Fifty-four years after Bangladesh achieved independence, veteran freedom fighter Taher Hossain Bhuiyan, widely known by his wartime alias Rustam for his extraordinary bravery, carries a lingering regret—that he did not live to see full justice delivered against the collaborators of the 1971 Liberation War.
Speaking to Dhaka Tribune on the occasion of Victory Day, he reiterated a demand that has defined his life: a Bangladesh completely free of Razakars.
One of the most fearless fighters in Chandpur, Taher earned the name “Rustam,” meaning a valiant warrior, from his comrades.
During the war, he led and fought alongside a unit of around 50 freedom fighters, carrying out resistance operations across the district.
His resolve was hardened by personal tragedy.
In 1971, his elder brother Anwar Hossain Bhuiyan was brutally killed by Pakistani occupation forces with the assistance of local collaborators – Razakars, Al-Badr and Al-Shams members.
The massacre, led by the notorious Bachchu Razakar, claimed 19 lives at Chhoto Sundar Bazar near the Dakatia River in Chandpur Sadar.
From that moment, Rustam became a nightmare for collaborators.
He claims that his unit tried and punished between 700 and 800 Razakars during the war, personally overseeing action against more than 500 of them through wartime operations.
Bhuiyan played a key role in the famed naval commando operation on the Dakatia River, led by Shahjahan.
After receiving training in India, including advanced combat instruction at nearly 12,000 feet above sea level, he returned to Chandpur via Cumilla to intensify resistance.
On December 7, 1971, intelligence suggested Pakistani forces were preparing to flee Chandpur.
Bhuiyan and his comrades swiftly built bunkers at Ichuli Ghat to block their escape.
More than 100 Razakars were captured during this period and subjected to wartime trials.
One of his boldest solo operations involved killing Mohammad Ali, a notorious Razakar from Puratan Bazar who had abducted the parents of a freedom fighter.
The operation was carried out just 50 metres from a Pakistani army camp.
Chandpur was officially liberated on December 8, 1971, when Bangladeshi flag was hoisted across the district.
Bhuiyan maintains that his group served as the advance liberation unit, as no other organized force was present at the time.
Three days later, hundreds of Pakistani troops marched from Chittagong and occupied the Ichuli Ghat bunkers.
Bhuiyan personally negotiated with them until Indian Army officers arrived.
Ultimately, 313 Pakistani soldiers surrendered, including 19 identified Razakars, who were separated for immediate proceedings.
Reflecting on the war, Bhuiyan emphasized that it was never about personal revenge.
“Even after losing my brother, we placed duty above emotion,” he said.
He also recalled the unwavering support of ordinary citizens who sheltered and fed fighters throughout the war.
Despite victory, his pain endures.
“Many true freedom fighters are neglected today,” he said.
“After 54 years, I still want a Razakar-free Bangladesh. That is my final message.”
