Motiur Rahman Rentu
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Matiur Rahman Rentu was a Bangladeshi freedom fighter in the Bangladesh Liberation War and a writer. He has been widely discussed for his book Amar Fashi Chai (I Want to be Hanged), which vehemently criticised former prime minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, during who's rule the book was banned.[1]
Early life
[edit]Rentu was the son of Abdul Bari from Muksudpur Upazila in Gopalganj on 1954. He fought in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971 as a freedom fighter of the Mukti Bahini. His contributions as a freedom fighter are recognized, which is evidenced by the inclusion of his name in official documents and a rare certificate awarded by the Government of India. He maintained close working relationships with Awami League Chairperson Sheikh Hasina from 1981 to 1997.[2] and was her colleague and adviser.[3]
Notable works
[edit]In 1999, the book I Want To Be Hanged was published, after which it was banned by the Awami League government.[4] Following the ban, there were attempts to assassinate Matiur Rahman. On June 20, 2000, at around 3:30 PM, he was shot at his residence on 9 No. BK Das Road. He sustained four bullet wounds in the attack but was able to survive.
The incident significantly changed Matiur Rahman Rentu's life, leading him to write another book titled The Prime Minister of the Hidden Assassins, where he details the assassination attempt on him. In this book, he shares various experiences from his life and his political perspectives, providing insight into the turbulent political climate of Bangladesh during that period.
In 2003, Matiur Rahman Rentu left Bangladesh with his wife and two daughters. After spending a year in various countries across Europe, he settled permanently in Paris. This move was part of his efforts to escape the political turmoil and threats he faced in Bangladesh.
Death
[edit]Matiur Rahman Rentu passed away at the age of 53 on November 10, 2007, in Paris after battling lung cancer. He was laid to rest in Paris.[5]
Discussion
[edit]Matiur Rahman Rentu's life and work are considered an inseparable part of Bangladesh's political history. His writings have been disseminated in various countries and have significantly contributed to discussions surrounding contemporary politics and history in Bangladesh.[6] He was a complex and multifaceted personality who took on various roles, from freedom fighter to controversial writer.
His books became very popular after the fall of Sheikh Hasina following the 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement and Non-cooperation movement (2024) (collectively known as the July Revolution of Bangladesh, gaining many positive reviews.[7]
Writings
[edit]- Amar Fashi Chai (I Want To Be Hanged) (26 March 1999)[8]
- Ontorale Hotyakari Prodhanmontri (The Prime Minister of the Hidden Assassins) (16 December 2003)
References
[edit]- ^ "রানুর মাইক বন্ধ ৬ বার". বিডিনিউজ২৪. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ Bangladesh Under Awami Tyranny. Writers Republic LLC. 28 January 2022. p. 219. ISBN 978-1-64620-894-4. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "পাবনার রায় নিয়ে কাদের-ফখরুল পাল্টাপাল্টি". বিডিনিউজ২৪. 4 June 2019. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "বাঙালি কি আসলেই 'মিডিওকার' জাতি!". আমাদের সময়. 4 February 2023. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "Controversial author of 'Amar Fashi Chai' dies in Paris". বিডিনিউজ২৪. 10 November 2007. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ India’s Hegemonic Design in Bangladesh (in Arabic). Writers Republic LLC. 25 February 2021. p. ১৩১. ISBN 978-1-63728-158-1. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
- ^ "Banned books that have made a comeback". The Business Standard. 2024-09-13. Retrieved 2024-10-01.
- ^ Bangladesh: Social Media Outcries Against the Awami Fascism (in Bengali). Writers Republic. 31 October 2022. p. ৪৬৭. ISBN 979-8-88536-826-1. Retrieved 6 September 2024.