Khulna: The nation will observe the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Shreshtha Ruhul Amin, one of the seven highest gallantry award recipients of the Liberation War, tomorrow. The Bangladesh Navy in Khulna has organized various programmes to honor his sacrifice, including laying wreaths at the graves, discussions on their heroism, doa mahfil, and recitation from the Holy Quran.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, on this day in 1971, just six days before victory, Engine Room Artificer Ruhul Amin of Bangladesh Naval Ship (BNS) Palash was killed on the bank of the Rupsha River. Amin had swum nearly a quarter kilometre to shore following an air attack on the vessel. Earlier that day, BNS Palash had successfully captured Mongla Port from Pakistani occupation forces after a fierce gun battle and was advancing towards Khulna to liberate the industrial city.
As the ship approached the Shipyard area, a fighter aircraft bombed it, killing Mohibullah, Bir Bikrom, instantly. The remaining naval personnel, including Ruhul Amin, jumped into the Rupsha River to escape the explosion. Although Amin survived the bombing, he was later killed by anti-liberation forces who collaborated with the Pakistani forces.
Ruhul Amin and Mohibullah were laid to rest the following day at Bagmara village under East Rupsha. In 1997, the Khulna Development Authority constructed a memorial complex around their graves. The Bangladesh Navy has been supervising the complex since its handover by the KDA.