Saturday, March 14, 2009

More wre in 1971...

Return to Akhaura
In the midst of such an excitement and worries I passed the night. When it was dawn, I called Rafique to get up from bed. We had to return to Akhaura quickly. Within a few minutes some of the students appeared before us. Then and there I requested them to bid us farewell. They did not want us to leave without breakfast. That is what they requested us to wait. But in some way we forcibly took farewell from the students explaining that we should have to repart our freedom fighters quickly the fact or out arrival at Agartala and the progress of our discussion with the leaders of Agartila. Some of the students helped us to reach the border. That time we returned lo our country through the check post in the presence of the Security Forces. The Security Forces shook our hands and bade us farewell. Entering into the homeland we showed our allegiance to the gratefulness of the inhabitant of Agartala. We would remember forever their affections and behaviour towards us by some unknown students.
On returning to Akhaura I narrated my group of friends in details the experiences of my journey to Agartala, took decision to form...

On returning to Akhaura I narrated my group of friends in details the experiences of my journey to Agartala, took decision to from quickly a group and to go again to Agartala for taking training and collection of arms. All freedom loving young man did not gain menial preparation at that time to go to India. Besides they had no knowledge of warfare. They were very busy to resist the Pakistani forces with the stones of Railway line, bamboo sticks and two or three guns. That is way the number of our members did not increase. Therefore at that time we had to engage ourselves to take training locally and preparation of battle.

Preparation for battle in the free area.
In the free area, preparation for battle was going on in full swing. The symptoms of readiness were prevailing all around. There was much enthusiasm among the youths. It was the aim to free the land from the Pakistani aggressors, to defend their attacks and to take revenge. Till that time our area was free. The Bengali soldiers of Bengal Regiment, East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), the members of Police, students and general people took position in the free areas of Brahmanbaria, Ashuganj. Akhaura and Kasba. I also joined them and started resistance war. Brahmanbaria and its neighbouring vast areas ware then under control of the freedom fighters. To keep these areas in control we had to work hard day and night like vigilant guards. So far I could remember that in the beginning of April one of my brother MA. Hannan came to Akhaura and met me with a Chinese rifle. Hannan was Flight Sergeant of Pakistan Air Force. His duty was to train the soldiers of the air force. In March he came on leave to his house from West Pakistan. His house was at my neighboring house in Chanpur village under Machhihata union under Brahmanbaria Sadar thana. Hannun told me that EPR and Bengali Jeans should be taken here from borders and mixed with the main force of freedom fighters. I came here with that direction from Maj. Khaled Musharraf. You should come with me and you to help me.
In one rickshaw we two reached an FPR camp at Azampur Singerbeel situated near to Tippera border north, of Akhaura. There Sergeant Hannan explained to Subedar Major of EPR about our arrival. He replied that he would not be able to leave the border without written order of Maj. Khaled Mosharraf. Getting no alternative we had to come back. After that incidence brother Hannan did not further tell me anything. Of course, all members of EPR ultimately joined the main forces of freedom fighters and participated in liberation war. After the Tall of Akhaura I went to my village and could not tract out brother Hannan. Because he went again to West Pakistan to join his service. This way Hannan saved his services in Pakistan army. Here gaining strength the Bengali army became ready to defend the free area under the leadership of Maj. Khaled Mosharraf.We some young men joined with that force.
We took arms in hand; preparation for battle was going on day and night. Again the task of digging bunker, miscellaneous technique of war and self-defence strategy were going on. Before this, after declination of Bangabandhu on 7th March, we took training of battle as mentioned earlier This time I did not lag behind from any sorts of training including supply of ammunition from the ammunition boxes. The tension in the area gradually had been increasing. I used to go to Brahmanbaria from Akhaura by railway trolley and returned with miscellaneous weapons necessary for resistance and self-defence. Brahamanbaria town was the headquarters for preparatory works of our battle.
Tension was prevailing in the Comilla Cantonment before mass killing of 25th March. Although pressure was created upon me Bengali solders to surrender the arms, the members of the armed forces under the leadership of Major Khaled Mosharraf refused lo surrender the arms. Failing to cherish the evil desire, the Pak commandant ordered Major Khaled Mosharraf to resist the fictitious attack of Indian Naxal forces in Shamshemagar border. Most probably cither on 22nd or 23rd March Major Khaled Moshairaf with his subordinate soldiers of 4th East Bengal Regiment left Comilla Cantonment for Snamshcmagar together
With arms and ammunition and 2’’_3’’ mortars and faced resistance from the crowds while crossing over Brahmanbaria for Sylhet. In the meantime the 4th Bengal Regiment under Pak Col. Khizir Hayal Khan took control and possession in Brahmanbaria. There was Bengali and Punjabi soldiers also in the battalion.

Curfew breaks in Brahmanbaria.
Curfew breaks in Brahmanbaria.
The news of barbarous attack of Pakistani forces at Dhaka on 25th March reached Brahmanbaria on the same night. The general people overwhelmingly participated in the procession in
the town and built up resistance in the streets and on all points by setting barricades. Pak Colonel Khizir, Hayat Khan, Major Sadeque Newaz, Lt. Amzad Sayed Declared Curfew in the town and ordered to open fire on the crowds. But the general people broke curfew and led procession in the town and held street meetings. The local Awami League leader AM AzamBhuion, Lutful Hye Sachchu and student leader Amanul Hoque Sentu. Zahangir Osman, Shafique Khan, Humyun Kabir, Kutubuddin etc. led such resistance movement. Although Pak Colonel Khiziir Hayat Khan ordered to open fire on the curfew breakers, the Bengali Officers and soldiers overlooked that order.
On 71 March, the Bengali soldiers under the leadership of Captain Shafait Jamil, Gnffar, Lt. Harun, Lt. Mahbub and Ld. Kabir revolted and took control of camp by arresting the Pak armies including Pak Colonel Khizir Hayat Khan and Major Sadeque Newaz. By the angry attitudes on that day 5/6 Pak armies including Lt. Amjad Sayeed were killed. Meanwhile Major Khaled Mosharraf with some soldiers of 4th Bengal regiment returned from Shamshernagar and joined the revolted Bengali soldiers. The local Police, EPR Members of the Ansars took part with them. The headquarters of 4th Bengal regiment was set up at Brahmanbarta town.
At the same time the general people and Bengali Soldiers of East
Bengal Regiment jointly started fierce life and death battle against Pak Armies at Joydevpur. Major Shafiullah gave leadership in this fierce battle. Both sides had to suffer heavy casualties. Getting no alternatives Major Shafiullah, with a greater portion of army of 2nd Bengal Regiment, made an attempt to start via Mymensingh to attack Dhaka Cantonment. Getting that news Major Khaled Mosharraf prevented Major Shafiulla from such suicidal decision. Thereafter Major Shafiullah became united with Major .Khaled Mosharraf together with his battalion and built up a Strong resistance force. Kazi Rakibuddin, the then Sub-Divisional Officer of Brahmanbaria, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Mr. Azharul Islam, local leaders and volunteers gave wholehearted assistance by providing food and supplies to the Bengali Soldiers.
By that time, one battalion of Pak army tried to enter into Brahmanbaria from Comilla Cantonment. The freedom fighters resisted their movement. At the outskirts of the town Near Kurulia Khal the Bengal Regiment and the general people engaged in resistance battle against Pak forces. In the battle some soldiers with a captain were killed. Thereafter from Brahmanbria to Comilla the students and general people created resistance by throwing trees on, and digging earths in, the streets.

Preparation to resist the Pakistani soldiers at Kasba, Brahmanbaria and Ashuganj
Arrangement was going on to resist the Pakistani soldiers at Kasba, Brahmanbaria and Ashugonj. In order to resist the Pakistani forces, several strong defensive positions of the freedom fighters were built up at several places.
We were very busy at various places to resist the Pakistan forces namely, in the rails, roads and rivers of Narsingdi, Bhairab. Ashuganj etc., in the south Kasba-Gangasagar rail and by Road the Pakistani army from Comilla cantonment and in the north­west Pakistani army from Dhaka. The great excitement prevailed among the students and general people including the members of Bengal Regiment. At last the Pakistani forces started three front attacks. In the face of modern weapons of the enemies it became very difficult for us to East long. Possibilities of massive damages of lives and assets gradually began to increase. Therefore we had to retreat on radical grounds. The free areas of Brahrmanbaria and Akhuura fell down and came under the control of the Pakistan army. Again we prepared ourselves for fighting. In guerilla tactics we began to inflict heavy damages on the lives and assets of the Pak armies one after another. After retreat we set up camp at Teliapara tea garden At last we had to abandon the camp also.
In the midst of heavy firing that time crowd began to make slogans "Joy Bangla" from all sides. As if such sky touching lofty sounds trembled the sky and winds. The sound of Joy Bangta of 1971 was dear to all women, men and children. Facing the bayonets and Rifles the brave Bengalese sacrificed there lives smilingly uttering Joy Bangla. In India during anti-British movement, the slogan Bande Mataram was the only successful in creating such reaction.
That day we began to advance with the slogan "Joy Bangla" and whatever we had. Some body had Kutch, spears and somebody had bamboo stick. I also entered into the battle with one 303 rifle. We had not sufficient arms and ammunition. On the other hand the enemy had sufficient ammunitions and as a result they began to fire within some intervals. And sounds of Joy Bangla of the general people were coming from all sides.
Before the advent of dawn the sounds of firing were stopped from the enemy sides. Carefully we went to the camp from three sides, fly the blow of bullets the enemies retreated and fled away. Before retreating they blew up the go-downs of arms and ammunition. By capturing the camp we did not get any living body except some left out dead bodies of non-Bengali members of non-bengali members of East Pakistan Rifles and destroyed arms. The wall of the go down and its inner condition became disarrayed. But did Pakistani members of EPR lied away through open path by swimming the lake. We captured the camp and hoisted the flag of Independent Bangladesh. Later on we came to know that at the time of retreating the living soldiers of EPR killed some alive villagers in the streets by anger and excitement.

Preparation to resist the Pakistani soldiers at Kasba. Brahmanbaria and Ashuganj.
Arrangement was going on to resist the Pakistani soldiers at Kasba. Brahmanbaris and Ashuganj. In order to resist the Pakistani forces, several strong defensive positions of file freedom fighters were built up at several plates. We were very busy at various places to resist the Pakistan forces namely, in the rails, roads and rivets of Narsingdi. Bhairab. Ashuganj etc., in the south Kasba-Gangasagar rail and by Road the Pakistani army form comilla cantonment and in the north-west Pakistani array From Dhaka. The great excitement prevailed among the students and general people including the members of Bengal Regiment. At last the Pakistani forces started three from attacks. In the face of modern weapons of the enemies it became very difficult for us to last long. Possibilities of massive damages of lives and assets gradually began to increase. Therefore we had to retreat on tactical grounds. The free areas of Brahmanharia and Akhaura fell down and came under the control of me Pakistan army. Again we prepared ourselves for fighting. In guerilla tactics we began to inflict heavy damages on the lives and assets of the Puk armies one after another. After retreat we set up camp at Teliapara tea garden. At last we had to abandon that camp also.

Akhaura battle and attack of Pakistani army and resistance by EPR soldiers and freedom fighters
In the meantime the news of secret meeting of Awami league leaders held at Agrtala circuit house on 12 April reached 10 the aggressor Pakistani forces. In that meeting the Independent revolutionary Government was formed. Therefore, without killing time the Pakistani forces signed life and death attempts to capture Brahmanbaria-Akhaura.
On 18 April was evening From all sides the resistance enclosures were made surrounding Akhaura. The railway bridge of Gangashagar was blown up to The aggression of the enemy. En the north south the young fighters took possession in the bunkers to resist Pak forces. In the north the Bengali EPR soldiers targeted machine gun towards the railway bridge on the Titas river. In one bunker two Bengal regiment soldiers remained engaged all along setting one heavy machine gun With them I also took possession with one 300 rifle. The night was soundless. Our careful attention as on the front side. There was possibility of attack from the north and we would resist them.
At first the aggressors advanced along the railway towards the south 10 Kasba via Gangasagar railway station and arrived at the Outskirts of Akhaura, They started attacks targeting our location. The freedom fighters gave all out obstructions on the onward advancement of aggressing forces. In that fighting about three hundred soldiers of Pakistan army were killed- the next day EPR soldiers and freedom fighters under the leadership of Captain Gaffar made attacks upon the Pakistani army and killed 20/25 soldiers. Yet we could not resist Pakistani force. Though the freedom fighters had been fighting bravely confronting very modern weapons and resisting throughout the day, the Pakistani forces entered into Akhaura in the dark of the night. In that fighting, some freedom fighters were killed. I knew some of them. They took part in the freedom fighting to save the motherland. they were not trained soldiers. The country became independent in one day, but today nobody remembered about sacrifice and dedication of those freedom fighters for the nation.
The night became deeper. We were ready targeting machine guns towards north. By whatever means we would resist the Pakistani forces, It was dead night. There was no sound. The sounds or riling were coming slowly. I was thinking, perhaps the fighting was going on in the south with freedom fighters. My presumption was that Pakistani forces could not in any way enter Akhaura breaking the strong defense of the freedom fighters. We were in the north side of be vast area in between Railway station, colony etc.
Surrounded by Pak Army.

The darkness is on all sides. Suddenly the rounds or firing were coming from nearby places. I was thinking for confrontation. But no…, the sound of filing was just on our backside. It seemed that it as coming to hit our back. The two solders of Bengal regiment put off their uniform. Simply they were wearing handloom napkin and underwear and even threw out even threw out the machine gun in the bunker. Thereafter the were going downward in darkness towards the lake in the west. Before I could guess they said "Pee". I understood that the Pak armies surrounded us, I was than at a loss. The death like monster was coming towards me very quickly. I could not understand. what should do. Only I remembered that there were my father, mother, brother, sister all behind me in The railway colony. I nine away towards my house. The road was only dark hut also empty. I guessed that a man was coming cowards this side with a big trunk on his head. I asked whereabouts of my house. He replied that. There was none in that side. Pak armies were coming by that side. They were setting fire and burning everything 10 ashes. You should not go, Otherwise you would be killed- All people of this area went towards Kharampur, Perhaps all members of your house went to Kharampur-I was startled. We had our relations at Kharampur. Perhaps my father would go to that side. With me intention of going to Kharampur I proceeded through the colony of north and cast. Crossing the railway nine in the east was the way to go to Kharampur, Still the morning was not full. There was indistinct darkness. When I went near the railway line, I heard, firing on both sides. I saw A group of Pakistani Army was proceeding from south to the north towarrds the bridge on the Titas river. I could not cross the railway line. I look shelier behind a wall. There was no human being at all. Some bullets of the Pak army also hit this wall also, When the Pak armies proceeded towards north, I looked back at the southern side. It appeared that another group of Pak armies had been advancing the Some way by tiring both sides. On their return they burnt away the Akhaura Railway station. Their heavy shells killed some freedom fighters and innocent people. They were not getting down from the railway track. I perhaps could not write this book, if they would get down from the railway track. Before reaching the 2nd group of Pakistan armies. I crossed the railway line by running and got pain falling in the sloping of the ground in the eastern side of the railway track. Somehow I raised and managed to reach behind the colony with heavy pain in my back. I observed that many men were also proceeding towards Kharampur like me. I followed them. Even I forgot about pains and bleeding of my body.

Fall of Akhaura and air attack on Brahmanbaria
The aggressors were coming quickly side, I was going to Kharampur along the bank lake. Slowly the darkness was. becoming lighter. The shy was becommig clear. In the light Of dawn I could see the men with their families were fleeing by many boats in the lake. When I further advanced, I thought only one boat was eagerly waiting by the side of the lake. The passengers of one was very anxious and one was standing with one leg in the boat and one leg in the land. I proceeded further and full the man was none but my father. I realized, as if he was waiting so long for me with eagerness and anxiety. Seeing me, my father ran towards me. caught my hand. He pushed me in the boat by rebuking and ordered the boatman to set on. The boat began to float. I realised that my father felt anxiety for me. So he could not bear his anger. My mother and my little sister aleya wept for very much Everybody was panicky by anxiety and fear. I fell very much for Aleya, because she is no more with us. In her tender age she left the world. I was silent and statue for anger, sorrow and pain by losing the battle. I could not stand against the modern deadly weapons of the aggressors, I accepted the challenge to free my dear motherland. which is interlaced with the memories of my childhood. But due to tactful reasons I had to retreat.
When the boatman asked my father about the destination, my father replied to proceed towards west, if I had to die, I would die in my own house. Since then my father lived they’re up to death in 1994. He served in the British railway department. He observed anti-British movement, the partition of India and creation of Pakistan. He observed language movement, observed freedom fighting and at last observed the liberation war of Bangladesh. He was retired from service in 1972. He did not object To my participation in 1971 freedom fighting. Rather he smilingly allowed me to lake part in the freedom fighting. My mother also did not object. In 1994 my father and mother left for heaven within the gap of only 4 days,
Soon after the fall Akhaura, the Pakistani forces started air attack on Brahamanbaria.
The aggressors made desperate attempts by attacking Akhaura, Ashuganj and Bhairab simultaneously both in the land in the water The Bengali solders fought bravely against the Pakistani forces, hut they had to retreat in the face of modern weapons and air attacks of the Parisian forces. Captain Nasim and Captain Matiur had to retreat and shift their headquarters from Bhairab and Ashuganj. To avoid huge damages and bloodsheds the Bengali soldiers of East Bengli Regiment and EPR, stationed at Bhrahmanbaria, left Bhrahmanbaria and retreated towards Teliapara. They set up their headquarters there in the Tea garden. The lively Brahmanbaria town turned in to a town of ghosts. After- two days the Pakistani forces took control of Brahmanbaria town and burnt to ashes the markets, shops, the houses and properties etc. and short to death whoever they saw.

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