Humanizing 1971: Representation of the Liberation War, Islam, and Culture in Humayun Ahmed’s Films

This independent research examines the representation of the Liberation War of Bangladesh in Humayun Ahmed’s cinema, focusing on Aguner Poroshmoni (1994) and Shyamol Chhaya (2004). Unlike films that emphasize battlefield heroism or revolutionary leadership, Ahmed’s vision highlights the struggles of ordinary people who lived through fear, compassion, moral dilemmas, and faith during 1971. Using qualitative content analysis and thematic interpretation, the study explores the intersections of family life, Islamic ethics, cultural practices, and national memory in these films. The analysis demonstrates how domestic spaces, rituals, and collective survival become sites of resistance, while religious symbols and cultural artifacts such as Rabindra Sangeet and folk songs embody resilience. Findings suggest that Ahmed presents the Liberation War as an inclusive and humanist struggle that integrates nationalism, religion, and culture into a collective memory of dignity.