Bangladesh
Dec Special | Part 8 |

Regional Resistance: Aftab Bahini of Kurigram

Aftab Bahini Liberation War

During the 1971 Liberation War, dozens of regional forces emerged across Bangladesh. Just as the freedom fighters trained under the sub-sectors and the Bengal Regiment fought valiantly, these regional forces also put up tough resistance against the Pakistan army. In the month of victory, we bring you the stories of some of these heroic forces.

The Aftab Bahini, led by Aftab Ali, a subedar in the 3rd East Bengal Regiment, was a formidable regional force that operated along the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers during the 1971 war.

The force's influence extended from Dewanganj in Jamalpur to Ghughumarir Char in northern Kurigram near the Indian border.

The Aftab Bahini freedom fighters engaged in over 30 battles against the Pakistani forces and successfully defended the 600 square-mile "Rowmari Muktanchal" (Liberated Zone). These battles resulted in significant casualties among Pakistani soldiers and Razakars.

Colonel Abu Taher, Bir Uttam, commander of sector 11, acknowledged Aftab's crucial role in defending Rowmari and his exceptional bravery in the book "Swadhinota Juddho: Dolil Potro (Volume 10)."

Abu Taher writes that when he briefed Aftab about the strategic importance of defending the Rowmari liberated zone, Aftab resolutely declared, "Sir, the Pakistanis will only enter Rowmari over my dead body."

Recent photo of Rowmari CG Zaman High School ground. During the war, this was the biggest training camp in the country. Here, around 30,000 freedom fighters were trained. Photo: Ahmad Istiak

Despite being shot four times on the battlefield, Aftab's unwavering courage and determination remained steadfast. His bravery, along with that of his forces, continues to inspire the people of Kurigram and Gaibandha to this day.

In May of this year, The Daily Star spoke to over 40 freedom fighters of Aftab Bahini during a visit to Kurigram and Gaibandha.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Noor Hossain, an Aftab Bahini freedom fighter, said, "Aftab was a man of unwavering courage and strong moral character. He had the ability to inspire and motivate us all."

In recognition of his heroic contributions to the war, the Bangladesh government honoured Aftab with the titles of Bir Uttam (the second-highest gallantry award) and Bir Pratik (the fourth-highest gallantry award).

Many Aftab Bahini fighters were also awarded the titles of Bir Uttam and Bir Pratik.

Some of the notable operations conducted by Aftab Bahini between July and October include the Durgapur bridge operation and attacks on the Kamarjani police outpost and the Sundarganj Police Station in Gaibandha; and the capture of the Kalir Haat jute warehouse, the battle of Ulipur, and the Chilmari raid in Kurigram.

Recent photo of Balabari railway station in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram. Here, Aftab Bahini fought the Pakistani army on October 17, 1971. Photo: Ahmad Istiak

FORMATION, TRAINING

According to "Bangladesher Swadhinota Juddho - Sector Bhittik Itihash (Sector-11)", in early March, Aftab Ali was serving in the Delta Company of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment, headquartered in Saidpur Cantonment.

Following the massacre of March 25, the Bangalee soldiers of Delta Company, deployed in Palashbari of Gaibandha, revolted and put up resistance against the Pakistani authorities.

By mid-April, a platoon of Delta Company relocated to Rowmari in Kurigram across the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers to mobilise and train freedom fighters.

"From March, freedom fighters began training at Rowmari CG Zaman High School under the leadership of Constituent Assembly member Nurul Islam Papu Miya," freedom fighter Azizar Rahman told this newspaper.

He added that the initial progress was slow, but the arrival of the Delta Company platoon invigorated the freedom fighters.

Here, the Aftab Bahini was formed, and trained youths began joining the force.

"Initially, Aftab Bahini trained at the Rowmari High School ground. However, due to security concerns, Aftab shifted the force headquarters to the house of Jadurchar union chairman Matiur Rahman. A training camp was also set up at the nearby Jadurchar High School," said another freedom fighter Lutfor Rahman.

In early May, the main training camp was relocated to Rajibpur High School in Char Raijbpur upazila, he added.

"The ranks of Aftab Bahini swelled as local students and youths joined the war effort, exceeding 700 members. Subsequently, several additional camps were set up in Kodalkathi in Char Rajibpur, and Tapurchar and Dantbhanga in Rowmari," Sabur Farooqi, a prominent freedom fighter of the Aftab Bahini.

"As the scale of freedom fighter training expanded, Rowmari CG High School emerged as one of the largest training camps in the country, where around 30,000 freedom fighters received training over the course of the war."

DEFENDING MUKTANCHAL

During this period, the freedom fighters declared a 600-square-mile liberated zone, known as Rowmari Muktanchal, spanning from Dewanganj in Jamalpur to Char Rajibpur in Kurigram via Sundarganj in Gaibandha.

In June and July, Aftab Bahini maintained a strong presence in Kodalkathi Char in Char Rajibpur upazila.

"On August 6, the Pakistani army, aiming to capture Rowmari, launched a heavy attack on Kodalkathi Char, forcing the freedom fighters to retreat to Kartimari Char," freedom fighter Nur Hossain told The Daily Star.

To defend Rowmari for strategic importance, Aftab sought reinforcements from Shafaat Jamil, commanding officer of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment.

In response, a company led by lieutenant Nurunnabi Khan was deployed to Rowmari, said fighter Kafil Uddin, another Aftab Bahini fighter.

The final stand against the Pakistani forces was made near Kodalkathi to prevent access to Rowmari through the Sonabhori river and Jalchhera canal in Char Rajibpur.

At this time, a 40-mile defensive perimeter, stretching from Char Rajibpur to Ghughumarir Char, was put up by the 3rd Bengal and Aftab Bahini freedom fighters, said Sabur Farooqi.

"On August 8, the Pakistani army attempted to advance towards Rowmari with gunboats and launches through the Jalchhera canal.

"After a day-long battle against fierce resistance from the freedom fighters, the Pakistani forces were forced to retreat," he added.

Despite numerous skirmishes in August and six major attacks between September 21 and 26, the Pakistani forces were unable to reach the Rowmari front due to the vigilance of the Aftab Bahini.

RECLAIMING KODALKATHI

In late September, Major Ziauddin, commander of the 1st East Bengal Regiment, ordered Aftab Bahini to capture Kodalkathi Char.

On October 1, nearly 300 Aftab Bahini freedom fighters crossed the Sonabhori River and set up camp in Shankar Madhabpur village.

The following morning, a fierce clash broke out between the freedom fighters and two Pakistani patrol teams that entered the village.

"In the confusion of the battle, the two Pakistani teams mistakenly engaged each other in friendly fire," said Sabur.

"Our platoons, led by Riazul and Mansur, seized this opportunity and attacked. The ensuing chaos led to the elimination of both Pakistani companies, resulting in the deaths of over 150 Pakistani soldiers."

Later, the Pakistani forces were compelled to abandon Kodalkathi and retreat to Chilmari upazila. This marked the liberation of an 800-square-mile area east of the Brahmaputra.

Till December, the Aftab Bahini fought and defended the Rowmari Muktanchal.

Translated and edited from Bangla by Subrata Roy.

Comments

Dec Special | Part 8 |

Regional Resistance: Aftab Bahini of Kurigram

Aftab Bahini Liberation War

During the 1971 Liberation War, dozens of regional forces emerged across Bangladesh. Just as the freedom fighters trained under the sub-sectors and the Bengal Regiment fought valiantly, these regional forces also put up tough resistance against the Pakistan army. In the month of victory, we bring you the stories of some of these heroic forces.

The Aftab Bahini, led by Aftab Ali, a subedar in the 3rd East Bengal Regiment, was a formidable regional force that operated along the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers during the 1971 war.

The force's influence extended from Dewanganj in Jamalpur to Ghughumarir Char in northern Kurigram near the Indian border.

The Aftab Bahini freedom fighters engaged in over 30 battles against the Pakistani forces and successfully defended the 600 square-mile "Rowmari Muktanchal" (Liberated Zone). These battles resulted in significant casualties among Pakistani soldiers and Razakars.

Colonel Abu Taher, Bir Uttam, commander of sector 11, acknowledged Aftab's crucial role in defending Rowmari and his exceptional bravery in the book "Swadhinota Juddho: Dolil Potro (Volume 10)."

Abu Taher writes that when he briefed Aftab about the strategic importance of defending the Rowmari liberated zone, Aftab resolutely declared, "Sir, the Pakistanis will only enter Rowmari over my dead body."

Recent photo of Rowmari CG Zaman High School ground. During the war, this was the biggest training camp in the country. Here, around 30,000 freedom fighters were trained. Photo: Ahmad Istiak

Despite being shot four times on the battlefield, Aftab's unwavering courage and determination remained steadfast. His bravery, along with that of his forces, continues to inspire the people of Kurigram and Gaibandha to this day.

In May of this year, The Daily Star spoke to over 40 freedom fighters of Aftab Bahini during a visit to Kurigram and Gaibandha.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Noor Hossain, an Aftab Bahini freedom fighter, said, "Aftab was a man of unwavering courage and strong moral character. He had the ability to inspire and motivate us all."

In recognition of his heroic contributions to the war, the Bangladesh government honoured Aftab with the titles of Bir Uttam (the second-highest gallantry award) and Bir Pratik (the fourth-highest gallantry award).

Many Aftab Bahini fighters were also awarded the titles of Bir Uttam and Bir Pratik.

Some of the notable operations conducted by Aftab Bahini between July and October include the Durgapur bridge operation and attacks on the Kamarjani police outpost and the Sundarganj Police Station in Gaibandha; and the capture of the Kalir Haat jute warehouse, the battle of Ulipur, and the Chilmari raid in Kurigram.

Recent photo of Balabari railway station in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram. Here, Aftab Bahini fought the Pakistani army on October 17, 1971. Photo: Ahmad Istiak

FORMATION, TRAINING

According to "Bangladesher Swadhinota Juddho - Sector Bhittik Itihash (Sector-11)", in early March, Aftab Ali was serving in the Delta Company of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment, headquartered in Saidpur Cantonment.

Following the massacre of March 25, the Bangalee soldiers of Delta Company, deployed in Palashbari of Gaibandha, revolted and put up resistance against the Pakistani authorities.

By mid-April, a platoon of Delta Company relocated to Rowmari in Kurigram across the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers to mobilise and train freedom fighters.

"From March, freedom fighters began training at Rowmari CG Zaman High School under the leadership of Constituent Assembly member Nurul Islam Papu Miya," freedom fighter Azizar Rahman told this newspaper.

He added that the initial progress was slow, but the arrival of the Delta Company platoon invigorated the freedom fighters.

Here, the Aftab Bahini was formed, and trained youths began joining the force.

"Initially, Aftab Bahini trained at the Rowmari High School ground. However, due to security concerns, Aftab shifted the force headquarters to the house of Jadurchar union chairman Matiur Rahman. A training camp was also set up at the nearby Jadurchar High School," said another freedom fighter Lutfor Rahman.

In early May, the main training camp was relocated to Rajibpur High School in Char Raijbpur upazila, he added.

"The ranks of Aftab Bahini swelled as local students and youths joined the war effort, exceeding 700 members. Subsequently, several additional camps were set up in Kodalkathi in Char Rajibpur, and Tapurchar and Dantbhanga in Rowmari," Sabur Farooqi, a prominent freedom fighter of the Aftab Bahini.

"As the scale of freedom fighter training expanded, Rowmari CG High School emerged as one of the largest training camps in the country, where around 30,000 freedom fighters received training over the course of the war."

DEFENDING MUKTANCHAL

During this period, the freedom fighters declared a 600-square-mile liberated zone, known as Rowmari Muktanchal, spanning from Dewanganj in Jamalpur to Char Rajibpur in Kurigram via Sundarganj in Gaibandha.

In June and July, Aftab Bahini maintained a strong presence in Kodalkathi Char in Char Rajibpur upazila.

"On August 6, the Pakistani army, aiming to capture Rowmari, launched a heavy attack on Kodalkathi Char, forcing the freedom fighters to retreat to Kartimari Char," freedom fighter Nur Hossain told The Daily Star.

To defend Rowmari for strategic importance, Aftab sought reinforcements from Shafaat Jamil, commanding officer of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment.

In response, a company led by lieutenant Nurunnabi Khan was deployed to Rowmari, said fighter Kafil Uddin, another Aftab Bahini fighter.

The final stand against the Pakistani forces was made near Kodalkathi to prevent access to Rowmari through the Sonabhori river and Jalchhera canal in Char Rajibpur.

At this time, a 40-mile defensive perimeter, stretching from Char Rajibpur to Ghughumarir Char, was put up by the 3rd Bengal and Aftab Bahini freedom fighters, said Sabur Farooqi.

"On August 8, the Pakistani army attempted to advance towards Rowmari with gunboats and launches through the Jalchhera canal.

"After a day-long battle against fierce resistance from the freedom fighters, the Pakistani forces were forced to retreat," he added.

Despite numerous skirmishes in August and six major attacks between September 21 and 26, the Pakistani forces were unable to reach the Rowmari front due to the vigilance of the Aftab Bahini.

RECLAIMING KODALKATHI

In late September, Major Ziauddin, commander of the 1st East Bengal Regiment, ordered Aftab Bahini to capture Kodalkathi Char.

On October 1, nearly 300 Aftab Bahini freedom fighters crossed the Sonabhori River and set up camp in Shankar Madhabpur village.

The following morning, a fierce clash broke out between the freedom fighters and two Pakistani patrol teams that entered the village.

"In the confusion of the battle, the two Pakistani teams mistakenly engaged each other in friendly fire," said Sabur.

"Our platoons, led by Riazul and Mansur, seized this opportunity and attacked. The ensuing chaos led to the elimination of both Pakistani companies, resulting in the deaths of over 150 Pakistani soldiers."

Later, the Pakistani forces were compelled to abandon Kodalkathi and retreat to Chilmari upazila. This marked the liberation of an 800-square-mile area east of the Brahmaputra.

Till December, the Aftab Bahini fought and defended the Rowmari Muktanchal.

Translated and edited from Bangla by Subrata Roy.

Comments

আওয়ামী লীগ দেশ বেচেও তিস্তার এক ফোঁটা পানি আনতে পারেনি: ফখরুল

আওয়ামী লীগ দেশ বেচেও তিস্তার এক ফোঁটা পানি আনতে পারেনি বলে মন্তব্য করেছেন বিএনপি মহাসচিব মির্জা ফখরুল ইসলাম আলমগীর।

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