Echoes of The Three Sisters

The Lives and Tragic Death of Three Sisters: A Heartbreaking Tale

Asma Begum, Najma Begum, and Fatema Begum three sisters born in Nandan Kanan, Chattogram. Asma was born in 1950, Najma in 1952, and Fatema in 1953. Though their ancestral home was in Uttar Kamargaon, Srinagar of Munshiganj district, the entire family relocated to Chattogram around 1948 because their father worked at the Bangladesh Railway headquarters.

Childhood and Education

All three sisters — Asma, Najma, and Fatema — were remarkable individuals. Their father, Shamsul Haque, was the first Muslim student to pass the matriculation exam in the first division from Bhaggyakul Harendralal High School in Srinagar. Due to his job at the Bangladesh Railway head office in Chattogram, the family moved there in approximately 1948.

The sisters grew up and completed their formal education entirely in Chattogram. Asma Begum studied up to grade ten at Nandan Kanan Krishnakumari Girls' School and later enrolled at Chittagong Government Girls College, where she studied until the eleventh grade. Najma Begum studied up to grade ten at Dampara Police Line School, and Fatema Begum studied up to grade nine at the same school. They were exceptionally intelligent and attentive to their studies.

Family and Moral Upbringing

They came from a modest middle-class family, where their parents were highly principled and deeply valued education. Their mother played a significant role in instilling ethical values alongside academic learning. She was never alone in household chores; everyone shared responsibilities, and if needed, a housemaid would assist. The family also cared for an elderly paternal aunt who was mentally unstable, a responsibility the three sisters took on together.

Their family was conservative, focused on themselves, which earned them respect and a good reputation among neighbors and friends. The three sisters shared a strong bond of friendship and were always caring toward each other.

Relationship with Their Elder Brother

The sisters’ elder brother, Professor Dr. Muzaherul Huq, acted as a guardian figure. They affectionately called him “Boro Bhai” and were emotionally close to him. While studying at Chattogram Medical College, he played an instrumental role in shaping their academic direction and worldview. He admired their intelligence and creativity and ensured they had the resources they needed for education. The sisters, in turn, had deep respect for his bravery and sense of responsibility.

Professor Dr. Muzaherul Huq fondly remembered small moments from their childhood. He had a great love for books and often borrowed them from friends. Through him, the sisters also developed a passion for reading. He cherished memories of eating together, being welcomed home by his sisters, and being shown their hand-stitched quilts and embroidered fabrics. He praised their talent and innocent nature.

Joys of Childhood

In their early years, the sisters enjoyed playing chess, carrom, and ludo, and were avid readers of storybooks — particularly Dasyu Bonhur and various magazines. During visits to their village home, they played traditional games like ekka-dokka and gollachut. They were also skilled in crafting items like mufflers, sweaters, and caps from wool, and sewing quilts from old sarees. They embroidered tablecloths and other decorative items. Cooking together was another activity they greatly enjoyed.

The Tragic Attack

At that time, Shamsher Zobair Chowdhury was in charge of Bangladesh Betar (Radio Bangladesh). After the declaration of independence on March 26, the sisters’ brother left his hostel in Chattogram to help treat the wounded. Due to the dangerous conditions in the city and their father's illness, the family took refuge in a rural house owned by Engineer Mozammel Haque. Several other families were also sheltering there.

Tragically, a clash occurred on a nearby road, and machine gun fire from a nearby hill penetrated the house. Around 36 people were killed, including both hosts and refugees. Their brother, who was then undergoing training for the liberation war, was unaware of this horrifying incident. When he returned home in June after completing his training, he learned of his sisters’ deaths. Devastated by the loss, he later decided to organize an exhibition in their memory.

Honoring Their Memory

Professor Dr. Muzaherul Huq who later gained renown as a public health expert both in Bangladesh and internationally — initiated an exhibition to honor his sisters’ memories. This exhibition aims not only to commemorate their lives but also to shed light on their tragic deaths and their family’s sacrifices, serving as a poignant lesson for future generations

The Life and Work of Professor Dr. Muzaherul Huq

Professor Dr. Muzaherul Huq is a distinguished figure in public health and human rights development. He is the founder and chairman of the Public Health Foundation of Bangladesh (PHFBD) and has also served as the secretary general of the Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights. His contributions to global health, ethics, and education are remarkable.

Professor Dr. Muzaherul Huq has published research on COVID-19 and strategies for recovery. He is a UNESCO Ethics Master Trainer and has been involved in several initiatives related to ethics in public health. His work reflects a deep commitment to human rights, justice, and equality.