DU Correspondent :
The book titled ‘Memories of Bangladesh’, a comprehensive collection of newspaper articles from the Bangladesh Liberation War, has been unveiled at the Ekushey Book Fair.
This unique compilation spans over twelve hundred pages and includes nearly all articles, editorials, and photographs published in nine major British newspapers, including The Guardian, The Daily Telegraph, and The Times, covering the events in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) from the outbreak of the liberation war until January 1972.
Shahabuddin Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi student studying Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in London at the time, gathered these newspaper articles. After many years, Journeyman Books took the initiative to publish this significant work.
A book unveiling ceremony took place at the Journeyman Books stall, attended by Shahabuddin’s wife, Marjina Chowdhury, his daughter Reshmin Chowdhury, and Tariq Sujat, the founder of Journeyman Books.
Reshmin Chowdhury highlighted that the book is a unique and unbiased collection that offers a western media perspective on the liberation war.
She emphasized its importance for the new generation, stating, “My father Shahabuddin Chowdhury has depicted an essential chapter of Bangladesh’s history. This book serves as a learning resource for both those familiar and unfamiliar with the liberation war.”
Mentioning that the book is a mentionable work for the new generation, Reshmin added “My father Shahabuddin Chowdhury portrayed an important chapter of the history of Bangladesh and those who have known or still unknown about liberation war, they can learn by going through this book.”
Former Finance Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon praised the book’s contribution to historical studies, emphasizing its significance for future research and education. He advocated for its widespread distribution across the country to ensure access to this crucial documentation of history.
“The study of History is an authentic study. It is very important to bring such books to the masses. It will be considered as an important book for future research and education. It should be spread across the country,” Former Finance Secretary Hedayetullah Al Mamoon.
Tariq Sujat, the book’s publisher, expressed his regret over the delay in publishing such a vital document on the liberation war, questioning why it remained unpublished for 53 years and why he had to wait so long to bring it to light.
