Panchagarh celebrated its Liberation Day on Saturday with due respect and a series of commemorative events marking the district's freedom from Pakistani occupation on November 29, 1971.
The district administration organized various programmes to honor the martyrs of the Liberation War.
Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman, Additional Superintendent of Police Farhad Hossain, members of the Muktijoddha Sangsad and representatives from different government, non-government and social organizations paid floral tributes to the martyred freedom fighters Saturday morning.
The day began with a colorful procession that started from the district headquarters and concluded at the Mass Grave Memorial Plaque Square. Participants paid homage and offered special prayers at the memorial.
Later, a discussion meeting was held at the town's Central Shaheed Minar premises to mark the day.
Deputy Commissioner Kazi Md. Sayemuzzaman, Additional SP Farhad Hossain, Civil Surgeon Dr. Mizanur Rahman, Convener of the District Freedom Fighters' Association Abul Kalam Azad, Bir Muktijoddha Saykhul Islam, Public Prosecutor Adam Sufi, GP Abdul Bari and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Coordinator Fazle Rabbi spoke at the event, reports BSS.
They highlighted the heroic role of local freedom fighters and the historical significance of Panchagarh's liberation.
The victorious freedom fighters, political and students' leaders and common people hoisted the flag of independent Bangladesh on the soil of Panchagarh town at dawn on that day to celebrate the long-cherished taste of ultimate victory.
Historically, after the nationwide attacks by Pakistani forces beginning on March 25, 1971, Panchagarh remained free until April 16. The Pak army entered and occupied the town at around 10:30am on April 17, though they were unable to advance to Tentulia due to the destruction of a key bridge over the Chawai River at Amarkhana.
As a result, Tentulia remained liberated throughout the entire war and served as an important operational center, hosting several key meetings of the Provisional Government.
Joint attacks began on November 1, leading to the liberation of new areas almost daily. Amarkhana was freed on November 20, followed by Jagdalhat on November 25, Shingpara on November 26, East Talma on November 27, and Atwari, Mirzapur, Dhamor, and surrounding areas soon after.
On the night of November 28, Pakistani forces fled towards Saidpur via Debiganj and Domar. With their retreat, Panchagarh was finally liberated on the morning of November 29, marking a historic victory that the district proudly commemorates each year.
