Gaibandha: The Gaibandha Liberty Day was observed today with due respect. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangshad, district unit, organized elaborate programs in cooperation with the district administration to commemorate the day.
In the morning, around 10 am, a discussion meeting took place at the auditorium of Zilla Shilpakala Academy in the district town. The meeting was chaired by Ashraful Islam Ranzu, the convener of the unit. DC Mohammad Masudur Rahman Mollah attended the event as the chief guest, while Police Superintendent Md. Jashim Uddin spoke as the special guest.
The function also featured speeches by former company commander and former MP Saiful Alom Saza, ADC-General Jadob Sarker, convener of District Bar Association Adv. Sekendar Azam Anam, member secretary of the unit FF Abdul Mazid, and FF Mujibul Haque Sana. FF Moynul Islam Raza moderated the proceedings.
The freedom fighters (FFs) emphasized in their speeches the unity and support demonstrated by local youths, farmers, workers, and the general populace during the Liberation War. They highlighted that this unity enabled the liberation of Gaibandha from enemy forces.
DC Mohammad Masudur Rahman Mollah remarked on the courage and unity displayed by the people of Gaibandha during the Liberation War, stating, "This day reminds us of the spirit of the independence of the country."
A doa mahfil was also held, praying for the progress and development of the country.
Discussions with the freedom fighters revealed that on this day in 1971, Gaibandha town was liberated by valiant FFs who defeated the Pakistan occupation forces. These forces had entered Gaibandha town on April 17, 1971, and established their base at the wireless office and later at Helal Park, now Shah Abdul Hamid Stadium.
A team of over 350 FFs, led by company commander Mahbub Elahi Ranju, Bir Protik, advanced from Kalasonarchar via Balashighat and entered the town through Pulbandi area. They were greeted with joy and pride by the local people as they bore the flag of independent Bangladesh.
The FFs gathered at Independence Square, formerly known as SDO (Sub-Division Officer) Math, around 9 am, savoring the taste of freedom after months of conflict. As the news of liberation spread, the town's people rushed to the ground, celebrating the achievement by chanting slogans and welcoming the FFs for their heroic efforts.