During December, the month that commemorates Bangladesh’s historic victory, national cricket team pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib has paid heartfelt tribute to the Liberation War and the courageous freedom fighters behind it. While cricketers are often celebrated as national heroes for their sporting achievements, Tanzim firmly believes that the country’s true heroes are the freedom fighters, whose sacrifices, bravery, and unwavering commitment ensured Bangladesh’s independence and preserved its dignity.
On Friday (12 December) at 11:00 am, Tanzim shared a reflective post on Facebook expressing his admiration for the nine-month Liberation War. He wrote, “I feel proud of the Liberation War. I feel proud of the freedom fighters. They had no formal training and did not know the strategies of warfare, yet they took up arms against the trained Pakistani army, motivated only by their love for the country and attachment to the soil.”
He further added, “These are the people who transformed us from a fearful nation into a brave one. It is because of them that I can proudly display Bangladesh’s flag on the global stage through cricket. Our true heroes, our real celebrities, are our freedom fighters.”
In cricketing terms, Tanzim Hasan Sakib is a regular member of Bangladesh’s white-ball teams, particularly in the Twenty20 format. He was part of the squad for the most recent Ireland series, where he took three wickets in two matches. To date, he has played 40 T20 internationals, claiming 47 wickets in total.
Additionally, he has taken 24 wickets across 15 One Day Internationals. His involvement in Test cricket is limited, having played just a single match for the national side.
Beyond his sporting accomplishments, Tanzim’s post demonstrates a deep respect for the history of his country and the sacrifices made during the Liberation War. By highlighting the significance of the struggle for independence and the courage of the freedom fighters, he reminds everyone that Bangladesh’s real heroes are those brave, freedom-loving individuals who continue to inspire pride in the nation’s present generation.
While Tanzim has achieved notable success on the cricket field, in his eyes, it is the freedom fighters who embody the greatest pride and deserve the highest respect. His reflections elegantly merge the spheres of sport and history, offering a powerful reminder of who the genuine heroes of Bangladesh truly are.