Women played a multifaceted role in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, defying traditional gender norms. They served as guerrilla fighters, with around 400 women trained at the Cobra Camp near Kolkata. Women like Shirin Banu, Taramon Bibi, and Setara Begum showcased remarkable bravery.
Beyond combat, women played various roles, including intelligence gatherers and informants, providing crucial information to freedom fighters. They also acted as social workers, supporting refugees and displaced individuals, and as motivators, inspiring others to join the liberation movement.
Women further contributed to the war effort by working in healthcare, nursing wounded soldiers and civilians in makeshift hospitals. They also provided food and shelter to freedom fighters and campaigned internationally to mobilize support for the liberation movement.
Despite these significant contributions, women’s roles have been largely overlooked or downplayed in mainstream narratives. They are primarily remembered as victims of violence, with over 200,000 women subjected to sexual atrocities during the war. This patriarchal framing has overshadowed their achievements, with only Taramon Bibi and Setara Begum receiving gallantry awards.
It is essential to revisit and rewrite history to properly acknowledge women’s indispensable contributions to Bangladesh’s independence and to recognize their resilience and leadership in post-liberation development.
Bangladesh Feminist Archives 