Sakhina Begum, a legendary figure and courageous freedom fighter of Kishoreganj’s Bosu Bahini during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, passed away at the age of 93. Known for her daring exploits, Sakhina’s name is etched in the history of the country’s struggle for independence.
Earlier this month, a visit to Kishoreganj brought a fortunate meeting with Sakhina Begum. However, a few days later, she had become bedridden and barely recognized anyone. Despite her frailty and failing memory, the memories of the Liberation War remained vivid in her heart.
During the war, Sakhina Begum single-handedly captured three Razakars—collaborators with the Pakistani army—in Bajitpur, tied them up, and marched them 10 kilometers to the Bosu Bahini camp in Hilchia market, where two more Razakars were already held captive. Armed with a dao (traditional curved blade), she personally killed all five Razakars, a feat that underscored her fearless dedication.
Once nearly six feet tall, age had reduced Sakhina Begum’s stature to just three and a half feet. At the beginning of the Liberation War, she served as a cook at the Bosu Bahini fighters’ camp, using the opportunity to gather intelligence on the movements of enemy Razakars and passing this crucial information to the freedom fighters. Eventually, she took part in frontline combat herself.
The Bosu Bahini was led by Abdul Motaleb Bosu, a notorious figure in the Haor region, known as a fearsome outlaw whose name was enough to frighten children to sleep. After students broke into the Kishoreganj prison in March, Bosu was freed and returned to his native village of Guruai in Bajitpur, where he assembled a force of 400 brave freedom fighters. This guerrilla unit liberated a vast area in the Haor region and participated in over twenty major battles.
Being from the same village, Sakhina Begum initially joined the camp as a cook but soon became involved in espionage activities within Pakistani camps. Twice, she was captured by Pakistani forces but managed to escape both times through cunning and bravery. On her last escape, she smuggled a dao from the camp, which she later used in the execution of the Razakars at Hilchia market. This very dao is now preserved at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka.
Despite advanced age and physical decline, Sakhina Begum’s memories of the war remained sharp. When visited earlier this month, she would sometimes raise her hand and shout “Kopa kopa, kopa!”—an expression signaling the slashing motion she used in battle against the Razakars—revealing the undying spirit of the freedom struggle within her.
Before the war, Sakhina Begum was widowed and had no children. She never remarried and lived for over 40 years under the care of her niece Fairunnesa in Hilchia’s Bormai Para. Fairunnesa herself had supported the freedom fighters, and her son also fought and sacrificed his life in the Liberation War.
Sakhina Begum’s nephew, Matiur Rahman, was a martyr who died fighting on the frontline, making their family one of profound legacy and inspiration. Sakhina Begum was the driving force and symbol of resilience for them all.
Looking back at her life and courage brings tears to many eyes. Meeting such a remarkable woman even once is a rare blessing—a true testament to the indomitable spirit of Bangladesh’s freedom fighters.