Kolkata, 7 September (H.S.): Amid long-standing mysteries and historical debates over the role of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a significant book titled “Bangladesh Muktiyuddher Nepathye Netaji?” was launched on Saturday evening at the iconic Coffee House in College Street, Kolkata. The book, authored by Dr. Jayant Choudhury and published by Deep Prakashan, sheds fresh light on Netaji’s lesser-known association with the Bangladesh Liberation War.
The launch event was attended by eminent personalities, including senior journalist and documentary filmmaker Mrinmoy Banerjee, University of Calcutta Principal and Director of the Ashutosh Museum of Indian Art Dr. Deepak Borpanda, founder of Rasbihari Bose Research Bureau Tapan Bhattacharya, and Deep Prakashani CEO Sukanya Mondal. From Bangladesh, Dr. Subrata Ghosh and Dhaka University Registrar Prof. Prabir Kumar Sarkar were present as special guests.
The programme began with the song “Jagao Pathike, O Je Ghume Achetan.” Speakers highlighted several historical episodes, stressing that while Netaji’s role in India’s independence and the Indian National Army is well known, his contribution in the context of Bangladesh’s liberation has remained largely unexplored.
Author Dr. Choudhury claimed that during Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s tenure, several classified files linking Netaji to the Bangladesh Liberation War were deliberately destroyed. He also referred to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s statement that, “Netaji is alive; otherwise, Bangladesh would not have become independent.” Rahman had reportedly promised to elaborate on this in a public rally in Kolkata, but weeks later, during his joint address with Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at Brigade Parade Ground, he refrained from mentioning Netaji altogether.
Presenting evidence from his research, Dr. Choudhury argued that key facts about the Liberation War were deliberately kept hidden. The book delves into these contentious and historical issues, sparking fresh curiosity among Netaji’s admirers and scholars.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
