A social media post by DUCSU Liberation War and Democratic Movement Editor Fatima Tasnim Juma has sparked widespread criticism, with many alleging that her Victory Day message misrepresented key elements of Bangladesh’s Liberation War history. The post, written in early December, avoided direct mention of Pakistan, the 1971 genocide, or Jamaat-e-Islami—prompting anger and accusations of historical erasure.
In her post, Juma wrote that “December is the month of pride for our victory,” describing a long struggle beginning with anti-colonial resistance figures such as Tipu Sultan, Titumir, and Lakshmibai. She then stated that “the much-desired victory of 1947” was achieved after 200 years of struggle, before mentioning a “long, bloody nine-month war” without naming 1971, Pakistan, or the Liberation War directly. Critics argue that the narrative blurs the specific history of Bangladesh’s independence and confuses 1947 with 1971.
The backlash intensified when commenters pointed out that Juma referred to “thousands of martyrs and thousands of sisters,” which some interpreted as minimizing the scale of wartime casualties and sexual violence. Many accused her of attempting to “erase 1971,” while others questioned her suitability for the DUCSU role. Screenshots of the post circulated widely across platforms, with calls for accountability.
In response, Juma defended herself, saying that critics would attack her “even if the words Pakistan or Liberation War were added,” and dismissed the objections as “lame arguments.” The debate highlights ongoing sensitivities around historical representation, especially for public student leaders tasked with stewarding narratives of the Liberation War.
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