Remembering the Martyrs and Our Enduring Debt
Echoes of Liberation: Remembering the Martyrs and Our Enduring Debt
Our nation's glaring achievement is its hard-won independence, and the freedom-fighters who
valiantly laid down their lives for this victory are the truest heroes of our land. Responding to the call
of the Father of the Nation, Late Imamul Kabir Shanto actively engaged in the war as a freedom-
fighter at the tender age of 17.
As the nine-month struggle culminated in the surrender of enemy forces on 16 th December, the first
hour of victory on 17 th December saw hundreds of freedom fighters returning to Dhaka, crossing the
Buriganga River. Tragically, during this time, eleven of Mr. Shanto's fellow fighters, some of them his
closest friends, met their demise in a tragic boat capsize. This harrowing incident deeply impacted
the late Imamul Kabir Shanto, remaining etched in his memory until his passing. His dear friends and
fellow freedom fighters, including his close companion Amin, are never forgotten, their memory
continuing to bring tears to his eyes. This heart-wrenching event became a driving force, inspiring
him to dedicate his life to the humanitarian initiatives of the Shanto-Mariam Foundation, forsaking a
life of allure and luxury abroad. Disregarding familial attachments and without children of his own,
he channelled his life and wealth to fulfil the dreams of the martyrs, leading to the establishment of
the ‘Shahid Muktijoddha Smriti Foundation’.
Young Shanto was profoundly disheartened by the lack of proper recognition for these martyrs in
the post-independence era. Their sacrifices remained unappreciated, and the lofty goals for which
they laid down their lives were yet unrealized. Thus, he founded the ‘Shahid Muktijoddha Smriti
Foundation’ to provide solace to their departed souls, ensure their rightful acknowledgment, and
realize the objectives of the liberation war. Concurrently, he established a commemorative
monument named the 'Shahid Muktijoddha Smritisthombho' at their final resting place in the new
Azimpur Graveyard, as an abiding tribute to their memory. Every year, till his death, he observed
'Shahid Muktijoddha Day' on the 17th of December to honour their memory and their families.
Under the stewardship of Dr. Md. Ahsanul Kabir, the foundation has upheld this legacy, extending
consistent support to the families of insolvent martyrs, injured freedom fighters, and their children
for their well-being. The Shahid Muktijoddha Foundation declines any financial contributions or
donations from external sources, sustaining its activities through the resources and aid of the
Shanto-Mariam Foundation.
The foundation members are bound by the central belief that the nation, liberated through the
sacrifices of these freedom fighters, will one day stand proudly among the global community, with
its red and green flag flying high in glory.