Photo: BSS

JAMALPUR, Dec 3, 2025 (BSS) - Kamalpur, an area of Bakshiganj Upazila and a frontier camp of Pakistani occupation during the Liberation War, was freed on December 4, 1971. Since then, Kamalpur Free Day has been observed every year.

Upazila administration and freedom fighters organize various programmes to mark the day. The programmes include placing floral wreaths at the memorial and holding discussion sessions.

Bakshiganj Upazila Muktijodha Command Council Commander Noushad Ali said the District Administration, Police Administration, and freedom fighters will jointly observe the Victory Day.

The allied forces, after a bloody battle with the Pakistani Army, captured Kamalpur camp, located near the Indian border in Bakshiganj Upazila. Kamalpur fell under Sector 11, which was commanded by Major (later Colonel) Abu Taher. The Sector 11 headquarters was located at Mohendraganj in Meghalaya state of India, only two kilometers from Kamalpur camp. The sector was divided into eight sub-sectors: Mohendraganj, Mankarchar, Purakasia, Dhalu, Bagmara, Shibbari, Rangra, and Moheshkhali. 

A total of 22,000 freedom fighters, including 3,000 regular disciplined forces, took part in the liberation war under the sector. Eighteen intense battles were fought between freedom fighters and the Pakistani Army from June 12 to November 28, 1971. During these battles, 194 freedom fighters, including Captain Salah Uddin Momtaj, embraced martyrdom, while 497 Pakistani troops were killed. Sector commander Major Abu Taher also lost a leg in battle on November 14, 1971, at Kamalpur.

Due to its strategic importance, the Pakistani army had heavily fortified the camp with troops and weapons. Allied forces launched an attack on November 23, 1971, and after a 10-day battle, captured Kamalpur on December 4, 1971. On that day, Ahasan Malik Khan, Garrison Commander of the 31 Beluch Regiment, along with 162 soldiers and large quantities of ammunition, surrendered to Hardev Singh Claer, Brigade Commander of the allied forces.

Following the capture of Kamalpur, allied forces entered Jamalpur and Sherpur districts, accelerating liberation from Pakistani occupation.