Photo: BSS

By Shahjahan Nabin

JHENAIDAH, Dec 6, 2025 (BSS) –  Liberation Day was observed in Jhenaidah district today, December 6, marking 54 years since the district town was freed from the Pakistani occupation forces in 1971. 

On this historic day, freedom fighters defeated the invaders and their local collaborators, hoisting the red-and-green flag of independent Bangladesh over the skies of Jhenaidah for the first time.

During the nine-month Liberation War, Jashore and Jhenaidah were known as strongholds of the Pakistani military, where atrocities and repression were rampant. By early December, however, the occupying forces became disoriented in the face of intensified attacks by freedom fighters and guerrilla units.

According to historical accounts, Jhenaidah witnessed the first major frontal battle between Mukti Bahini and Pakistani forces on April 1, 1971. Pakistani troops, advancing from Jashore Cantonment with tanks and artillery, attempted to capture Jhenaidah. Upon receiving the information, freedom fighters took strategic positions at Bishyakhali Bazar under Sadar upazila.

The Mukti Bahini demolished the Bishyakhali Bridge over the Begwati River, trapping the Pakistani convoy on one side. An eight-hour-long fierce battle ensued, ultimately forcing the Pakistani forces to retreat.

Other notable battles in the district include the Garaganj and Alfapur battles on April 4 in Shailkupa upazila, and the Kamanna battle on November 26. These engagements remain vivid in the memories of local residents and veterans.

Freedom fighter Md. Tajuddin Ahmed, a former member of the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), shared his memories with BSS:

"The Pakistani army ordered us Bengali soldiers to surrender our weapons. We refused, fled to India with our arms, and later re-entered Bangladesh through the Sylhet border to fight. I fought alongside Bir Shrestha Hamidur Rahman at the Dhalai border in Moulvibazar, where I was shot in the leg."

He recalled that guerrilla attacks intensified across the country in late November 1971, leaving the Pakistani forces demoralized and scattered. “Even today, I shudder recalling those days,” he said.

Another heroic freedom fighter, SM Mashiur Rahman, noted that Jashore was the first district to be liberated, and Jhenaidah—then a subdivision of Jashore —was freed the same day.

"As soon as Jhenaidah was liberated, people from all walks of life came out onto the streets with national flags. The excitement and joy of that day still appear before my eyes," he said.

He added that young fighters, including himself, played crucial roles in demolishing the Bishyakhali Bridge to halt the movement of Pakistani forces. “The Liberation War was a spontaneous struggle. We forgot hunger and fear. People from villages and towns supported us with everything they had,” he recalled.

A total of 276 freedom fighters from Jhenaidah were martyred during the Liberation War. Among them were two decorated heroes—Bir Shrestha Hamidur Rahman and Bir Pratik Sirajul Islam.

On this Liberation Day, the people of Jhenaidah remember their sacrifices with deep respect, honoring the courage and determination. 

The district observed its invader Liberation Day today with due dignity, featuring a vibrant rally and commemorative events honoring the freedom fighters who liberated the district from Pakistani occupation on December 6, 1971.

To mark the historic day, a colorful rally started from the old DC Court premises at 10 am. Organized by the District Freedom Fighters' Association, the procession paraded through major streets of the town before concluding at the Chuadanga bus stand.

Following the rally, a discussion meeting was held at the Liberation War Memorial premises. 

Rashed Khan, General Secretary of the People's Rights Counci, ABM Khalid Hasan, Additional Deputy Commissioner of district, Additional Superintendent of Police Imran Zakaria, Abdul Majid Master, Convener of the District Muktijoddha Sangsad District Command, Joint Convener Kamaluzzaman and Anwarul Islam Badsha, President of the District Shop Owners' Association spoke at the meeting.

Speakers emphasized the importance of upholding the true spirit of the Liberation War and instilling patriotism in the new generation. They highlighted the need to remember the sacrifices of the martyrs and to ensure that the accurate history of the Liberation War is passed on to young people.