The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE mortal remains of the great hero of the Liberation War Bir Shreshtha Sipahi Hamidur Rahman arrived yesterday from India. He will be laid to rest today with full state honour at the Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals' Graveyard in Dhaka beside the grave of another hero, Bir Shreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman. The arrival of Hamidur Rahman's coffin will be heralded with a 21-gun salute. The President of the People's Republic of Bangladesh and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces will receive the coffin formally at the National Parade Ground in the city before the namaz-e-janaza. Floral wreaths will be placed on the coffin on behalf of the state and the government.

Hamidur Rahman embraced martyrdom at the age of 36 at a battle against the Pakistani occupation forces at Dholai valley near Kamalganj in Moulvibazar district on August 28, 1971. He was buried in a village in the Indian state of Tripura. It is after another 36 years that the remains of this valiant son of the soil has been brought to the independent country for which he made the supreme sacrifice. Hamidur Rahman laid down his life so that the people of Bangladesh as an independent nation can live with honour and dignity in the comity of nations of the world. A grateful nation showed its respect to him by honouring him with the highest gallantry award 'Bir Shreshtha' meaning the Great Hero. Hamidur Rahman is one of the seven heroes who were awarded the highest honour.

The people of Bangladesh have profound love and respect for the heroes. Though more than three and a half decades have passed before the remains of Hamidur Rahman could be brought to Bangladesh, the people are happy to get the remains of their dear hero back to the soil. Before this the remains of another hero, Bir Shreshtha Matiur was brought back from Pakistan and buried at the same ground. Now, this great occasion of bringing Hamidur to the country will add to the sense of pride of the nation.

Hamidur Rahman made the highest contribution a man or woman can ever make for the cause of his/her nation. He will remain a model of love for the country and selfless sacrifice. His sacrifice will remain a source of inspiration for the coming generations and help illumine the future course of the nation. The young generation will draw lessons from the unmatched patriotism and self-sacrifice of Hamidur Rahman. It is hoped that the example he set before the nation will remain a strong source of courage and bravery for the nation in its struggles for maintaining independence and sovereignty, strengthening democracy and achieving economic emancipation in the days to come.