“I Testify That” is a powerful and moving memoir written by Mohammad Nurul Huda, a survivor of the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence. In this book, Huda shares his personal experiences of the atrocities committed during the war and the emotional and physical trauma he endured as a result.
Huda’s story begins with his childhood in a small village in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) where he grew up with his family. As tensions between East and West Pakistan escalated, Huda became involved in the movement for an independent Bangladesh. He joined the Mukti Bahini, a Bengali guerrilla force fighting against the Pakistani Army.
Throughout the war, Huda witnessed and experienced unimaginable horrors. He was captured by Pakistani soldiers and held as a prisoner of war for several months. During this time, he was tortured, starved, and subjected to other forms of physical and psychological abuse. He also witnessed countless atrocities committed by the Pakistani Army, including the massacre of innocent civilians and the rape and torture of women.
Despite the trauma he endured, Huda never lost his faith in humanity or his commitment to the cause of Bangladesh’s independence. He continued to fight for his country, even after the war ended, and eventually became a successful businessman and community leader in the United States.
“I Testify That” is a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience of the human spirit. Huda’s story is a testament to the strength and courage of the Bangladeshi people and their struggle for freedom and justice. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of Bangladesh and the ongoing fight for human rights and social justice around the world.
I Testify That – Mohammad Nurul Huda
I testify that I am the 7th March, 1971.
Although my genesis is seemingly visible on this mortal earth,
I’m eternally immortal in the realm of time eternal.
My human icon is Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, alive forever.
I testify that Bangabandhu is the Father of Bangali nation;
I testify that he has given a judicious lesson for freedom
Of all nations leading to worldwide human emancipation.
‘Who on this earth wants to live without freedom, who?’
Let free humans of this free world gaze with amazement
At the red-green flag of Bangladesh, the nation-state.
I testify that
Bangabandhu’s historic declaration from the Tower of Freedom on 7th March
Upholds universal proclamation for unchaining humankind on this earth.
I testify that
The struggle of 7th March is the struggle for freedom of all individuals on this earth,
The struggle of 7th March is the struggle for independence of all nation-states.
I testify that
I am an ever-evolving moment renewing time past, present and future;
The tri-partite estuary of the wise ones knowing epochs and spheres;
I am a vibrant icon of all creatures and essence of life in this universe;
I am the cosmic clock of time celestial, ticking and ticking without pause.
I am victory to Bengal – land and people; I am victory to time auspicious.
I am victory to all human beings and ages on this never-ending universe.
Translated by the poet
See more: