Rumi: A Brave Fighter Who Sacrificed for Freedom

Today, 29 March, marks the 73rd birth anniversary of Shaafi Islam Rumi, the immortal freedom fighter of independent Bangladesh. As a member of the guerrilla group ‘Crack Platoon,’ his contributions to the Liberation War remain a shining chapter in Bangladesh’s history. At the time, Rumi had just completed his ISC and was only 20 years old.

On 29 March 1951, a bright child was born to Mr. Sharif and Jahanara Imam. Believing her son would be as wise and philosophical as the poet Jalaluddin Rumi, Jahanara named him Rumi. After completing his SSC and HSC, he enrolled in an engineering university.

Later, he received an admission offer from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, USA. Classes were scheduled to begin in September 1971, but the brutal massacre of unarmed Bengalis by the Pakistani army on the night of 25 March disrupted the nation. Responding to the call of his motherland, Rumi abandoned the safety of studying abroad and directly joined the battlefield.

His first attempt to cross the border on 2 May failed, but he succeeded on the second attempt. He received guerrilla training at the Melaghar camp under Sector-2 and then returned to Dhaka to join the ‘Crack Platoon.’ His primary mission was an attack on the Siddhirganj Power Station, along with conducting guerrilla operations against Pakistani forces across Dhaka. One of the most notable and dangerous operations was on Dhanmondi Road.

On 29 August 1971, Rumi was arrested from his home by the Pakistani forces. Despite severe torture, he refused to disclose any information. It is believed that he was martyred on 4 September 1971.

The table below summarises key details of Rumi’s life:

On his birthday, Jahanara and Sharif Imam blessed him, saying: “Be like thunder, rise with radiant strength, remove the humiliation of the country, and dedicate your life to restoring its people to their rightful dignity.” Shaafi Islam Rumi fulfilled that promise.

Even after 73 years, Rumi has not returned, nor has his age increased; he remains an immortal youth in the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. Through the centuries of independence, his bravery, patriotism, and sacrifice will forever remain a symbol of reverence and remembrance.

Tribute: Shaafi Islam Rumi.