Remembering Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi on his 70th Birthday

Today, March 29,

Happy Birthday to our greatest inspiration.

"Does an event have its own destiny? Like a waterfall. When it falls from a high mountain, nothing can stop it. Our people are now rushing at a tremendous speed towards an inevitable change, no one can stop them," said Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi on March 3, 1971. (Source: The Days of '71)

Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi, a name that, when writing the glorious chapters of Bangladesh's history in the annals of time, will unquestionably emerge as an indispensable part. Omitting his name while penning the history of Dhaka, the rebellious capital during '71, is simply inconceivable.

On his birthday, fearless and visionary, Rumi continues to be the deepest affection and reverence in the hearts of the progressive souls of Bangladesh. Over half a century has passed since the timeless courage and love for the progressive people marked the lives of the valiant members of the Crack Platoon, as they journeyed from the dungeons of Pakistan's tyranny to the independence of their beloved motherland. Time may pass, but for the new generations, Shaheed Rumi remains eternally young.

Crack Platoon, the tale of bravery. A chapter that could never be written merely with words in the annals of history. However, from this day forward, Bangladesh was bound to a glorious destiny as these young hearts, with unwavering determination, ventured into the domain of liberty, leaving behind their homes and loved ones.

Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi had once proclaimed, "Even if I perish, do not regret." With that fervor, they left their homes. It might have been their final journey.

These dauntless souls sacrificed their freedom, bearing the torment in the horrifying cells of the Pakistan army, to give the gift of liberty to their beloved motherland. They knew, perhaps, this was their last call.

Rumi's words echo through time, "Even if I perish, do not regret." They bound the sun with their resolve, a resolve never to return without liberty.

Today, we stand on the same earth that they once roamed, the earth that sustains our lives with its bounty. The earth they trod now bears testimony to their unsurpassed legacy.

Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi once said, "Even if I perish, do not regret." They bound the sun with their resolve, a resolve never to return without liberty.

Today, we stand on the same earth that they once roamed, the earth that sustains our lives with its bounty. The earth they trod now bears testimony to their unsurpassed legacy.

Their undying love for this beloved homeland has brought them to this place, this land of sacrifice. Shaheed Rumi and his comrades not only left behind their homes but also their youth. They left a void that was never filled. They gave us independence, they gave us the nation we cherish today.

On this extraordinary occasion, we remember with deepest respect and love Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi and his compatriots of the Crack Platoon who carried our nation's hopes and dreams on their shoulders.

The crack platoon, fearless in the face of adversity, brought about an irreversible change in our history. They traversed valleys, crossed rivers, and dared to confront the gravest of dangers, knowing that they might never return.

Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi said, "Even if I perish, do not regret it." Those words resonate through the corridors of time. Their determination was unwavering. They marched forward, placing the future of Bangladesh above their personal desires.

As we celebrate Rumi's birthday today, we remember his words and the unyielding spirit with which he and his comrades faced the daunting challenges that lay ahead.

The land that once bore witness to their sacrifices continues to thrive, nurturing a nation they helped build. This land is a testament to their enduring legacy.

We owe our independence and our nation to fearless souls like Shaheed Shafi Imam Rumi. Today, we remember and honor him with the deepest love and respect.

Happy Birthday, oh brave one,

Happy Birthday to our greatest inspiration.