Shaheed Rumi: Like Our Ancestors, the Immortal Torchbearers of Patriotism

Mrinmoy Sen

The Liberation War of 1971 is a golden chapter in Bangladesh’s history, where countless young men sacrificed their dreams, futures, and personal happiness to fight for the independence of their motherland. Among these young heroes was a shining star—Shafi Imam Rumi, the eldest son of Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam and a fearless guerrilla fighter of the Crack Platoon. Rumi’s life, sacrifice, and patriotism remain a source of inspiration for every Bengali. His story is not just a tale for the youth but a living lesson—a teaching on dedicating oneself to the nation.

Rumi’s Childhood and Education: The Rise of a Brilliant Young Man
Shafi Imam Rumi was born on March 29, 1951, in Dhaka, into an aristocratic family. His father, Sharif Imam, was an engineer, and his mother, Jahanara Imam, was an educator and writer. Rumi was named after the great poet Jalaluddin Rumi, with the hope that he would one day become a wise philosopher. From childhood, Rumi was a bookworm, intelligent, and outspoken. He began his education at a kindergarten in Azimpur and later studied at Adamjee Cantonment College. In 1968, he secured the third position in the Matriculation examination under the Pakistan Education Board. In 1971, after passing his Higher Secondary exams, he received an opportunity to study at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in the USA. But in this critical moment for his country, he abandoned his career dreams and plunged into the Liberation War. This decision transformed Rumi from an ordinary young man into an extraordinary hero.

Rumi’s Journey in the Liberation War: The Valor of the Crack Platoon
When the brutal oppression of the Pakistani army began in March 1971, the fire of patriotism ignited in Rumi’s heart. He tried to convince his parents to let him join the war. On April 19, he persuaded his mother, Jahanara Imam, and made his first attempt to cross the border on May 2, though adverse conditions forced him to return. On his second attempt, he succeeded and received guerrilla training in Melaghar under Sector-2, led by Major Khaled Mosharraf and ATM Haider. After training, Rumi returned to Dhaka and joined the Crack Platoon, a legendary guerrilla unit that carried out daring operations against the Pakistani army in the heart of Dhaka.

The Crack Platoon was a legendary guerrilla group that terrorized the Pakistani army with “hit-and-run” tactics. Rumi was a fearless member of this team. He participated in crucial operations such as the Siddhirganj Power Station, Ganiz Petrol Pump, Ullan Power Station, Jatrabari Power Station, and the Dhanmondi Road operation. Particularly remarkable was the operation on Dhanmondi Road on August 25, 1971, where several Pakistani soldiers were killed by Rumi and his comrades. While escaping, when a Pakistani military jeep chased them, Rumi smashed the rear window with the butt of his Sten gun and fired, causing the jeep to overturn and saving his entire team. This incident showcased Rumi’s immense courage and quick decision-making skills. His comrade-in-arms, Habibul Alam Bir Protik, once said:

“It doesn’t matter how many operations a freedom fighter has participated in. What matters is if he can succeed in one operation with courage and bravery. Rumi displayed extraordinary bravery in Dhaka’s operations.”

The Ultimate Sacrifice of Shaheed Rumi
On the night of August 29, 1971, Rumi was at his home. The Pakistani army, acting on secret intelligence, arrested him, his father Sharif Imam, and his younger brother Saif Imam Jami that night. They were brutally tortured in the Tejgaon Nakhalpara military torture cell. During interrogation, Rumi urged his family to deny any involvement in the war and took full responsibility himself. He said, *”The Pakistani forces know about my actions; I will take full responsibility.”* Even under extreme torture, he never revealed the names of his comrades. After August 30, Rumi, along with his comrade Badrul Alam, Jewel, and others, was never seen again. It is believed that the Pakistani army killed him and disposed of his body. Through this sacrifice, Rumi became immortal in the history of the Liberation War. After independence, he was posthumously awarded the title of Bir Bikrom.

Rumi’s Patriotism: A Lesson for the Youth
From Rumi’s life, we learn the true meaning of patriotism. He gave up a bright future, turned down the opportunity to study in America, and chose to fight for his country. His mother, Jahanara Imam, while permitting him to go to war, told him, *”I am sacrificing you for the country, go and fight.”* Rumi replied, *”There’s a saying, ‘The ocean is seen in a drop,’ right Amma? Maybe I haven’t lived a full life like you, but I have tasted all the sweetness and bitterness of life in this short time. If I leave now, I will have no regrets.”* These words reflect Rumi’s philosophy of life—he experienced all of life’s joys and sorrows by dedicating himself to his country.

Rumi’s sacrifice teaches today’s youth that patriotism is not confined to words—it is expressed through action. He showed us that to serve the nation, one must set aside personal interests and strive for a greater cause. Rumi’s life is a beacon for today’s youth. It compels us to ask: What are we doing for our country? Are we fulfilling our responsibilities for the nation’s progress and societal welfare?

The Son of Shaheed Janani Jahanara Imam
Even after her son’s martyrdom, Rumi’s mother, Jahanara Imam, did not break down. She worked to preserve the spirit of the Liberation War and led the movement demanding the trial of war criminals. Her famous book, “Ekattorer Dinguli” (Days of ’71), is a memoir of Rumi’s life and the Liberation War. In this book, Rumi’s patriotism, courage, and sacrifice are portrayed with deep emotion. Through Rumi’s martyrdom, Jahanara Imam became known as “Shaheed Janani” (Mother of Martyrs). She was not just Rumi’s mother—she became the mother of all freedom fighters.

A Call to the Youth
Shafi Imam Rumi teaches us that patriotism is not a luxury—it is a duty. Today’s youth, busy with their careers, dreams, and personal goals, must remember that our freedom came at the cost of countless young lives. It is our responsibility to uphold the dignity of this independence, work for the nation’s development, and fulfill our obligations to society. Like Rumi, we must find purpose in our lives and pledge to contribute to our country.

Rumi taught us that life’s value is fulfilled only when it is dedicated to the welfare of the nation. His life poses a question to us: Are we ready to make sacrifices like Rumi for our country? Let us, inspired by Rumi’s ideals, pledge to work with our utmost dedication to make our beloved Bangladesh more developed, prosperous, and dignified. May the sacrifice of Shaheed Rumi remain eternally alive in our hearts and guide us on the path of patriotism.

Tribute to Shaheed Rumi, who brightened our flag of independence with his blood.

Below is a letter written on June 16, 1971, by Shafi Imam Rumi, a guerrilla fighter of the Crack Platoon, to his uncle Syed Mustafa Kamal Pasha.

Agartala
June 16, ‘71

Dearest Pasha Mama,

Don’t be surprised! It was written and has come to pass. And after you read this letter, destroy it. Don’t try to write to Amma about this letter. It will put them in danger.

This is a hurried letter. I don’t have much time. I have to leave tomorrow for my base camp.

We are fighting a just war. We shall win. Pray for us all. I don’t know what to write … there is so much to write about. But every tale of atrocity you hear, every picture of terrible destruction that you see is true. They have torn into us with a savagery unparalleled in human history. And sure as Newton was right, so shall we too tear into them with like ferocity. Already our war is far advanced. When the monsoons come we shall intensify our operation.

I don’t know when I shall write again. Please don’t write to me. And do your best for SHONAR BANGLA.

Bye for now.

With love and regards
Rumi