The first true defence of Bangladesh, which had declared independence from its oppressors in Pakistan, took place when the country’s law enforcement officials made a stand against an attack by the Pakistan Army on the Rajarbagh Police Lines in Dhaka on March 25, 1971.
This first instance of defence encouraged many Bengalis to take up arms against the invaders, eventually leading Bangladesh to independence on December 16 the same year.
At least 751 policemen were martyred in efforts to resist Pakistan throughout the course of the Liberation War, according to government data.
Photographs, artefacts, and weapons from various eras at the Bangladesh Police Liberation War Museum showcase the long history of law enforcement in Bangladesh, including the crucial role played by the police during the struggle for independence.
The museum is housed in a two-storey building at Rajarbagh Police Lines. It has a Bangabandhu corner and a library on the first floor, while most of the artefacts, including some dating back to the British colonial era, are kept on the second floor.
Artefacts on display at the museum include horse-drawn carriages and the .38 revolver used by Bengali revolutionary Pritilota Waddedar in the early 20th century.
The museum also includes a plaque with the names of the policemen martyred in 1971. Sub Inspector Abdul Jalil Biswas, Sergeant Sabed Dewan, Constable Zahid, Mohiuddin and Aftab Uddin Ahmed are among the names on the plaque.
A photo shows police providing security during the 1970 general election. Before the war even started, then-Inspector General of Police Taslim Ahmed expressed allegiance to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as the elected leader of Bangladesh following Bangabandhu’s landslide victory in the polls.
A radio at the museum was used by then-Principal of Sardah Police Academy Abdul Khaleque to get notifications on the Liberation War aired on Shwadhin Bangla Betar Kendra.
According to museum data, around 14,000 policemen refused to report for duty to Pakistan in 1971. The Pakistan administration issued a notification summoning the absent law enforcement officials, but Khaleque urged the policemen to continue their revolt and fight for independence.
The resistance
A bell at the museum was rung at the moment of the Pakistani attack on the Rajarbagh Police Lines in the night on March 25, 1971. Constable Abdul Ali, bodyguard to the then-inspector general of police, rang the bell to warn his comrades of the attack.
Upon hearing the bell, members of police gathered at the salami guard ( a raised platform for salute). They took arms and ammunition from the armoury, cried “Joy Bangla”, and hoisted the flag of independent Bangladesh before making their stand.
After the attack on the Rajarbagh Police Lines, Abdul Khaleque moved to Kolkata. He was later made the director general of police, which is equivalent to the current post of inspector general of police.
The uniforms, arms and items used by the martyred policemen during the initial resistance are on display at the museum. Furthermore, photographs show police resisting the Pakistan occupation army in Barisal, Rajshahi, Khulna, Comilla, Noakhali, Dinajpur, Pabna and Kushtia.
Rajshahi range DIG Mamun Mahmood was the highest ranking police official to sacrifice his life for independence.