In our contemporary historical past, women’s roles have been widely overlooked, rebuffed, and misconstrued. This is due to the general tendency to think of war only in terms of physical combat and gunshots.

However, Bangladesh’s Independence Movement or any war included the entire nation and hope for freedom. Such wars do not end up fighting solely in war zones, nor are they fought solely with weapons.  

During Bangladesh’s liberation struggle, women were half of the total population. They helped turn the tide through their roles, both directly and indirectly. Many of those who crossed the border into India received counterinsurgency training and started working as soldiers. Others worked as nurses in hospitals and camp areas.  Furthermore, they aided the liberation war by remaining within the home nation and giving food, housing, encouragement, and details to the guerrilla fighters. Along with those who willingly sent their sons to war, lost loved ones, and, worst of all, were sexually exploited, abused. Some of the contributions of women in 1971 are discussed further below: Pushpita Karim writes.

Women in Guerilla Warfare

Many women fought effectively against the Pakistani military coups in the war. Under the chairmanship of many Indian trainers in Kolkata women, freedom fighters received training to take part in the war. Around 300 women were trained in civil defense, nursing, how to use weapons, and so on. Some other 3 sites for women were established in Assam, Tripura, and Meghalaya.  Kakon Bibi, Shiren Banu Mitel, Ashalata, Rawsan Ara, Mehrunnasa, and many more women battled for the country.

Women as Spy

During the war for independence, women and children were used to gathering and transmitting information. They worked as spies against the Pakistani army. Many women used to cook for the camp’s freedom fighters. There, they also served as an informant.

Women as Nurse

Women also worked as doctors and nurses on the field of battle for wounded freedom fighters.  Many other women worked as volunteers to provide medical care to wounded persons in refugee camps.

Women in different work sectors

Many women helped in Bangladesh’s liberation war through their talents. Some women wrote success stories for the newspapers and radio broadcasts to inspire the fighters in the battle. In 1971, patriotic songs broadcasting were very popular among the freedom fighters to fight for their country. The patriotic songs were broadcasted on Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. They have put a lot of contributions as being a singer and or a radio employee and motivator.

Women played a critical role in the war of liberation. Independence from West Pakistan to the new nation Bangladesh would not have been possible without women’s sacrifice and involvement. Without acknowledging the hardships of women, our historical background of the war for independence is imperfect.