The turbulent months of 1971 provided a lifetime experience for those who lived through it. Nasreen Khundker was only fifteen that momentous year, preparing for her school finals in Chittagong . The events of 1971 thrust her from her sheltered world into the world of uncertainty and even terror.

 

An Orange Glow in the Sky recounts the memorable events of 1971 through the perspective of the fifteen-year-old Nasreen. She recalls what life was in Chittagong at the beginning of 1971, then goes on to describe the euphoria caused by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's electoral victory and the enthusiasm he inspired in all Bengalis to fight for liberation. She vividly narrates what life was like for ordinary people, as well as quiet heroes, after the military crack down on March 25..

Nasreen Khundker succeeds in capturing the flavour of the times: the intense struggle, the feeling of patriotism, the hardship, the unique bondage between people. In doing so she attempts to give due recognition to those Bengalis who could not for various reasons cross the border. The book is especially written for younger people, to make them acquainted not just with historical facts but also with the personal stories of human beings caught up in events .

Nasreen Khundker was Professor in the Economics Department, University of Dhaka , at the time of her death on May 2, 2011 .

Dr. Khundker was born in Chittagong in 1955, to parents who were medical professionals. She had her schooling in a convent in Chittagong , and then went on to graduate from Queen Mary. She did her master's from London School of Economics and Ph. D. from Boston University . She joined University of Dhaka in the early eighties.

She was a brilliant academic, a distinguished scholar, and dedicated teacher. She published profusely in renowned academic journals both at home and abroad. She was also a creative writer, with several of her short stories being included in anthologies. One of her short stories was also made into a short feature film

Dr. Khundker was in the advisory council of the finance ministry and a few commissions of the government of Bangladesh . She also served as a board member in three nationalized banks for many years.

Nasreen Khundker An Orange Glow in the Sky: Memories of 1971 ISBN 978 984 8715 06 2 Taka 300.00