Home they brought the hero dead

Matiur Rahman made a heroic attempt to stand by his besieged country in 1971. His patriotism and the urge to fight for the motherland were so overwhelming that he left his wife and two little daughters behind while trying to fly out of Pakistan on his way to Bangladesh. The sense of duty towards the motherland got the better of love and affection for his family. His mission was not fulfilled but that could by no means alter the truth that it was a deed of unparalleled valour. His mission must have greatly inspired the freedom fighters, then taking on the Pakistan army here in Bangladesh.

Many events having great symbolic value took place during the War of Liberation and the way Matiur Rahman laid down his life was certainly one of them. His dream of joining the war was shattered in the sky; but death cannot destroy such souls, it can only glorify them.

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His kith and kin and compatriots have long been demanding that the mortal remains of this freedom fighter be brought back home. It assumed the overtones of a national demand as more and more people began to feel that the hero of 1971, even in death needed to be amidst his own people. Today they will definitely be happy with the historic job done.

The Pakistan government has shown due sensitivity to our demand and agreed to send back the mortal remains of Matiur Rahman for which we thank them. We also appreciate the initiative taken by our government.

Let the hero live in our hearts perpetually; let the posterity know that there was a man who sacrificed his life only because he loved this country and its people.