The birthday of Linu Haq—a distinguished freedom fighter, author, and prominent figure in the narrative of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War—marks an occasion to reflect on a life defined by patriotism, courage, and intellectual dedication. From her days as a student activist to her contemporary role as an author and historical archivist, Haq has remained committed to preserving the memory of the struggle for Bangladeshi independence.
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Early Background and Wartime Mobilisation
Linu Haq was born on 15 June 1955 in the Azimpur Government Colony of Dhaka. She is the daughter of Kazi Yousuf Ali, who served as a government official within the Establishment Division, and Zohra Begum. Her family originates from Nayanpur in the Brahmanbaria district. Haq began her academic journey at Azimpur School, where she also became involved in student politics, serving as a prominent leader within the East Pakistan Chhatra League.
In 1971, while enrolled as a tenth-grade student, she bypassed the limitations of her youth to participate directly in the Liberation War, contributing actively to the nation’s independence movement.
Literary Documentation of the Liberation War
In the decades following the war, Haq dedicated her writing to ensuring that the sacrifices, experiences, and specific contributions of women during the conflict were accurately recorded for future generations. Coinciding with the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence in 2021, she published two seminal works: Meye Bichhu and Girls of Gallantry: Azimpur 1971. These texts focus extensively on the courage displayed by female freedom fighters operating in the Azimpur sector. Recognizing the global relevance of these accounts, her son, Iresh Haq, later translated Meye Bichhu into English to facilitate international readership.
Her historical research continued with two major volumes launched at the 2023 Ekushey Book Fair: Oboruddho Nogorer Guerrilla ’71 and Muktijuddher Manchitre Banglar Nari. Alongside her formal books, she utilizes social media platforms to consistently share her lived experiences and political reflections.
Family and Academic Achievements
Linu Haq was the wife of the late Lieutenant Colonel Dr Abdul Hamid. Her children have established notable academic and medical careers both domestically and abroad:
Dr Iresh Haq (Son): Completed his undergraduate studies at the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) before earning a PhD from the University of Texas at Arlington under a financial scholarship. He spent ten years teaching at the University of Missouri as an associate professor and is currently a member of the faculty at BRAC University.
Daughter: Obtained her medical degree from Mymensingh Medical College and currently works as a Consultant Neurologist at University Hospital Southampton in the United Kingdom, distinguishing herself as one of the first Bangladeshi women to attain this senior clinical post.
Biographical and Bibliographical Summary
| Category | Historical and Personal Records |
| Date of Birth | 15 June 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Azimpur Government Colony, Dhaka |
| Ancestral Roots | Nayanpur, Brahmanbaria |
| Paternal & Maternal Lineage | Kazi Yousuf Ali & Zohra Begum |
| Early Political Affiliation | East Pakistan Chhatra League |
| 2021 Book Publications | Meye Bichhu Girls of Gallantry: Azimpur 1971 |
| 2023 Book Publications | Oboruddho Nogorer Guerrilla ’71 Muktijuddher Manchitre Banglar Nari |
| Spouse | Late Lieutenant Colonel Dr Abdul Hamid |