Violent Pakistani forces stormed the outskirts of Dhaka this morning. An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people were brutally killed that day. Millions of people’s dreams and love came to an end on this day.
I am talking about such a heartbreaking event today, 49 years later, with the intention of reminding you again. The little girl in the picture is named Madhumita Majumder Mita. She was the first child of Barin Majumder, one of the foremost scholars of classical music in Bangladesh, and his wife, Ila Majumder, a musician-teacher.
In 1971, 10-year-old Madhumita Jinjira fled the area while fleeing with her family from the infernal massacre of Pakistanis. The girl was never found again. It is also one of the countless tragic memories of 1971. On 7 January 1972, a column titled ‘Those who have not returned yet’ was published in Daily Bangla. The column is as follows: ”Madhumita Majumder (Mitu) went missing while fleeing from Shubhadhya village in Jinjira on April 2 at 7 am during a barbaric attack by the Pak army. She is ten years old, her complexion is virescent, and she has a tall, slender body. She studies in KG2. If anyone can take Madhumita Majumdar to the following address, she will be rewarded. During the riots, Madhumita Majumdar was given an alternate name, Farida and her father’s name was Manjur Hossain. Address for sending news: Shri Barin Majumder, Principal, Music College, 28, Segunbagicha, Dhaka-2.“ To date, no one has come to return Madhumita Majumdar to her family. Her name may have been permanently on the missing list. Yet, much of the explanation goes beyond the earthly world. If so, I hope so today after 50 years. Will too much be demanded?
Translation Credit: Our heartiest gratitude goes to Sreemoyee Mazumder, for her wonderful and kind support.