During the critical days of the Liberation War, one young man wrote,
“I cannot sit idle in this critical moment for the nation. Mother, do not cry—this is my smallest effort for the country.”
He was Shahid Abdullahil Baki, posthumously awarded the Bir Protik. Today marks the 55th anniversary of his and his comrade Shahid Babul’s martyrdom.
Twelve days before Bangladesh’s independence, on 4 December 1971, Pakistani forces and collaborators silently took their lives. At the age when dreams are built, they sacrificed everything for their homeland.
Baki, 21, was a political science student at Dhaka University. He was fearless during the non-cooperation movement and the March resistance. On 8 March, he caused a bomb explosion at the Governor’s House, instilling fear under the Pakistani administration.
On 18 April 1971, in a letter to his parents, he wrote:
“Mother, I cannot remain at home for the country… do not weep… this is my minimum effort. Pray for the nation’s independence, Mother.”
This letter is preserved at the Liberation War Museum, a priceless testament to his patriotism.
After training in India, he returned to lead guerrilla operations. In Motijheel, he set off four bombs simultaneously and then returned for advanced training. Later, as a unit commander, he conducted covert operations across Dhaka district with courage and devotion.
At the end of November, he and his team were stationed on the outskirts of Dhaka. On 4 December, while visiting his mother in Khilgaon, they were captured by Pakistani forces and collaborators. Subjected to inhuman torture, Baki and Babul were executed just a few steps from their own home.
On 15 December 1973, Abdullahil Baki was posthumously awarded the Bir Protik in recognition of his extraordinary bravery.
AJ