Freedom fighter Sakhina Begum passes away

Sakhina, breathed her last around 5 am due to old age complications at Hilchiar Boromaipara in Bajitpur upazila of the district, said her niece Fairunnesa Akter.

According to the family sources, she will be buried after Asr prayers following a namaz-e-janaza at Gurui field in Nikli upazila.

Sakhina, daughter of Sonafar Mia and Dukhi Bibi couple of Guruoi village in Nikli upazila, was one of the most courageous female freedom fighters who killed five Razakars using a machete during the war, according to local freedom fighter commanders.

She received combat training under the local 'Basu Bahini' resistance group and took part in several direct battles against Pakistani forces.

Sakhina’s nephew Matiur Rahman died during an operation to free Nikli upazila from Pakistani and Razakar occupation on October 19, 1971.

Later that month, freedom fighters launched a major attack, leaving many Pakistani soldiers and Razakars dead.

During the assault, Sakhina Begum killed five Razakars by herself, according to accounts from local freedom fighter commanders.

The machete she used in combat is now preserved at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka, with her name, Birangona Sakhina Begum, inscribed on its display plaque.

In recognition of her extraordinary bravery on the battlefield the then-government awarded her a grant of Tk 50,000 in 1998.

Sakhina Begum spent her final days at her maternal aunt’s house in Barmaipara where she passed away, reports UNB.