The book is a memoir focusing on activities of the author in one particular year that is considered to be the most crucial in the history of Bangladesh: 1971. Monzurul Huq, a journalist from Bangladesh and a past president of the Club, joined the liberation war of Bangladesh in his late teens as a guerilla fighter. Political turmoil eventually triggered the start of liberation war. A quick unfolding of events dragged many of the youths to the political realm of the time and many of them joined the rank of freedom fighters with the dream of liberating their motherland from the grip of military occupation by West Pakistan.
Starting with a brief background of events leading to the armed struggle for liberation of Bangladesh, the memoir narrows its focus to recount what the author and his fellow freedom fighters were doing as members of the irregular auxiliary force that eventually marched forward with the help of the Indian army to liberate the capital city of Dhaka in mid-December of the same year. Witnessing the birth of a nation, a process that claimed the sacrifice of three million souls within a short period of nine months, is a bitter-sweet memory that the author is now sharing with readers from different corners of the world. Unlike a previous volume published three years ago that the author described as a semi-fictional memoir, the new book focuses more on what had been happening in reality and what role the author played in the unfolding of events in 1971, the most significant year for the country and its people.
The author will speak and answer questions.
Doors open at 5:45 pm with a casual “meet the author/cocktail time” from 6:00 pm. Dinner will be served from 6:30 pm and the talk begins at 7:15 pm.
The menu is Grilled Chicken and Romaine Lettuce, Sautéed Salmon with Cranberry and Tamarind Condiment and Cumin-flavored Pumpkin Sauce, Bread, Today's Dessert, Coffee or Tea, and One beverage of choice (orange juice, oolong tea, red or white wine, beer). A vegetarian option is available. Please inform the club of food restrictions when reserving (front@fccj.or.jp). Price: 3,000 yen for members, 4,000 yen for non-members.
The member reservation deadline is 2 pm July 18, non-members must reserve and pay by Tuesday, July 15, 2025.
Online attendance (Zoom) is available by reservation at 550 yen per person.
No cancellations after Tuesday, July 15.
(The talk will be in English)
Library, Archives & Workroom Committee