Artistic depictions of the Bangladesh Liberation War

There have been numerous works of art created as a result of the Bangladesh Liberation War. In 1971, a concert was organized by members of the British rock band, The Beatles, in support of Bangladesh. The songs recorded for and broadcast on Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra are still considered to be the best of Bangladeshi protest songs.

Four documentaries were made in Bangladesh during the War - Zahir Raihan's Stop Genocide and A State Is Born, Babul Chowdhry's Innocent Millions, and Alamgir Kabir's Liberation Fighters. These four films are considered to be the first films made in Bangladesh, since earlier films were produced in Pakistan or India. Muktir Gaan (Song of Freedom), by Tareque and Kathrine Masud, is based on footage shot by Leer Levin during the war and is the most critically acclaimed Bangladeshi documentary. The directors followed the film with two sequels – Story of Freedom and Narir Katha. Their feature film on the same subject, Matir Moyna, won the FIPRESCII award at Cannes Film Festival.

One of the more well-known authors to write about the Liberation War is Shamsur Rahman. Arguably, the Bangladesh Liberation War is one of the most referenced subjects for Bangladeshi literature since 1971. Monuments made to commemorate the War are some of the highest esteemed monuments in Bangladesh. One such memorial is Bangladesh's national monument, Jatiyo Smriti Soudho, located in Savar, Dhaka.

Films

Bangladeshi

Stop Genocide – documentary by Zahir Raihan (1971)^[1]
Let There be Light by Zahir Raihan (1971)
Nine Months to Freedom: The Story of Bangladesh – documentary by S. Sukhdev (1972)^[1]
Ora Egaro Jon (The Magnificent Eleven) by Chashi Nazrul Islam (1972)^[2]
Arunodoyer Agnishakkhi (The Dawn Observer) by Subhash Dutta (1972)^[2]
Bagha Bangali (The Bengal Tiger) by Ananda (1972)^[2]
Raktakto Bangla (The Blood-stained Bengal) by Mamtaj Ali (1972)
Dhire Bohe Meghna (Quiet Flows the river Meghna) by Alamgir Kabir (1973)^[2]
Amar Jonmovumi (1973)
Sangram (The War) by Chashi Nazrul Islam (1974)^[2]
Abar Tora Manush Ho (Be Human Again) by Khan Ataur Rahman (1973)^[2]
Alor Michhil (1974)
Sangram (1974)
Megher Onek Rong (Clouds Have Many Colors) by Harun-Or-Rashid (1976)^[2]
Kalmilata by Shahidul Haq Khan (1981)^[3]
Chitkar (1982)
Agami (Toward) by Morshedul Islam (1984)^[3]
Hooliya (Wanted) by Tanvir Mokammel (1984),^[3] based on Nirmalendu Goon's Hulia poem
Protyaborton (1986)
Suchona by Morshedul Islam (1988)
Charpotro (1988)
Bokhate (1989)
Duronto (1989)
Potaka (1989)
Kalo Chil '71 (1990)
Dushor Jatra (1992)
Ekattorer Jishu (Jesus '71) – feature film by Nasiruddin Yousuff, based on Shahriar Kabir's story (1993)
Desh Premik (1994)
Muktir Gaan (Song of Freedom, 1995),^[1] Muktir Kotha (A Tale of Freedom, 1999),^[4] and Narir Katha – three different Bengali-language documentaries by Tareque Masud and Catherine Masud
Aguner Poroshmoni feature film by Humayun Ahmed (1994)^[3]
Nodir Naam Modhumoti (The River Called Madhumoti) by Tanvir Mokammel (1995)^[3]
Ekhono Onek Raat (1997)
Hangor Nodi Grenade, On the basis of Selina Hossain's novel, Chashi Nazrul Islam (1997)
Gourob (1998)
Chana O Muktijuddo (1998)
Ekattorer Lash (1998)
Itihas Kanna by Shamim AKter, Biography of a war child (1999)
Shovoner Ekattor (2000)
Muktijoddo O Jibon (2000)
Shei Rater Kotha Bolte Eshechi ("I Have Come to Speak of That Night") – documentary by Kawsar Chowdhury (2001)
Ekjon Muktijodda (2001)
Ekattorer Michil by Kabori Sarwar (2001)
Ekattorer Rong Pencil by Manan Hira (2001)
Matir Moina (The Clay Bird) by Tareque Masud (2002),^[3] winner of the FIPRESCI Prize at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival
Shilalipi by Shamim Akhter (2002)^[3]
Hridoyghata (2002)
Spartacus '71
Shorot '71 by Morshedul Islam (2002)
Swadhinata (Freedom) by Yasmine Kabir (2003)^[4]
Ami Sadhinota Enechhi by Sagar Lohani (2003)
Amar Bandhu Rashed (My Friend Rashed) by Morshedul Islam (2004)^[3]
Shyamol Chhaya feature film by Humayun Ahmed (2004)^[3]
Joyjatra feature film by Tauquir Ahmed (2004)^[3]
Megher Pore Megh by Chashi Nazrul Islam (2004)
Dhrubotara (2006)
Khelagor by Morshedul Islam, (2006)
Asttitey Amar Desh, According to the Biography of Matiur Rahman directed by Khijir Hayat Khan (2007)
Tajuddin Ahmed: Nishongo Sarati (Tajuddin Ahmad: An Unsung Hero) by Tanvir Mokammel (2007)^[4]
Rabeya by Tanvir Mokammel, (2009)
Meherjaan by Rubaiyat Hossain (2011)
Guerrilla by Nasiruddin Yousuff (2011)^[3]
Khondo Golpo '71 (2011)
Amar Bondhu Rashed by Morshedul Islam (2011) based on a juvenile novel by Muhammed Zafar Iqbal
Pita - The Father by Masud Akando (2012)
Nekabborer Mohaproyan directed by Masud Pathik, based on a poetry by Nirmalendu Goon (2014)
Shongram (2014)
Bishkanta (The Poison Thorn) by Farjana Boby (2015)^[4]
Meghmollar by Zahidur Rahim Anjan (2015), adapted from a story by Akhtaruzzaman Ilias^[3]
Anil Bagchir Ekdin (Anil Bagchi’s Day) by Morshedul Islam (2015), adapted from Humayun Ahmed's novel^[3]
Angels of Hell by Shameem Shahid (2015); Short film based on war children of Bangladesh Liberation War
Janmasathi (Born Together) by Shabnam Ferdousi (2017)^[4]
Bhuban Majhi by Fakhrul Arefeen Khan (2017)
Radio (2023), about 7 March speech of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Indian

Ora Egaro Jon (The Magnificent Eleven), a 1972 Dhallywood war film directed by Chashi Nazrul Islam, featuring real Indian Army and Pakistani Army personnel. This was the first ever feature film about Bangladesh Liberation War.^[5]
Hindustan Ki Kasam, a 1973 Bollywood war film directed by Chetan Anand about Operation Cactus Lilly.^[6]
Aakraman, a 1975 Bollywood film set during this war featuring a romantic love triangle.
Border, a 1997 Bollywood war film directed by J.P.Dutta. This movie is an adaptation from real life events that happened at the Battle of Longewala fought in Rajasthan (Western Theatre).^[6]^[7]
16 December, a 2002 film directed by Mani Shankar.
1971 – Prisoners of War, a 2007 Bollywood war film directed by Amrit Sagar. Set against the backdrop of a prisoner-of-war camp in Pakistan, it follows six Indian prisoners awaiting release after their capture during the war.^[6]
Midnight's Children, a 2012 film was adapted from Salman Rushdie's novel, is fictional story of two twins born on the midnight of 15 August 1947. It also has references to 1971 war.
Children of War, a 2014 Hindi drama film, revolves around the events of 1971 Bangladesh genocide and the liberation war.
The Ghazi Attack, a 2017 war film directed by Sankalp Reddy. It is based on the sinking of PNS Ghazi during the war.
1971: Beyond Borders, a 2017 Indian war drama film written and directed by Major Ravi.^[8]^[9]
Raazi, a 2017 fictional spy film, based on the novel "Calling Sehmat", was set before the events of war about the detection of plans to deploy PNS Ghazi^[10]
Romeo Akbar Walter, a 2019 spy thriller film was set against the backdrop of the 1971 Indo-Pakistani war, which tells the story of Rehmatullah Ali, a young Indian bank clerk, who is recruited by the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), for a covert operation in Pakistan.
Bhuj: The Pride of India, 2021 action film set during the war tells the story of rebuilding the Bhuj airbase in India, which was damaged by the Pakistan air attacks.^[11]
Pippa, a 2023 action film based on the life of Brigadier Balram Singh Mehta who fought in the Battle of Garibpur on the eastern front in November 1971.
Sam Bahadur, a 2023 film, is based on the life of India's first Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw and his contribution to the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

Ab Tumhare Hawale Watan Sathiyo (2004)

Dateline Bangladesh by Gita Mehta (2013)

Gunday (2014)

IB71 (2023)

Gadar 2 (2023)

American

The War Crimes File by David Bergman (Three men's role in Bangladesh war genocide) (2013)

Pakistani

Plays

Payer Awaj Pawa jay by Syed Shamsul Haque (1976)
Juddho Ebong Juddho by Syed Shamsul Haque (1986)
Joyjoyonti by Mamunur Rashid (1995)
Ekattorer Pala by Nasiruddin Yousuff Bacchu (1993)
Mukhosh
Kingsukh
Je Merute
Bibisab by Abdullah al Mamun (1994)
Kotha '71
Bolod by Muhammed Zafar Iqbal

Literature

Ami Birangana Bolchi (The Voices of War Heroines) – first-person narratives collected by Nilima Ibrahim (two volumes: 1994, 1995)
Ekatture Uttar Ronangaon ('71 Northern Front) – Factual War Accounts (in Bengali) by Muhammad Hamidullah Khan, Sector Commander 11, War of Independence – Bangladesh
Amar Bondhu Rashed (My Friend Rashed) – Juvenile novel by Muhammed Zafar Iqbal
Ghum Nei (Sleepless Nights) – memoir by Nasiruddin Yusuf
Ami Bijoy Dekhechi (I have witnessed the Victory) – memoir by M. R. Akhtar Mukul
A Tale of Millions – memoir by Major (R) Rafik Ul Islam
Ekattorer Dinguli (Days of 71) – memoir by Jahanara Imam (1986) ISBN 984-480-000-5
Maa(The Mother) – novel by Anisul Hoque (2003) ISBN 984-458-422-1
Jochhna o Janani'r Galpo (The Tale of Moonlight and the Motherland) – novel by Humayun Ahmed (2004) ISBN 984-8682-76-7
Of Blood and Fire –
September on Jessore Road – poem by Allen Ginsberg^[12]
A Golden Age – novel by Tahmima Anam
Aguner Poroshmoni – novel by Humayun Ahmed
1971 – novel by Humayun Ahmed
Of Martyrs and Marigolds – a novel written by a Stranded Pakistani woman, Aquila Ismail.^[13]

Music

The Concert for Bangladesh, New York, 1971
"Song for Bangladesh" – song by Joan Baez^[14]
"Bangla Desh" – song by George Harrison

Sculpture and Architecture

Sucker'wfp21 war project created by artist Firoz Mahmud which first exhibited at Aichi Triennial 2010 in Nagoya, Japan and other venues and cities including University Art Museum Tokyo and collaborating with Liberation War Museum and EMK Center in Dhaka.
Jatiyo Smriti Soudho (National Monument for Remembrance) in Savar, Dhaka
Swadhinata Stambha (Independence Monument) in Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka
Aparajeyo Bangla (Invincible Bengal) – sculpture in Dhaka University
Shabash Bangladesh (Bravo, Bangladesh) – sculpture in Rajshahi University
Shoparjito Shadhinota (Self Achieved Freedom) – sculpture in Dhaka University
Joy Bangla (Hail Bengal) – sculpture in Chittagong University
Juddho Joy – sculpture in Alekhar Char, Cumilla
Shadhinota Smriti Mural (Independence Memorial Mural) – mural in Chittagong University
Gonohotta 1971 – sculpture at Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Udyan in South Tripura, India

Museums

Liberation War Museum, Dhaka
Shahid Smriti Sangrohoshala (Martyr Memorial Museum), Rajshahi

Digital Archive

Muktijuddho e-Archive

Videogames

Amar Ei Desh
Arunodoyer Agnishikha
Heroes of 71
Sector 71

References

^ ^a ^b ^c Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 427. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 429. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 430. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 428. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.
^ Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 429. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Top 10 films on Indo-Pak conflict". The Times of India. 30 March 2011. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2012.
^ "'Border' director JP Dutta pays tribute to Brig Chandpuri | Chandigarh News". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 December 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
^ "1971: Beyond Borders Review {3.5/5}: The film puts across the message that fighting wars for "borders and orders" robs away so many lives needlessly". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 June 2017.
^ "The thrill lies in being the first person to do something that has not been done before: Mohanlal". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 November 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.
^ "That spy princess!". The Hindu. 3 May 2008. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2018.
^ "Bhuj The Pride of India: Sanjay Dutt, Sharad Kelkar and Sonakshi Sinha join Ajay Devgn's film". The Indian Express. 20 March 2019. Archived from the original on 21 March 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.
^ September on Jessore Road
^ Ismail, Aquila. "A Voice from Pakistan: Of Martyrs and Marigolds". Peace X Peace. Archived from the original on 12 October 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.
^ "Lyrics". Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2007.

[Haq2022p427-1] Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 427. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.

[Haq2022p429-2] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 429. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.

[Haq2022p430-3] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g ^h ⁱ ^j ^k ^l ^m Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 430. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.

[Haq2022p428-4] Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 428. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.

[Indo-Pakistani_war_of_1971_Haq2022p429-5] Haq, Fahmidul (2022). "Cinema of Bangladesh: Absence of 1947 and abundance of 1971". India Review. 21 (3): 429. doi:10.1080/14736489.2022.2086409.

[Indo-Pakistani_war_of_1971_TOI_top10_films-6] "Top 10 films on Indo-Pak conflict". The Times of India. 30 March 2011. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 28 July 2012.

[7] "'Border' director JP Dutta pays tribute to Brig Chandpuri | Chandigarh News". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 15 December 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.

[8] "1971: Beyond Borders Review {3.5/5}: The film puts across the message that fighting wars for "borders and orders" robs away so many lives needlessly". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 June 2017.

[9] "The thrill lies in being the first person to do something that has not been done before: Mohanlal". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 November 2020. Retrieved 16 October 2020.

[10] "That spy princess!". The Hindu. 3 May 2008. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 10 May 2018.

[11] "Bhuj The Pride of India: Sanjay Dutt, Sharad Kelkar and Sonakshi Sinha join Ajay Devgn's film". The Indian Express. 20 March 2019. Archived from the original on 21 March 2019. Retrieved 25 June 2019.

[12] September on Jessore Road

[13] Ismail, Aquila. "A Voice from Pakistan: Of Martyrs and Marigolds". Peace X Peace. Archived from the original on 12 October 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2016.

[14] "Lyrics". Archived from the original on 10 February 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2007.

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