GAIBANDHA, Dec 08, 2020 (BSS) – Gaibandha Free Day was observed yesterday as on this day in 1971, valiant freedom fighters liberated the district defeating Pakistani occupation forces.
Pakistan army entered Gaibandha town on April 17 in 1971 and erected base at wireless office and the then Helal Park, now Shah Abdul Hamid Stadium.
But at last, a team of over 350 freedom fighters (FFs) led by their company commander Mahbub Elahi Ranju, Bir Protik, from Kalasonarchar via Balashighat entered the town through Pulbandi area on December 7. Then they gathered at Independence Square formerly known as SDO (Sub Division Officer) Math of the town.
As the news spread, the people rushed to the ground, rejoiced over liberation by chanting slogans ‘Joy Bangla’ with the FFs and accorded reception to the FFs for their heroic achievement.
Earlier, the FFs under 11 no sub sector fought bravely against the Pakistani army and their local collaborators in several battles at different places including Nandina, Madarganj, Trimohini, Gobindi Embankment, Ratanpur, Sluice Gate, Bhangamour, Mohimaganj and Kalasonar Char areas of the district in last nine months.
In the face of joint attack by the FFs and the Indian allied forces, the Pakistani occupation army retreated from Gaibandha town on December 6 night and took shelter at Rangpur and Bogra Cantonments.
Businessmen Mazibar Rahman and Ranga Miah of Purbapara and Kalachand Saha of Puratan Bazaar here were first martyrs, among others, as they were shot dead by the enemy forces on April 18, a day just after camping here, said former commander of Bangladesh Muktijodha Sangshad, district unit command, Mahmudul Haque Sahjada.
During the war, Pakistani army with the help of local collaborators indiscriminately killed many innocent and unnamed people, raped scores of women and young girls at camps and looted valuables from the houses in the district.
On the occasion, a discussion meeting organized by Gaibandha Hanadar Mukta Dibash Udjapan parishad (GHMDUP) was held at the hall room of Muktijodhha complex here yesterday morning with coordinator of GHMDUP freedom fighter Mahmudul Haque Shahjada in the chair.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abdul Matin addressed it as the chief guest while superintendent of police (SP) Towhidul Islam was present as the special guest.
Convener of GHMDUP Wasiqur mohammad Iqbal Mazu and sadar upazila muktijoddha commander Ali akbar Miah, among others, spoke at the function.
Speaking on the occasion, DC Abdul Matin in his speeches recalled with profound respect the contribution of the greatest Bangalee for all time Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to achieving independence.
Pointing out that Bangabandhu proclaimed the independence of Bangladesh, he said responding to his clarion call, people from all walks of life engaged in the War of Liberation and after nine-month bloody war, the nation achieved the victory.
The DC also called the freedom fighters as the golden sons of the soil and urged all to be alert against the conspirators so that they could not make trouble in the country.
A large number of FFs and their children including journalists participated in the programme.