Gazipur: The city of Gazipur today commemorates its liberation from Pakistani occupation forces, marking December 15 as Enemy-Free Day. On this day in 1971, a decisive battle at Chhoidana led to the defeat of the Pakistani army, as heavy weaponry and vehicles were destroyed, and numerous enemy soldiers were killed. This victory played a crucial role in accelerating the ultimate collapse and surrender of the Pakistani forces, paving the way for the country's victory on December 16.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the people of Gazipur played a significant role in the Liberation War. The first armed resistance against Pakistani forces in the area occurred on March 19, 1971, even before the formal declaration of independence. The slogan "Take the path of Joydevpur, liberate Bangladesh" became a rallying cry across the nation.
During the war, Gazipur was of strategic importance due to its location near Dhaka. The Pakistani army established strongholds in the area, including a cantonment at Bhawal Rajbari in Joydevpur, and controlled key facilities like the Ordinance Factory and Machine Tools Factory. Following the brutal crackdown on March 25, local leaders and activists organized resistance, underwent training in India, and returned to fight across the district.
Significant engagements during the war included a clash on September 17 at the Mazukhan Rail Bridge, the capture of Punjabi soldiers on October 11 in the Dhirashram area, and the dismantling of railway tracks on October 14, severing rail communication. From November, freedom fighters intensified attacks, targeting strategic positions like the Joydevpur cantonment and the Rajendrapur ordnance depot.
On December 8, freedom fighters successfully blew up a train carrying arms near Gazipur railway station. Subsequent joint attacks on December 13 and 14 forced the Pakistani army to retreat from Joydevpur towards Dhaka. Meanwhile, Pakistani forces retreating from the northern front regrouped at Joydevpur's Chandana intersection, destroying infrastructure to impede advancing forces.
As Pakistani forces destroyed the Kodda Bridge, allied forces and Mukti Bahini prepared an ambush along the Dhaka-Mymensingh road. On December 15, a large Pakistani convoy fell into this ambush, resulting in devastating losses for the enemy. The Battle of Chhoidana marked a significant defeat for the Pakistani army near Dhaka.
Former Gazipur Zilla Parishad chairman and freedom fighter Hasan Uddin Sarkar recounted that the ambush led to the destruction of tanks, cannons, and vehicles, with many enemy soldiers killed. Four allied soldiers were martyred in the battle, and their sacrifice is remembered with respect and gratitude by the people of Gazipur.