Preparation for battle in the free area for BD

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 togetherWith 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