestigious appointment.

Key Profile and Publications