Pritilata Waddedar remembered on 94th death anniversary

The 94th death anniversary of Pritilata Waddedar, a prominent revolutionary of the anti-British independence movement and one of the first women martyrs of the struggle, is being observed today (September 24).

Born on May 5, 1911, in Dhalghat union of Patiya in Chattogram, Pritilata was the daughter of Jagabandhu Waddedar, a head clerk at the Chattogram Municipal Office, and Pratibha Devi.

She excelled academically, passing her matriculation from Dr Khastagir Government Girls’ High School in Chattogram in 1927. She later studied at Eden Mohila College in Dhaka and became involved in revolutionary activities. In 1929, she secured fifth place in the combined merit list and ranked first among female candidates in the IA examination under the University of Dhaka.

Pritilata later graduated in philosophy from Bethune College in Kolkata. After completing her studies, she became headmistress of Nandankanan Girls’ High School in Chattogram while remaining involved in the anti-British movement. She also played a role in organising and training women revolutionaries.

On September 24, 1932, Pritilata led an armed attack on the Pahartali European Club in Chattogram, a key operation carried out by revolutionaries led by Masterda Surya Sen. She was wounded by British police gunfire while retreating from the site.

Facing the prospect of arrest, the 21-year-old revolutionary took cyanide and died rather than being captured.

Pritilata’s sacrifice became a notable chapter in the history of the anti-colonial struggle. She continues to be remembered for her leadership and role in the revolutionary movement, with memorial programmes held each year on September 24.