The passing of the celebrated Freedom Fighter Nuruzzaman Nantu has left the people of Chuadanga, particularly Alamdanga Upazila, in profound grief.
Known for his extraordinary bravery during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, Nantu fought valiantly on the front lines as a frontline warrior, contributing significantly to the nation’s hard-fought independence from Pakistani occupation.
After independence, despite facing personal and political challengesโincluding his involvement in extremist activities in the southwestern region, surrender under government amnesty in 1999, and a long period of imprisonmentโhe eventually returned to civilian life and dedicated himself to positive community development. His resilience and later contributions highlight a remarkable journey of redemption and service to society.
Nantu breathed his last on Wednesday evening at the age of 77 at his residence in Koyradanga village. According to family sources, he had been unwell for the past two weeks. While preparing for ablution (wudu), he fell and sustained a head injury, passing away before he could be taken to the hospital.
He is survived by his wife, one son, and one daughter. His father was the late Sirajul Islam Biswas.
On Thursday morning, a guard of honour was accorded to him at the Nantu Stadium in Koyradangaโwhich he himself established to promote sports and youth activitiesโbefitting his status as a valiant freedom fighter. Following the funeral prayer (janaza), he was laid to rest with full state honours in the family graveyard.
Sheikh Hasina recalls Sir Mark Tullyโs support for 1971 Liberation War
Chittagong University pro-VCโs lies about the 1971 war expose distortion campaign
Jamaat chief goes to Shaheed Minar with war criminal Azhar, faces backlash
Heroic Role In 1971 Liberation War
Nuruzzaman Nantu’s courage during the 1971 Liberation War stands as a shining example of patriotism and sacrifice. A black and white photo of Nantu walking a rural road with a gun and a bag became an icon.
As a frontline fighter, he risked his life in direct combat against the occupying forces, embodying the spirit of bravery that helped liberate Bangladesh. His gallant participation earned him recognition as a Freedom Fighter, and his name is duly listed in official gazettes and records of freedom fighters.
Pioneering Contributions To Local Development
In his later years, Nantu channelled his energy into uplifting his community through visible infrastructure and economic initiatives. Despite his controversial past, locals acknowledge his impactful role in regional progress:
ICT-BD: After ATM Azhar, now death-row convict Bachchu Razakar walks free
Jamaat resists formal apology for 1971 atrocities amid warming ties with Pakistan
1971: Pakistanโs guilt will not go away
– He initiated the establishment of Panhat at Valaipur More in 1997, which has grown into a major bustling business hub.
– He played a key role in launching the Gokulkhali livestock market and fish wholesale market, boosting local trade and livelihoods.
– Most notably, he founded the Koyradanga Nantu Stadium, a vital facility for youth sports, physical fitness, and community gatherings, inspiring generations of young people.
His nephew and former Chairman of Chitla Union Parishad, Abdus Salam Biplob, highlighted that Nantu served as Senior Vice-President of Chitla Union Awami League and made noteworthy contributions to local infrastructure development.
Liberation War researcher and senior journalist Probir Kumar Sarker said that Nuruzzaman Nantu’s life story is one of wartime heroism, personal trials, and eventual dedication to community betterment.
His legacy as a brave freedom fighter who fought for Bangladesh’s independence and later worked tirelessly for local progress will be remembered with respect and admiration by the people of Chuadanga and beyond.