The historic Nazirpur War Day, commemorating one of the fiercest battles of the 1971 Liberation War, was observed in Netrokona today with due honour, solemnity, and profound respect. The district administration and the District Unit Command of the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad jointly organised a series of programmes to mark the day.
Wreath-Laying and Prayers
As part of the observance, wreaths were placed at the Nazirpur Memorial in Kalmakanda upazila at 10:30 am and later at the graves of the seven martyrs in Lengura, near the Bangladesh-India border. Special prayers were also offered, seeking eternal peace for the departed souls. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Khandaker Mushfiqur Rahman led the wreath-laying ceremony.
Significance of the Nazirpur Battle
The DC highlighted the significance of the Nazirpur battle, stating that the sacrifice made by the nation's heroic sons on this day in 1971 further strengthened the foundation of Bangladesh's ultimate victory in the Liberation War. He noted that the martyrdom of the freedom fighters in the Nazirpur battle inspired resistance across the country and became a significant source of strength in achieving the nation's final victory on December 16, 1971.
According to the Kalmakanda Upazila Administration, freedom fighters, in coordination with India's Border Security Force (BSF), planned an ambush at Nazirpur Bazar after receiving intelligence that Pakistani occupation forces would transport supplies along the Durgapur-Kalmakanda river route on July 26, 1971. A contingent of freedom fighters led by Tiger Company Commander Nazmul Haque Tara took positions at strategic locations. However, when the enemy failed to arrive at the expected time, the freedom fighters began withdrawing and were ambushed by Pakistani troops lying in wait.
Despite putting up fierce resistance, the freedom fighters were eventually overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the occupation forces. Eight valiant freedom fighters—Jamal Uddin, Dr Abdul Aziz, Md Fazlul Haque, Md Eyar Mamud, Vobotosh Chandra Das, Md Nuruzzaman, Dwijendra Chandra Biswas and local teenager Kala Mia—embraced martyrdom in the battle. Their bodies were buried and cremated with due honour the following day at Phulbari in Lengura near the Bangladesh-India border.
The historic Nazirpur battle remains one of the most glorious chapters in the Liberation War history of Netrokona and is commemorated every year with deep respect.
