The road to Bangladesh’s independence was carved in blood and resistance -- and among those who turned defiance into organised war was Hemayet Uddin, a guerrilla commander whose leadership helped sustain the fight across the southern region in 1971.
Hemayet Uddin, a former member of the East Bengal Regiment, emerged as a key figure in the Liberation War, leading the guerrilla force known as the Hemayet Bahini.
His leadership, resilience and battlefield determination earned him national recognition, including the gallantry title “Bir Bikram.”
Hemayet Uddin was born on December 3, 1941, in Tupuria village under Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj.
He served in the 2nd East Bengal Regiment of the Pakistan Army and was on leave in March 1971 when tensions escalated.
Following the launch of Operation Searchlight and the outbreak of the Liberation War, he joined the resistance and began organising local fighters.
On March 29, rebel soldiers of the regiment dispersed across the country to resist Pakistani forces.
Hemayet Uddin moved to Faridpur with a group of soldiers and, with support from local residents, initially resisted advancing troops.
Formation of Hemayet Bahini
As Pakistani forces advanced into Faridpur with superior firepower, Hemayet Uddin and his companions were forced to retreat to Kotalipara.
Despite threats from local collaborators, including intimidation directed at his family, he reorganised resistance efforts.
With support from local political leaders and the public, he formed a guerrilla force that later became known as the Hemayet Bahini.
One of the group’s early operations included an attack on Kotalipara police station, where they seized weapons to strengthen their capabilities.
Expansion and operations
The force expanded rapidly, growing to around 4,500 armed fighters.
Its operational areas extended across Gopalganj, western Madaripur, parts of Barisal, Khulna-Bagerhat, and Kalia in Jessore.
The Hemayet Bahini was organised into 42 units, each led by commanders and assistant commanders, with overall operations centrally coordinated.
A training centre was also established at Jaharerkandi High School in Kotalipara.
The force carried out numerous guerrilla attacks against Pakistani troops, sustaining pressure across the region.
Hemayet Uddin was seriously injured during the Battle of Ramshil, where a bullet passed through his cheek, causing severe injuries and the loss of several teeth.
Despite this, he continued to lead operations, demonstrating strong resolve under critical conditions.
On December 3, 1971, under his leadership, the Hemayet Bahini defeated Pakistani forces in Kotalipara, effectively liberating the area.
The operation had been planned the previous night with the participation of multiple sub-commanders.
The force also maintained internal discipline during the war and reportedly operated an internal judicial system.
Legacy
Hemayet Uddin’s contribution remains a significant part of Bangladesh’s Liberation War history.
In 2013, a museum dedicated to the Hemayet Bahini was established in Tupuria village of Kotalipara to preserve the memory of the force and its activities.
He died on October 22, 2016, and was laid to rest on October 24 at the museum premises.
Local freedom fighters remember him as a determined leader who played a key role in organising resistance in southern Bangladesh.
His story continues to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that shaped the country’s independence.