Blood-Stained History of Liberation: Remembering Baki and Babul

On a fateful day of the country’s struggle for independence, a young man wrote,
“I cannot sit idle in this critical moment for the nation. Mother, do not cry—this is my smallest effort for the country.”
This fearless patriot was Shahid Abdullahil Baki, posthumously awarded the Bir Protik, and today marks the 55th anniversary of his and his comrade Shahid Babul’s martyrdom.

Twelve days before independence, on 4 December 1971, they were brutally killed by Pakistani forces with the assistance of collaborators. At the age when dreams are built, they laid down their lives for their homeland.

Baki, then 21, was a political science student at Dhaka University. He was fearless during the non-cooperation movement and the resistance of 25–26 March. On 8 March, a bomb attack at the Governor’s House (now Bangabhaban) caused terror under the Pakistani administration, strengthening his vision for Bangladesh’s independence.

On 18 April 1971, in a letter to his parents, he wrote:
“Mother, I cannot remain at home in this critical moment… do not weep… this is my minimum effort for the country. Pray for the nation’s independence, Mother.”
This letter is preserved at the Liberation War Museum, a priceless testament to one young man’s love for his country.

After training in India, he returned to lead guerrilla operations. In Motijheel, he simultaneously set off four bombs, then returned for further advanced training. Later, as a unit commander, he conducted covert operations across Dhaka district with courage and patriotism.

At the end of November, he and his team were stationed on the outskirts of Dhaka. On the night of 4 December, while visiting his mother in Khilgaon, they were captured by Pakistani soldiers and collaborators. Subjected to inhuman torture, Baki and Babul were executed—just a few steps away from his own home.

On 15 December 1973, in recognition of his extraordinary bravery, Abdullahil Baki was posthumously awarded the Bir Protik.

Baki was unmarried. His father was Md. Abdul Bari, and his mother was Amena Khatun. Residence: 203/C Khilgaon, Dhaka. His three brothers and four sisters still preserve his memory with deep sorrow and pride.

We honour and remember Shahid Abdullahil Baki, Shahid Babul, and all martyred freedom fighters. Their blood gave us freedom, and their sacrifice leaves us forever indebted.

KhaborwalaAJ