Freedom Fighter Apple Mahmud Had to Prove His Identity as a War Veteran

Staff Correspondent

Among the songs that inspired fighters on the battlefield during the Liberation War of 1971, one of the most iconic was “Mora Ekti Phulke Bachabo Bole Juddho Kori…” The composer and singer of this timeless song, Apple Mahmud, not only contributed through music but also directly participated in the war. He is a renowned Ekushey Padak-winning artist and a patriotic freedom fighter.

Recently, however, a complaint was filed against his identity as a freedom fighter with the National Freedom Fighters Council (JAMUKA). Based on this complaint, JAMUKA summoned him for a hearing, where he successfully proved his identity as a frontline freedom fighter.

The hearing took place yesterday at the Comilla Circuit House, where Apple Mahmud presented evidence of his wartime participation.

JAMUKA’s Director General Shahina Khatun told reporters, “Lyricist Apple Mahmud has successfully proven himself to be a genuine freedom fighter.”

She added, “Since August 5, 2024, 31 complaints were filed from the Comilla district against individuals claiming to be freedom fighters. To verify these claims, two hearing committees were formed, in which Apple Mahmud proved his authentic identity as a freedom fighter.”

The complaint against him was reportedly filed by Monowar Hossain, General Secretary of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kormi Parishad, who challenged Apple Mahmud’s freedom fighter status.

After the hearing, Apple Mahmud told journalists, “I had to prove that I am a freedom fighter while I am still alive. The allegations against me were proven false, and the members of JAMUKA expressed regret for this ordeal.”

He stated, “I fought in Sector 3 under Captain Matiur Rahman’s command in Narsingdi. Later, I joined battles against the Pakistanis at the Bhairab-Ramnagar Bridge under Captain Nasim’s leadership in Ashuganj. During that battle, I sustained injuries near my left eye. Subsequently, I fought in Ashuganj, Habiganj, Chunarughat, Chanpur Tea Estate, and Teliapara Tea Estate. Teliapara was my final battlefront.”

He further mentioned that he was taken to Agartala for treatment and later to Kolkata on May 25 after the establishment of the Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. There, he and Abdul Jabbar were asked to perform for refugees. During that time, he encouraged many artists. From June 1, 1971, until his retirement in 2006, he served at Bangladesh Betar.

Apple Mahmud added, “I have done no harm to Monowar Hossain. I don’t know why he made such a baseless accusation against me. Because of him, I had to endure this humiliation while still alive.”

Present with him at the hearing were his wife Nasreen Mahmud, Ekushey Padak-winning freedom fighter and lyricist Monoranjan Ghoshal, former director of Bangladesh Betar Ashraful Alam, freedom fighter Jahangir Hayat Khan, and freedom fighter Subhash Saha.

Since Apple Mahmud hails from Meghna Upazila in Comilla district, the hearing was held at the Comilla Circuit House. JAMUKA’s Director General Shahina Khatun and a seven-member representative team were present during the hearing.

Notably, Apple Mahmud is celebrated not only for “Mora Ekti Phulke Bachabo Bole Juddho Kori…” but also for other patriotic songs like “Tirhara Ei Dheu-er Sagar Pari Debo Re…” as well as his performances of Rabindra Sangeet, Lalon Geeti, mass songs, and modern music. He was awarded the Ekushey Padak in 2005 for his exceptional contributions to the music industry.