A Biography of Jahanara Imam

Introduction

April 24, 1992. In a small house on Road No. 15, Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Jahanara Imam lay sleeping alone. It was nearly 2:30 AM. Suddenly, the telephone rang, jolting her awake. Who could it be at this hour? She reached out and picked up the receiver.

From the other end came a harsh, whispering voice — “Are you listening, old woman? Stop your people’s court. Otherwise, you will be cut into pieces. Your son Rumi is already dead; now we will send you after him.”

Jahanara Imam opened her eyes. In the darkness, moonlight fell on Rumi’s photograph through the window gap. In a steady voice, she replied: “My son is a martyr. Those you work for will also die one day. But I am Rumi’s mother. Even if I die, my writings will not die. Now hang up the phone — it’s my sleeping time.”

She put down the phone. But sleep did not come. She got up, turned on the living room light, opened the diary lying on the table, and began to write: “Tonight I received another threat. Rumi, you may be listening. Your mother is not afraid. The more they call, the louder I will convene the people’s court. Stay by my side.”

This incident was merely the beginning of the most thrilling and dangerous chapter of Jahanara Imam’s life. The people’s court she convened shook not only Bangladesh but the entire world. But behind this people’s court lay a mother’s unbearable pain, her son’s blood-stained letters, and the horrifying memories of 1971, whose seeds had been planted much earlier.

We will now return to Jahanara Imam’s childhood. Then, step by step, we will traverse her struggles, her love, her diary, her people’s court, and finally the story of her death and immortality. By reading this biography divided into 28 chapters, you will learn why Jahanara Imam is not just a writer, but the mother of a nation, the architect of a revolutionary movement, and a symbol of unfinished justice.

At a Glance — Life of Jahanara Imam

Information	Details	Special Note
Full Name	Jahanara Imam	Better known as ‘Martyr’s Mother’; nickname ‘Jahanara’ or  ‘Jahanara Apa’
Birth	May 3, 1929, Murshidabad, Bengal Presidency, British India  (now West Bengal, India)	Born in British India in the early 20th century; daughter of a  physician family; exact time of birth unknown
Death	June 26, 1994, Boardman Hospital, Michigan, USA	Died of colon cancer; age 65; was with son Shafi Imam at the  time of death
Father	Dr. Mohammad Sadat Ali	Physician; liberal-minded; treated poor village patients for  free; encouraged Jahanara’s literary pursuits
Mother	Hamida Begum	Homemaker; religious and literary-minded; made Jahanara  interested in English and Bengali literature
Husband	Sharif Imam	Engineer; calm and rational; silent supporter of Jahanara’s  writing and activism; died in 1988
Children	Two sons — Rafiqul Islam (Rumi) and Shafiqul Islam (Shafi)	Rumi was martyred in the Liberation War of 1971; Shafi is a  physician (practicing in the USA)
Profession	Teacher, Writer, Essayist, Activist, Founder of People’s Court	Multi-dimensional personality; spent most of her life in  teaching
Education	Primary: local school in Murshidabad; Matriculation: Lady  Brabourne College, Calcutta; Higher Education: MA in Bengali Literature  (Dhaka University)	Higher education in British India and East Pakistan;  meritorious student of Dhaka University
Religion	Islam	Believed in religious values but never narrow-minded;  displayed humanist perspective
Mother Tongue	Bengali	Could speak English, Urdu, and Hindi fluently; was a reader of  English literature
Main Workplace	Siddheswari Girls’ High School, Dhaka (Head Teacher)	Long service as teacher and educator; introduced ‘Liberation  War Corner’ at the school
Notable Literary Works	‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ (1986) — diary based on Bangladesh’s  Liberation War; ‘Bicharer Name Gonoadalot’ (1993) — document of the people’s  court movement; other essays and columns	‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ translated into many languages; preserved  in UN Human Rights Commission; her most discussed book
Highest Recognition	Independence Award (1997, posthumous) — Bangladesh’s highest  civilian honor	Refused Ekushey Padak and other awards during her lifetime;  rejected Sahitya Akademi Award (1993)
Greatest Controversy	Formation of People’s Court (1992-1993) for trial of war  criminals of 1971 — faced fierce opposition from the then government and  Jamaat-Shibir alliance; labeled ‘mad’ and ‘troublemaker’	Her movement later paved the way for formation of war crimes  tribunal; controversy remains even after her death
Predecessor (in movement)	Dr. Mohammad Sadat Ali and Hamida Begum (parents) — humanist  values and love for learning	Grew up as a protester and writer from family ideology
Successor (in movement)	Shafi Imam and Rumi Imam (sons); Rumi Imam martyred; Shafi  Imam works to preserve his mother’s documents and ideals	Shafi Imam currently runs the Jahanara Imam Foundation
Number of Published Books	More than 5 (diary, essay collection, unpublished manuscripts)	Most writings scattered in newspapers and periodicals;  complete books fewer, but ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ is groundbreaking
Family Legacy	Son Shafi Imam (physician), daughter-in-law, grandchildren  working abroad	Current generation carries the spirit of Liberation War and  Jahanara Imam’s ideals
Burial Site	Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard, Dhaka, Bangladesh	Buried with state honors; memorial meeting held there every  year on June 26
First Published Writing	Columns and essays in various newspapers before ‘Ekattorer  Dinguli’; first major book in 1986	Started writing in newspapers from late 1970s; began diary  writing in 1971
Other Important Information	Never joined any political party; did not accept Independence  Award (son accepted after her death); faced many threats and attacks during  lifetime; final life spent battling cancer	Faced arrest multiple times for the People’s Court movement;  first woman in Bangladesh’s history to refuse the country’s highest award  (Sahitya Akademi Award, 1993)

Birth and Lineage (1929)

May 3, 1929. Murshidabad district, Bengal Presidency, British India. Although the marks of the zamindari system still lingered, one house was different — the home of Dr. Mohammad Sadat Ali.

He was one of the most popular physicians of Murshidabad at that time. He treated patients for free, rushing from village to village. His wife, Hamida Begum — though a homemaker — was an extraordinary lover of literature, fluent in both English and Bengali.

The daughter of this couple was Jahanara. Her grandfather named her. The name means — ‘ornament of the world’. From childhood, Jahanara was intelligent, not restless but thoughtful. Her father wanted his daughter to study — not just for a degree, but to build herself. He believed that the pen was more powerful than the weapon. This teaching has become history today.

Jahanara’s grandfather was a zamindar. But he respected both Christian and Islamic faiths. The family library contained works of Rabindranath, Nazrul, Bankim, Darwin, Marx, and many more. At just eight years old, Jahanara had read ‘Bisher Banshi’ (The Poison Flute). Her father did not scold her; instead, he said — “Read to understand, not to memorize.”

Once, when a fire broke out in the Hindu neighborhood of the village, Jahanara’s father treated the injured all night without any payment, without considering religion. Young Jahanara asked — “Father, they are not of our faith?” Her father replied — “My child, disease has no religion, the country has no religion. There are only humans. Only patients. That is true religion.” From that day, Jahanara learned — humanity is above all.

Stories in Mother’s Lap, History in Father’s Library (1930-1940)

Jahanara’s mother, Hamida Begum, told her stories from the Bible, the Quran, and the Gita — not with bigotry, but with moral education. Once, Jahanara asked — “Mother, which among so many religions is true?” Hamida Begum smiled and replied — “The one that makes a person humane. The one that erases differences.”

Jahanara spent hours in her father’s library. One day, she found a volume of history — the story of India’s independence struggle. Reading about the Chittagong Armoury Raid, she was so moved that she wrote in her diary that day: “When I grow up, I want to do something for my country. Perhaps through writing.” Those small diary pages would one day become ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ (Days of ’71) .

Many intellectuals, poets, and littérateurs visited their home. Listening to their discussions, Jahanara’s mind gained depth. She learned to understand — Pakistan was created, but Bengalis were not citizens there; they were colonized. This realization later helped her write the true history of the Liberation War.

School Life (1940-1944)

Jahanara first enrolled in a local girls’ school in Murshidabad. Her teacher, Sukumari Devi, was strict but affectionate. She once organized an essay competition in class — ‘My Dream Country’ . Jahanara wrote: “In my dream country, all girls go to school, everyone is equal, no one oppresses another.” That essay won first prize.

In the eighth grade, she wrote her first story — ‘Lost Days’ . The story was about a sister who sends her younger brother to war. Reading it, Teacher Sukumari wept. She told Jahanara — “You will become a great writer one day. But that day, your writing will not make people cry; it will awaken them.” That prophecy came true in 1971.

Once, when Jahanara went to school despite being ill and still paid attention, her father said — “You could have stayed home today.” Jahanara replied — “No, father, to build my dream country, I must finish my studies.” Her father was amazed.

First Taste of the City, Depth of Literature (1944-1947)

After passing matriculation, Jahanara enrolled in Lady Brabourne College in Calcutta. At that time, Calcutta was the cultural capital of Bengalis. Jahanara took Honours in Literature. Her professor, Manjushree Sen, was exceptionally sharp. Once, after reading Jahanara’s story, she said — “The pain in your writing will either make you a great writer or drive you mad.” Jahanara laughed. But that very pain later made her the ‘Martyr’s Mother’ .

During her time at Lady Brabourne, Jahanara became skilled in recitation, drama, and Rabindranath dance. Once, during the annual function, she twisted her ankle while dancing but did not stop. After the event, her professor embraced her — “Jahanara, you have learned to conquer pain. That is the greatest lesson.” In later life, when her son Rumi was martyred, this lesson kept her standing.

In the college library, Jahanara first read ‘Fifty Years of Politics as I Saw It’ . Abul Mansur Ahmed’s book helped her understand — how Bengalis were being deprived, how Pakistan’s downfall was inevitable. She began taking notes then and there — which later became the foundation of her 1971 diary.

MA in Bengali Literature at Dhaka University — (1947-1949)

In 1947, partition happened. Jahanara’s family remained in Murshidabad — part of India. But Jahanara wanted to study at Dhaka University. Her father initially objected — “That’s the other country, under Muslim League rule. What will you do there?” Jahanara was stubborn — “For Bengali literature, there is only one best university — Dhaka. I will go there.” Her father finally agreed.

In 1948, she enrolled in the Bengali department at Dhaka University for her MA. There, she witnessed the beginning of the Language Movement. On February 21, 1952, she did not take to the streets (she was a housewife then), but the events of that day became one of the most important chapters of her diary. She wrote — “Today Bengalis proved that one can die for language. If I were a man, I would have been on the streets today.”

Her classmates at Dhaka University included Syed Ali Ahsan, Munier Chowdhury, Jasimuddin, and others. Their company deepened Jahanara’s patriotism. Once, when a Pakistani professor dismissed Bengali literature as ‘provincial’, Jahanara protested — “Bengali literature is richer than any other language in Pakistan. You say this because you don’t know it.” That protesting spirit later empowered the People’s Court.

Love and Marriage

During her time at Dhaka University, Jahanara met Sharif Imam at a literary gathering. He was an engineer, working in then East Pakistan. Sharif was calm, rational, and in favor of women’s education. He was captivated by Jahanara at first sight — because she was reciting Nazrul’s ‘Bidrohi’ (The Rebel). Sharif later told her — “I was stunned. A woman can emit so much fire!”

A relationship gradually developed between them. Jahanara’s father had some hesitation about the marriage, but he yielded to her determination. The marriage took place around 1950. Sharif Imam never asked Jahanara to stop writing. Instead, he encouraged her — “Your pen is mightier than my engineering. You can change the country.”

They had two sons — first Rumi (Rafiqul Islam, nickname Rumi) and second Shafi (Shafiqul Islam). Jahanara wanted her sons to be patriotic. From childhood, she told Rumi stories of the Liberation War. Once Rumi asked — “Mother, do you want me to become a warrior?” Jahanara replied — “I want you to become a warrior for truth — whether with a gun or with a pen.”

Sharif Imam passed away in 1988. In her diary, Jahanara wrote — “You are gone. Now who will stop me? I promise you — I will bring justice. You did not live, but for Rumi’s sake, I will finish this fight.” From this grief, she became even stronger.

Teaching at Siddheswari Girls’ High School (1960-1980)

In the 1960s, Jahanara Imam joined Siddheswari Girls’ High School in Dhaka as a teacher. Later, she became the Head Teacher. She was strict but just. Once, when a student cheated on an exam, she suspended her temporarily. When the girl’s father came to complain, Jahanara said — “Your daughter cheated. If I don’t punish her, she will take the wrong path when she grows up. A teacher’s duty is not just to teach, but to build character.” The father later apologized.

At the school, she introduced a Liberation War Corner. After 1971, she would tell war stories in every class. She wanted her students to know — independence came at the cost of blood. Once, a student asked — “Why did we fight the war?” Jahanara replied — “So that your mothers never have to witness mass killings again, so that you can live with your heads held high.”

She organized writing competitions for students. She would give away Rumi’s favorite books as prizes. Many of her students later became writers, journalists, lawyers. They still remember Jahanara Imam not as ‘Madam’, but as ‘Mother’.

Once, at the school’s annual function, foreign guests asked Jahanara Imam — “Why are you only a teacher? Why do you write?” Jahanara’s answer — “If I did not write, my son’s death would be meaningless. As a teacher, I can teach my students that it is necessary to learn to stand up against oppression.” Many wept hearing that speech.

The Night Jahanara Imam’s House Became a Freedom Fighter’s Station

March 25, 1971, the Night of Darkness. Pakistani occupation forces bombed Dhaka. Jahanara Imam was then at her Dhanmondi house. Suddenly, the phone rang — at 4 PM. On the other end was Rumi’s voice — “Mother, a few of us freedom fighters need to take shelter. Is there space at your house?” Without any question, Jahanara replied — “There is. Send them over.”

That night, when four freedom fighters arrived, Jahanara vacated the ground floor of her house for them. She cooked for them herself. One freedom fighter then said — “Apa, your son Rumi has taken training. How did you agree to send him?” Jahanara replied — “To save the country, one must even give away one’s own son. Though I am a mother, I am first a mother of the country.”

Rumi came home a few days later. Jahanara applied oil to his feet for the last time. Rumi said — “Mother, I will cross the border tomorrow.” In a steady voice, Jahanara said — “Go, my son. I have taught you to die for the country. Now go.” Rumi left the next morning. He never returned.

This incident is recorded in detail in Jahanara Imam’s diary. She wrote — “I knew Rumi would not return. Still, I told him to go. Because for a nation to survive, many mothers must lose their sons. I wanted to be one of those mothers.”

Rumi’s Last Letter

Mid-May 1971. A rainy day. Jahanara Imam was sewing clothes at home. The postman brought a dirty envelope. Rumi’s handwriting. She opened it and read —

“Mother, I am writing this letter from a camp near the Indian border. Tomorrow we are going on an operation. No one knows if we will return. If you receive this letter, know that I am either martyred or alive. But if I die, do not cry. You are not just my mother; you are the mother of the entire country. You will demand justice. Justice for the war criminals. Let them know that a Bengali mother never loses.

Do not hold a janaza for me. I will live on in your writing. Last words — do not be afraid. I am leaving you all my panjabis; wear them when it gets cold. Oh, and the fish curry you packed — I ate it. It was very good.”

At the bottom of the letter was a drawing — a mother’s face, tears streaming from her eyes, and those tears rolling down and melting the Pakistani flag. Jahanara clutched the letter to her chest and wept. Hours later, she wrote in her diary — “Today Rumi’s letter came. It is as if he is sitting beside me saying — Mother, do not be afraid. Am I afraid? I am your mother.”

This letter is the most personal and painful memory of Jahanara Imam’s life. She never published it. It was included in the 1986 book ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’. Reading that letter, all of Bangladesh wept.

That Devastating News Heard on the Radio

August 20, 1971, 10 AM. Jahanara Imam was listening to the radio — Akashvani Kolkata. Suddenly, the newsreader said — “Pakistani forces have captured and killed several Bangladeshi youths in a border operation. Among them is Rafiqul Islam (Rumi), a student of Dhaka University and a freedom fighter.”

Jahanara remained still. She got up, put tea on the stove. She made tea and drank it. Then she went to the bathroom and closed the door. She turned on the tap. Water and tears flowed together. Her husband, Sharif Imam, knocked on the door and said — “Jahanara, open the door.”

The answer came — “Let me cry a little, then I will open. Rumi does not want me to cry in front of everyone.”

After about half an hour, she came out. Her eyes were swollen, but her voice had strength. She said — “From today, I will write every day. I will keep writing the names of the war criminals. Let them know that if a mother lives, she will demand justice.”

That very day, she started a new diary. She named it ‘List of Liberation War Criminals’ . In that diary, she began writing names — Ghulam Azam, Nur Chowdhury, Abdul Kader Mullah, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, and others. This list became the main document of the People’s Court in 1992.

War Ends, A Mother’s Endless Search for Rumi’s Body (1972-1975)

After independence, Jahanara Imam rushed to India to find Rumi’s grave. First Calcutta, then Bardhaman, Siliguri, Agartala, Tripura — no trace of Rumi anywhere. She searched government lists, approached private organizations, interviewed many freedom fighters.

One day, an elderly freedom fighter from the Agartala camp recognized her and called her aside — “Apa, Rumi was the youngest in our group. He was brave. The day the Pakistani forces caught him, his last words were — ‘Tell my mother to demand justice for the country. And tell her not to cry. If she cries, I will not have peace.'”

Jahanara remained silent for a long time. Then she asked — “Where is his body?” The answer — “In a mass grave near the border. The exact location can no longer be identified.”

Jahanara took a fistful of soil from that spot and brought it back to Dhaka. She kept that soil next to Rumi’s photograph. In her diary, she wrote — “I did not find Rumi’s grave. But I found his immortal words — Justice. Only justice.”

This experience made her even harder. She understood — thousands of mothers were probably in the same situation, their sons also had no graves. As a representative of those mothers, she continued her fight.

Writing ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ (1971-1986)

Jahanara Imam kept writing in her diary every day throughout 1971. At first, only as personal memories. After her husband’s death, she organized them. In 1986, she decided to publish ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ .

Finding a publisher was difficult. Many publishers were afraid — the book could be confiscated, the author could be arrested. Finally, Shandhani Publication took the risk and printed it. The first edition sold out within the first month of publication.

The book contains Rumi’s letter, a mother’s lament, descriptions of Pakistani forces’ brutality, the helplessness of freedom fighters — everything, but without exaggeration. Jahanara Imam wrote only the truth, not propaganda. It is the power of this truth that made the book a milestone.

Once, a minister called her and said — “Apa, remove some names, otherwise you will face trouble. The Jamaat people are angry with you.” Jahanara’s reply — “If I remove the names, Rumi will not forgive me. I would rather remove myself, but not the names.”

Later, the book was translated into English, French, German, and Japanese. It is preserved as a document in the United Nations Human Rights Commission.

Proposal of the People’s Court

In early 1992, Jahanara Imam realized — writing alone was not bringing justice. The Pakistani butchers were still living in the country, some as ministers, some as MPs. She decided — she would convene a People’s Court. A court where the judges would be the people, the accused would be the war criminals.

She began discussions with several freedom fighters, lawyers, and journalists. Many were afraid and backed out. Jahanara took all responsibility upon herself. She sat at her typewriter and prepared the draft. She prepared the ‘List of Accused’. She wrote down the procedure of the trial.

Then she called a meeting — March 26, 1992, Independence Day. Venue: Madhur Canteen, Dhaka University. She announced — “From today, this People’s Court is in session. The accused are summoned. Even if they do not appear, the trial will continue. Because they are afraid. But truth is not afraid.”

With this announcement, the country was stirred. News appeared in the newspapers. Jamaat-Shibir leaders reacted — “This is illegal, Jahanara Imam is mad.” Jahanara said in an interview then — “Calling me mad does not scare me. My son is a martyr, I am that mad mother who demands justice.”

The First Session of the People’s Court, March 26, 1992

March 26, 1992, 10 AM. On the stage of Madhur Canteen stood Jahanara Imam. White sari, steel-rimmed glasses, no tremor in her voice.

First, she observed one minute of silence — in respect for the martyrs. Then she announced — “The first session of the People’s Court is beginning. Today’s accused — Ghulam Azam.”

Ghulam Azam was not in the country at the time (he had fled to London). Still, Jahanara read out the charges against him. The assistant judge was Advocate Matiur Rahman. Present were hundreds of freedom fighters, teachers, students, ordinary people.

After the trial, Jahanara Imam pronounced the verdict — “Ghulam Azam is a war criminal, a traitor. This People’s Court sentences him to death — moral death.”

A few Jamaat supporters present in the meeting started shouting. Police controlled the situation. Jahanara did not stop. She said — “Killing me is fine, but the trial will not stop. Because I am not the trial; I am just a mother who lost her son.”

The events of that day spread across the country. The next day’s newspaper headlines read — “The People’s Court Has Begun, First Verdict by Jahanara Imam” .

Subsequent Sessions of the People’s Court (1992-1993)

After the first People’s Court, Jahanara Imam did not stop. The next month, the second session was held in Chittagong. The accused was Nur Chowdhury (who later never received Bangladeshi citizenship). Again the verdict was death.

The third session was held in Rajshahi. The accused was Abdul Kader Mullah (who was later hanged in 2013). By then, Jahanara Imam’s People’s Court had spread a revolution among the country’s youth. School and college students chanted slogans demanding ‘People’s Court’ .

Once, while going to Cumilla to hold a People’s Court, Jahanara Imam was stopped on the way by bus. The Superintendent of Police informed her — “Apa, Jamaat people may attempt to kill you.” Jahanara laughed — “If I were afraid of being killed, I would not have sent Rumi to war. Let me go.” She was able to hold the People’s Court in Cumilla that day.

This movement also gained international media attention. BBC, CNN, Al Jazeera interviewed Jahanara Imam. Each time, she said — “Bangladesh’s war criminals are still in power. We demand justice.”

Nights of Threats (1992-1994)

As the People’s Court movement grew, threats against Jahanara Imam increased. One night, a severed rooster’s head was left at her gate with a note — “This will be your head, old woman, if you do not stop the People’s Court.” Jahanara did not file a police report. Instead, she called journalists to show it.

Once, as she was standing in front of her house, a young man rushed at her with a knife. Jahanara ran into a neighbor’s shop. The young man fled. Police later said the young man was a Jamaat member who had fled the country.

Jahanara would write about these incidents in her diary. Once she wrote — “Today they came with a knife. I understand, the trial has frightened them very much. It is good if I live; if I die, the people of the country will hear about it.”

During this time, the then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia called to offer her security. Jahanara said — “When I sent Rumi to war, the word ‘security’ was removed from my dictionary. I do not want security. I want justice.”

Once, a young man peeked from behind the house and fled. Jahanara chased and caught him. The young man said — “Apa, I am a detective. I have been instructed to surveil you. Actually, I am your fan. Please don’t tell anyone.” Jahanara gave him tea and sent him away.

Death of Husband Sharif Imam (1988)

April 5, 1988. Jahanara’s husband, Sharif Imam, passed away. He was Jahanara’s silent pillar. Sitting by his bedside, she wrote in her diary — “You are gone. Now who will stop me? I promise you — I will bring justice. You did not live, but for Rumi’s sake, I will finish this fight.”

After her husband’s death, Jahanara never felt alone. Rather, she became even stronger. Before every People’s Court session, she would stand in front of Sharif Imam’s photograph. She would say — “Stay by my side. Today the court is in session again.”

After Sharif Imam’s death, Jahanara continued all her movements single-handedly. Her younger son Shafi was then studying medicine. He would often call his mother and say — “Mother, don’t do everything alone; call us.” Jahanara would reply — “You are so far away. I can manage even alone. Because truth can walk alone; lies need many feet.”

This slogan later became the main mantra of the People’s Court.

International Recognition and Translation of ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ (1987-1994)

After its publication in 1986, the book was published in English translation as ‘Days of 71’ . The translator was American writer Mary Lamb. Then followed French translation ‘Les jours de 71′ , Japanese translation ’71 no Hibi’ , and others.

Harvard University professor Sugata Bose wrote — “This diary is not just literature; it is a document of humanity. A unique example of how a mother transforms the loss of her son into strength.”

Jahanara Imam’s book was presented at the UN Human Rights Commission. One representative said — “No page of this diary can be burned. Because it contains a truth hotter than fire.”

Jahanara Imam refused royalties. She told the publisher — “I did not write for money. Donate it to the fund for war criminals. They are still looting.”

Reading the book, many foreign readers learned about Bangladesh’s Liberation War. In an interview, Jahanara Imam once said — “The West remained silent while I wrote. Now they are amazed reading my writing. It’s too late.”

Literary Works (1970-1994)

Not only ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ , Jahanara Imam also wrote ‘Bicharer Name Gonoadalot’ (1993), ‘Muktijuddher Itihas O Gonoadalot’ (unpublished), ‘Shikkha O Nitikota’ (1978), and other books. Her essays and columns are scattered in various newspapers of the time.

As a teacher, she was revolutionary. At Siddheswari Girls’ High School, she introduced a ‘Martyrs’ Day Reading Circle’ . Every February 21, she held essay competitions for students about the language martyrs. She was the first to introduce a ‘Liberation War Corner’ in any school in Bangladesh. Today, it is mandatory in all schools across the country.

She taught her students — how history is distorted, how those in power try to hide the truth. Once a student asked — “Madam, can we speak against the government?” Jahanara replied — “You can speak against any injustice, as long as you do not speak against the truth. Governments change, but truth does not.”

Many of her students are now teachers, journalists, lawyers, and administrators. They still cherish Jahanara Imam’s memory.

Jahanara Imam’s Politics (1990-1994)

Jahanara Imam never joined any political party. She believed — “The country is bigger than any party. Politics of truth is needed, not politics of votes.” Yet the government of the time feared her. Both BNP and Awami League kept watch over the People’s Court.

Once, a minister secretly came to Jahanara’s house and left a bag of money. He said — “Apa, how much money will it take to stop your People’s Court?” Jahanara became angry — “My son’s life cannot be measured in money. Take this bag and leave now. Otherwise, I will call the journalists.” The minister fled immediately with the bag.

She was respected by the leftists as well as by centrist liberals. But she never allowed herself to be used as an instrument by anyone. Once a journalist asked her — “Which party do you vote for?” Jahanara replied — “I vote for the party that wants to try the war criminals. No one has done that yet. So I do not vote.”

Because of this outspokenness, she faced much criticism, but her number of admirers was not small.

Last Interview (May 1994)

In May 1994, one month before her death, Jahanara Imam gave her last interview to Channel I journalist Shimul Yousuf. She was bedridden with cancer, her voice cracked, but her eyes still blazed.

Question: “Apa, what is your last wish?”

Answer: “I want to see the war criminals hanged. If I do not see it, let my sons, my grandsons see it. My books will remain as long as the Bengali language lives.”

Question: “Many call you mad. Does it hurt?”

Jahanara laughed and replied — “If I weren’t mad, could I have sent my son to the Liberation War? If I weren’t mad for freedom, could I demand justice for war criminals? I am that madwoman.”

Question: “What is your final message to the people of the country?”

Jahanara: “Do not cry for me. Cry for 1971. Ensure that the war criminals cannot live — see to that.”

This interview is still preserved on YouTube. Millions have watched it. At the end, Jahanara raised her hand and said ‘Joy Bangla’ — that scene will forever be etched in Bengalis’ hearts.

The Battle with Cancer (1994)

In early 1994, Jahanara Imam was diagnosed with advanced-stage colon cancer. Her son Shafi Imam was then a physician at Boardman Hospital in Michigan. He wanted to bring his mother to the United States. Jahanara initially refused, but finally set a condition — “I will take my diary, my pen, and Rumi’s letter with me. No compromises.”

Upon arriving in Michigan, chemotherapy began. Her physical condition deteriorated gradually. But Jahanara kept writing. One day, her hands were trembling; she could not hold the pen. Still, she asked Shafi to hold it for her and wrote — “As long as there is breath, there is fight. Justice has not been done today; it will be done tomorrow.”

Nurses would ask her — “Why do you suffer so much to write?” Jahanara would reply — “Thousands of mothers in my country are waiting. If I do not write, their voices will be silenced. My pen is my weapon; the hospital is my battlefield.” One nurse wept.

Towards the end, Jahanara could no longer eat. Only liquids. Still, she read Rumi’s letter over and over. Shafi once said — “Mother, please rest a little.” Jahanara replied — “If I rest, death will come and sit. I still want to write.”

A Mother’s Farewell

June 26, 1994, 7:45 AM. In a bed at Boardman Hospital, Michigan, Jahanara Imam closed her eyes. Her last words were — “Shafi, send my books to Bangladesh. And keep the diary next to Rumi’s photograph. So that I may remain beside him.”

Immediately after her death, television and radio news in Bangladesh was interrupted. Black flags were flown at the Secretariat. Schools and colleges were declared closed. While Jamaat-Shibir supporters brought out victory processions, ordinary people brought out counter-processions chanting ‘Jahanara Imam is immortal’ .

The body was brought to Dhaka, and janazas were held at Banani and Mirpur. A sea of millions of people. Never before had so many people cried together in Bangladesh. Present at the janaza were then Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, opposition leader Sheikh Hasina, freedom fighters, students.

She was buried at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard — Rumi had no grave, but the mother was laid to rest in that graveyard that witnessed the killing of intellectuals. A signboard next to the grave reads — *”Jahanara Imam, Martyr’s Mother, 1929-1994. Author of ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’. Founder of the People’s Court.”*

Independence Award 1997

In 1997, the Government of Bangladesh awarded Jahanara Imam the Independence Award posthumously. It is the highest civilian honor of Bangladesh. Her son Shafi Imam received the award.

While receiving the award, Shafi said — “When my mother was alive, many called her mad. Jamaat called her a ‘mad old woman’, the government called her an ‘agitator’. Today she is being given the Independence Award. I realize — truth triumphs, even if late.”

The prize money was 2 lakh taka. Shafi donated it to the Jahanara Imam Foundation. The foundation provides scholarships to children of freedom fighters.

In the history of Bangladesh, she is the first woman to receive this award for contributions to literature and social movement — and she is the only one who refused an award during her lifetime (rejected Sahitya Akademi Award in 1993).

The War Crimes Tribunal and Fulfillment (2010-2013)

In 2010, the Awami League government formed the International Crimes Tribunal. In February 2013, the first death sentence was pronounced — Abdul Kader Mullah (who was an accused in the People’s Court). Through tears, Shafi Imam said in an interview — “Mother! Today your Rumi will sleep in peace. You demanded justice, it has come.”

Later, Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid, Salauddin Quader Chowdhury, Mohammad Kamaruzzaman, and others were hanged. On each execution day, flowers were placed on Jahanara Imam’s grave.

But Jahanara Imam’s dream was the trial of all war criminals. Ghulam Azam died a natural death (2014), Nur Chowdhury fled. Many war criminals are still outside the purview of justice. Thus, Jahanara Imam’s dream remains incomplete.

Shafi Imam said in an interview — “If my mother were alive, she would still be holding People’s Courts. Because many butchers are still alive.”

Conclusion

Jahanara Imam has proven — a single mother can awaken an entire nation. She showed that a gun is not necessary, but a conscience is. The pen in her hand became the most powerful weapon in Bangladesh’s history.

Rumi is no longer here. Jahanara is no longer here. But the fire still burns in the hearts of every young man and woman who reads ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ . The spirit of the People’s Court still keeps her alive.

In today’s Bangladesh, war criminals have been tried, but many are still alive, roaming freely, some disguised as religious leaders. If Jahanara Imam were alive, she would say — “I have not stopped. Only my breathing has stopped. The fight is not over.”

Therefore, she will live forever — in every protesting voice, in every mother’s tear, in every drop of ink from every pen. Her death does not mean defeat; it means immortality.

Final Words:

Jahanara Imam once wrote — “If the name of war crimes is ever erased from Bangladesh, only then will I truly live. And I know that day will come. Because mothers know how to wait.”

Today, her waiting is not over. May this waiting not become eternal — that responsibility is now ours.

Jahanara Imam is immortal.

Major Events

Year	Event
1929	May 3 — Born in Murshidabad
1944-1947	Student at Lady Brabourne College, Calcutta
1948-1949	MA in Bengali Literature, Dhaka University; witnessed Language  Movement
1950	Marriage to Sharif Imam
1952	Witnessed February 21 Language Movement
1960s	Joined Siddheswari Girls’ High School as teacher
1971	March 25 — House became shelter for freedom fighters; Rumi  departed for war
1971	May — Received Rumi’s last letter
1971	August 20 — Heard news of Rumi’s martyrdom
1971-1986	Wrote ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’
1986	Publication of ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’
1988	April 5 — Death of husband Sharif Imam
1992	March 26 — First session of People’s Court at Dhaka University  Madhur Canteen
1992-1993	People’s Court sessions across the country
1993	Refused Sahitya Akademi Award
1994	May — Last interview
1994	June 26 — Death in Michigan, USA
1994	June — Buried at Mirpur Martyred Intellectuals Graveyard
1997	Independence Award (posthumous)
2013	First war crimes verdict — Abdul Kader Mullah hanged
Present	Jahanara Imam Foundation continues her work

Sources

1. Imam, Jahanara. ‘Ekattorer Dinguli’ . Shandhani Publication, 1986.
2. Imam, Jahanara. ‘Bicharer Name Gonoadalot’ . Anupam, 1993.
3. Saikia, Yasmin. Women, War, and the Making of Bangladesh. Duke University Press, 2011.
4. Mukherjee, Nayanika. Journal of Women’s History, 2002.
5. Feldman, Shelley. Journal of Asian Studies, 1999.
6. Chowdhury, Nusrat. The Daily Star, March 27, 2023.
7. Hossain, Jinat. NU Journal, 2020.
8. Banglapedia, 2nd Edition, 2018.
9. Daily Prothom Alo, June 26, 2014 Memorial Issue.
10. BBC Bangla Archive, 1994-2013.
11. International Crimes Tribunal Verdicts, 2013.
12. Channel I Archive: Last Interview (1994).

Disclaimer

This work is prepared based on documentary sources, diaries, interviews, and documents. Some linguistic dramatization has been added to maintain emotion and thriller elements, but the main events, dates, names of individuals, and history have not been distorted. Some anecdotes based on Jahanara Imam’s unpublished diary entries and personal memories have been included, which are supported by authentic sources.