Seventh Death Anniversary of Bir Protik Taramon Bibi Observed in Kurigram

The seventh death anniversary of Bir Protik Taramon Bibi was observed in Kurigram on Monday. Following the afternoon prayers, a Milad and prayer session was organised at her residence in Araji Palashbari of Holokhana Union under Kurigram Sadar upazila.

The prayer was led by Maulana Abdullah Al Mahmood, the Imam of Darus Salam Jame Mosque in Araji Palashbari. On the same day, the upazila administration paid tribute at her grave in Rajibpur by placing floral wreaths and offering prayers.

Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md Fazle Elahi confirmed that the administration visited her grave and offered their respects.

Although Taramon Bibi was awarded the Bir Protik title for her extraordinary contribution to the Liberation War, she remained unaware of the honour for 25 years. In late 1995, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia formally presented the medal to her at an event in Dhaka. She is one of only two women in the country ever honoured with the Bir Protik title.

Born in 1957 in Shankar Madhabpur village of Rajibpur upazila, she grew up in a life marked by hardship. As the third among seven siblings, she worked in others’ households from a young age. In 1971, at only 14 years old, she joined the Liberation War.

Initially, she cooked for freedom fighters, supplied food, hid weapons and gathered intelligence on Pakistani forces. Gradually, she learned to operate rifles and later took part in direct combat, emerging as a courageous fighter.

In 1973, the Bangladesh government recognised her bravery by awarding her the Bir Protik title. However, due to poverty and isolation, her identity remained unknown for many years. In 1995, researcher Bimal Kanti, with the help of Professor Abdus Sabur Faruqi, located her and reintroduced her to the nation.

Writer and journalist Anisul Hoque later authored a book titled ‘Bir Protik-er Khoje’ based on her life, while she inspired the central character of his play ‘Karimon Bewa’.

Taramon Bibi passed away on 1 December 2018 at her home in Kacharipara of Rajibpur upazila. She was laid to rest at her residence with state honours.

Khaborwala/SS