Bir Uttam Khwaja Nizamuddin Bhuyan
The year 2021 will mark 50 years since 22-year-old Bir Uttam Shaheed Khwaja Nizamuddin Bhuyan was killed by the Pakistani forces in the 1971 War of Independence of Bangladesh. Shaheed Khwaja Nizamuddin Bhuyan was a sub-sector commander in that war and died in direct combat. He decided to leave the comforts of his everyday life and begin fighting for the nation, and thus he became one of the greatest heroes of Bengali people.
Bangladesh government honored Khwaja Nizamuddin Bhuyan with prestigious titles, and a highway and main road were named after him, as are memorials and educational institutions. While all this recognition is important, what is more important is to keep his memories alive, and to continue to build a Bangladesh that he would have been proud of. Bir Uttam Shaheed Khwaja Nizamuddin Bhuyan was one of many selfless heroes and heroines to die for this country who made their ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
Professor Nafeesa Jalal (Misty)
Toronto, Canada
