Living for freedom - anti-British freedom fighter Benode Bihari Chowdhury
Living for freedom Nearing his centenary, anti-British freedom fighter Benode Bihari Chowdhury shares harrowing stories of guerrilla warfare with Faizul Khan Tanim and warns ‘I’m not dying so easily’ photo by Momena Jalil On his 98th birthday Benode Bihari Chowdhury is still going strong. Sitting on his bed, the smiling anti-British freedom fighting veteran Benode Bihari Chowdhury was waiting for this interview. Even at this age, he did not seem tired or worn out but rather walked outside without an aide or even a walking stick. His memory is incredibly accurate — he remembers all dates and his major battles with the British and can narrate gripping personal stories. Amongst his contemporaries in the movement against the British, he is the only one still alive and living in Bangladesh. When asked about any resolutions to mark his 98th birthday, his reply was, ‘I’m not dying so easily. I would not be leaving you people without hitting a century and there is still work to be done.’ ‘I n...