Sakhina Begum, a decorated female freedom fighter known for killing five Razakars during Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, has passed away at the age of 93. She died early Tuesday morning at the home of her niece in the village of Boro Maipara, Hilchia Union, Bajitpur upazila.

The news was confirmed by Hilchia Union Parishad Chairman Mazharul Haque Nahid.

Born in the remote haor region of Gurui village under Nikli upazila in Kishoreganj, Sakhina Begum lived a life of quiet courage and extraordinary resilience. She lost her husband, Kitab Ali, before the war and had no children. With no one to care for her in her native village, she spent the last four decades living with her niece, Fairunnesa Akhter, in Bajitpur.

“She had been living in our neighborhood for about 40 years,” said Niaz Mamun Rahman Puton, President of Hilchia Union BNP. “As a child, I remember her telling us stories about the Liberation War. She was a recognized war hero and an inspiration to us all.”

According to accounts, Sakhina’s involvement in the war deepened after her nephew Motiur Rahman was killed by Pakistani forces and their collaborators. Fueled by grief and a desire for justice, she joined the resistance efforts. Initially working as a cook at a local Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters’) camp led by the Bosu Bahini in the Gurui area, she also gathered intelligence on the movement of Pakistani troops and Razakars.

At one point during the war, she was captured by enemy forces but managed to escape. During her escape, she took a sharp da (traditional machete) with her — a weapon she would later use to kill five Razakars in Nikli. This act of defiance cemented her legacy in the Liberation War. The very da she used is now preserved at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka.

“She was a true warrior — brave, determined, and selfless,” said Gurui Union Chairman Md. Tota Mia. “It’s tragic that someone of her stature lived her final years without much attention or care. But today, we remember her as a national hero.”

Sakhina Begum will be laid to rest Tuesday after Asr prayers at her family graveyard beside the Shahi Mosque in Gurui village, following a funeral prayer at the local Eidgah.

Her passing marks the end of a remarkable life — one that reflects the often-unspoken heroism of many women in Bangladesh’s struggle for independence.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, the country’s premier institution for arts and culture, has turned into a hub of administrative chaos, financial corruption, and discrimination. A press conference was held today to protest against the neglect of artists, budgetary misconduct, and administrative corruption.

At the conference, filmmaker and instructor Razibul Hossain revealed that the 12-day filmmaking workshop in Rajshahi last February was riddled with extreme mismanagement and financial irregularities. Due to a lack of transparency in budget allocation, students were deprived of basic necessities, and their filmmaking process was severely hindered.

Allegations of Corruption and Embezzlement

Officials misappropriated funds allocated for the workshop for personal gain.

There was severe budgetary discrimination between drama and film workshops. While drama workshop participants received full benefits, filmmaking students were denied their promised meals and allowances, or received them after long delays.

There was a lack of transparency in paying instructors. The honorariums for different workshops within the same institution were arbitrarily set.

Razibul Hossain stated, “For the 12-day workshop, I was offered less than half of my due honorarium, yet for a one-day workshop in Chattogram under the same institution, I was paid twice as much! What is the basis of this discrimination? Are instructors’ fees dependent on the whims of senior officials?”

Extreme Neglect Toward Artists and Scholars

Artists, researchers, and filmmakers form the backbone of culture, yet Shilpakala Academy’s administration has continuously displayed utter neglect and disrespect toward them.

Funds allocated for filmmaking have been withheld, while drama workshops faced no such issues.

Students have been deprived of their promised benefits.

Bureaucratic misconduct against artists and scholars has become a norm rather than an exception.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Mohammad Warez Hossain, claimed, “No corruption has taken place at Shilpakala Academy in the last six months.” However, the reality tells a different story.

Where did the workshop budget go?

Why was there budget discrimination between drama and film training?

Why was there a lack of transparency in determining instructors’ honorariums?

Furthermore, Shilpakala Academy’s administrative officials favor their own associates through nepotism, sidelining genuine artists and researchers. As a result, deserving talents are being denied opportunities.

“Bibeker Dam” Premiere & Protest

Following the press conference, a special screening of the short film “Bibeker Dam,” created by the workshop students, was held.

The film reflects the students’ real-life experiences and exposes societal injustices. Journalists, cultural activists, and filmmakers attended the screening and called for a united stand against Shilpakala Academy’s misconduct.

Call for Immediate Investigation and Reforms

Speakers at the press conference emphasized, “Corruption and discrimination in the arts cannot continue. The rights of artists, students, and researchers must be upheld. Responsible officials must be held accountable.”

We urge the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and relevant authorities to:

Immediately investigate and ensure transparency in Shilpakala Academy’s financial management.

Eliminate discrimination against students and provide them with their rightful allowances and benefits.

Ensure fair compensation and respect for instructors.

Prioritize true talent over favoritism in supporting artists, researchers, and filmmakers.

Corruption in the name of arts and culture must end. The press conference concluded with a call for all cultural enthusiasts to unite in ensuring the rightful recognition of artists and students.

DHS Autos Limited, the official distributor of Changan Automobiles in Bangladesh, has announced the launch of the Deepal S07 and L07 models, marking Changan’s commitment to expanding its electric vehicle (EV) lineup in the country.

The unveiling event took place at Purbachal in Dhaka and was attended by DHS Autos CEO Imran Zaman Khan, General Manager Arman Rashid, Head of Sales Farhan Samad, and members of the Dhaka automotive community. Young entrepreneurs, including Salauddin Chowdhury, Maksuda Chowdhury, and many others from the new generation, also participated in this grand event to witness the introduction of these cutting-edge EVs.

The Deepal S07, a mid-size SUV, is manufactured by Changan’s EV subsidiary, Deepal. Designed in Turin, Italy, by a multinational team with experience at leading European and Japanese automotive brands, the S07 features a sleek, yacht-inspired exterior and a lavish interior. Equipped with a smart infotainment system, intelligent cabin controls, integral seating, and ample space, the vehicle offers both comfort and luxury.

DHS Autos CEO Imran Zaman Khan highlighted that the Deepal L07, a mid-sized sedan designed by the same award-winning team, boasts an eye-catching exterior and an equally luxurious interior. With a more powerful motor, the L07 is expected to attract performance enthusiasts looking for an electrifying driving experience.

To ensure customer satisfaction, DHS Autos is offering extensive after-sales support, including roadside assistance and an industry-leading warranty package that provides up to eight years of coverage on the EV battery and motor.

With the launch of the Deepal S07 and L07, Bangladeshi consumers now have access to state-of-the-art electric vehicles that combine innovative technology with modern design, aligning with the government’s vision for environmentally friendly transportation.