RANGPUR, March 28, 2021 (BSS) – Freedom fighters, politicians and officials
today recalled the supreme sacrifice of over 400 Bangalees on this day in
1971 saying March 28, 1971 will remain as a red letter day in the history of
the Bangalee nation.
On this day in 1971, thousands of Bangalees irrespective of their caste,
creed and religion laid down lives while surrounding Rangpur Cantonment with
lethal and indigenous sharp weapons like spears, arrows and bows in a bid to
capture the cantonment.
The observance began with placing wreaths at “Rakta Gaurab” memorial at
Nishbetganj area by officials of the district administration at 10 am paying
rich tribute to the heroic Bengalese who embraced martyrdom while encircling
Rangpur Cantonment on that day.
Mayor of Rangpur Mostafizar Rahman Mostafa, Deputy Commissioner Md. Asib
Ahsan, Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Israt Sadia Sumi, former Deputy
Commander of District Muktijoddha Sangshad Golam Mostafa, freedom fighters
Baloram Mohanta, Mahbubur Rahman, Vice-president of city Awami League (AL)
Shamim Talukder placed wreaths.
Later, President of district Chhatra League Mehedi Hasan Rony, City
Councilor of Ward No-20 Tauhidur Rahman, teachers and students of ‘Bir
Muktijoddha Tayebur Rahman High School’, Jamison Nesa High School, Nisbetganj
Government Primary School and other institutions placed wreaths at the “Rakta
Gaurab” memorial.
After placing wreaths, they offered special munajat seeking divine
blessings for departed souls of the martyred Bangalees who laid down their
lives there on March 28 in 1971.
In the morning, different organisations and students of educational
institutions brought out massive processions on the streets and marched
towards the Smriti Soudha “Rakta Gaurab” in the city.
Public representatives, youths, ethnic and common people symbolically
equipped with lethal and sharp weapons, spears, arrows and bows participated
in the processions.
The March 28 Cantonment Attack Smriti Sangrakhshan Parishad, Bir
Muktijoddha Tayebur Rahman High School, Awami League (AL) and other
organisations organised a discussion commemorating the day near “Rakta
Gaurab” memorial.
Speakers in the discussion said the supreme sacrifice of more than 400
heroic Bangalees during the attempt of capturing Rangpur Cantonment sparked
the War of Liberation in Rangpur region inspiring the nation with heroism to
liberate the country.