Photo: BSS

NETRAKONA, Dec 9, 2025 (BSS) - The district today celebrated its Liberation Day with due respect and festivity, commemorating the historic victory on December 9, 1971, when freedom fighters liberated the district from Pakistani occupation forces.

According to local accounts, on this day in 1971, Pakistani forces fled toward Mymensingh after coming under heavy attack from freedom fighters who launched a coordinated assault from three sides. 

The operation began at dawn near the present BADC Agricultural Farm, where fighters had taken positions in the night before under the leadership of freedom fighter Abu Siddique Ahmed, widely known as "Tiger."

During the fierce battle, freedom fighters Abu Khan, Abdus Sattar, and Abdur Rashid were martyred while fighting on the front lines to free Netrakona town.

From the night of December 8 until 10 am on December 9, freedom fighters waged continuous operations across Rajurbazar, Chakpara, Satpai, Katli, Nagra, and Krishi Farm areas, ultimately forcing the Pakistani forces to retreat.

Recalling the day, freedom fighter Haider Jahan Chowdhury said December 9 held as much joy for the people of Netrakona as the nation's Victory Day on December 16. "As soon as the city was liberated, people rushed out of their homes and congratulated us. We were truly emotional," he said.

As part of this year's celebrations, a colorful joy rally began around 9.30 am from the District Freedom Fighters Complex and paraded through key roads of the town. Later, tributes were paid at the Generation 71 sculpture on the premises of the District Collector's building.

Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Saiful Islam, Police Superintendent Mohammad Tariqul Islam, freedom fighters Ashraf Uddin Khan and Haider Jahan Chowdhury, District BNP President Professor Dr. Md. Anwarul Haque, Local Government Department Deputy Director and Municipal Administrator Mohammad Ariful Islam Sardar, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Asma Binte Rafiq, teachers, students, and leaders of various political, social, and cultural organizations attended the rally.

Following the procession, a discussion meeting and cultural programme were held at the Public Hall in Moktarpara, marking the day with patriotic spirit and remembrance.