A Refugee’s Journey

Contained within the pages of this book lies the narrative as perceived by an 11-year-old refugee amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide and Liberation War. This cataclysmic event marked the most profound chapter of our existence, engulfing my family and me in despair and uncertainty. The spectre of death loomed ominously, accompanied by the relentless fear of being pursued like prey, all underscored by an unwavering resolve to flee the horrors of the conflict. The Bangladesh Liberation War is the defining epoch of our lives, altering our trajectories in ways beyond measure. Over 53 years, from 1971 to 2024, I have carried the weight of this harrowing tale, a relentless nightmare etched deep within my consciousness, an inferno of anguish and untold suffering. The memories of those tumultuous days continue to flicker across the canvas of my mind, each recollection serving as a stark reminder of the arduous journey endured. Though fleeting in duration, those moments encapsulated the most trying period not only in my own life but also in the collective narrative of the Bengali nation. I fervently wish that such a time of turmoil never befalls another child of my age in any corner of the world. The deluge of despair stripped away every vestige of hope and comfort, leaving behind only a primal instinct for survival and an unwavering determination to transcend the horrors of war.