'71 Birangona Tepori Rani no more

Tepori Rani, a recognised Birangona of the 1971 Liberation War, has passed away, in Ranishankoil upazila of Thakurgaon.

She died on Tuesday night (May 12) while undergoing treatment at Pirganj Upazila Health Complex. Her death has cast a shadow of grief over Ballidwara village, her ancestral home.

Her funeral was held on Wednesday morning (May 13) in her native village with full state honours. Local administration and police provided a guard of honour as she was laid to rest.

Among those present at the funeral were Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khadija Begum, Ranishankoil Police Station (Investigation) Officer-in-Charge Rafiqul Islam, freedom fighters, and local dignitaries.

According to local accounts, Tepori Rani was just 17 years old during the 1971 Liberation War when she was forcibly taken to a Pakistan Army camp after her father, in a desperate attempt to protect the family, was compelled by circumstances to send her. She was reportedly subjected to months of captivity and abuse during the war.

After independence, she returned home while pregnant and faced deep social stigma and rejection. Despite the hardships, her father stood by her. She later gave birth to a son, Sudhir Barman, though both mother and child continued to endure social discrimination for years.

In 2017, she was officially recognised by the state as a Birangona, bringing national attention to her story of resilience and suffering during the war.

Local freedom fighters said her life would remain a symbol of the immense sacrifices made by women during the Liberation War. Her son said his mother’s sacrifice for the country can never be forgotten.

Authorities said Tepori Rani’s contribution will be remembered with respect by the nation.