Narail: The 55th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Shreshtha Lance Naik Noor Mohammad Sheikh, one of Bangladesh's seven Bir Shreshtha gallantry awardees, was observed across the country with a series of commemorative events celebrating his ultimate sacrifice during the Liberation War in 1971.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, in Narail, a collaborative effort between the district administration and Bir Shreshtha Noor Mohammad Sheikh Trust organized a host of programmes at Noor Mohammad Nagar in Chandibarpur Union of Narail Sadar upazila. The day began with the placing of wreaths at the portrait of Noor Mohammad Sheikh, followed by a guard of honour. Quran-khani, doa mahfil, essay and drawing competitions, and a discussion centered on his life and contributions were held at the Noor Mohammad Sheikh Memorial Museum and Library auditorium.
In Jashore, members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) paid tribute to the martyred freedom fighter at his grave near the Kashipur Border Outpost (BOP) in Sharsha upazila at 10:00 am. The Jashore Battalion (BGB-49) accorded a guard of honour and laid wreaths at his grave. A Fateha and special munajat were offered, seeking eternal peace for his departed soul, followed by the distribution of tabarruk among attendees. The event witnessed participation from Noor Mohammad's family, local representatives, journalists, and prominent residents.
Commander of Jashore Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Golam Mohammad Saiful Alam Khan remarked that the anniversary was observed with due respect, as in previous years, to honour the heroic contributions of Noor Mohammad, who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Great Liberation War.
Noor Mohammad Sheikh was born on February 26, 1936, in Mahishkhola village, which was renamed Noor Mohammad Nagar on March 18, 2008, in his honour. He joined the then East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) on March 14, 1959, serving along the Dinajpur border before being transferred to the Jashore sector on July 10, 1970. He attained the rank of Lance Naik and fought under Sector No. 8 during the Liberation War, participating in battles against Pakistani forces near the Kashipur border under Captain Nazmul Huda's leadership.
On September 5, 1971, during intense combat at Goalhati and Chutipur in Jashore, fellow fighter Nannu Mia was critically wounded. Noor Mohammad, displaying exceptional bravery, advanced towards the enemy with a light machine gun, carrying his injured comrade on his shoulder while continuing to fire. Despite sustaining severe injuries from a mortar shell, he persisted in fighting valiantly until he embraced martyrdom, defending the lives and weapons of his fellow fighters. He was buried at Kashipur in Sharsha upazila. In recognition of his extraordinary bravery and supreme sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded Bangladesh's highest gallantry award, Bir Shreshtha.