Khulna: December 17 marks a significant day for Khulna as the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered to the joint forces of freedom fighters and the Indian army in 1971, a day after the liberation of the rest of Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement on Bangladesh Betar on December 16 that the Pakistani army had surrendered across the country except for Khulna, fueled the determination of freedom fighters to liberate the city swiftly. S M Rezwan, a Liberation War hero, recalled the intense battle at Shiromoni, a focal point of confrontation between the Pakistani troops and the allied forces.
In the days leading up to December 17, freedom fighters captured several key positions held by the Pakistani army and their collaborators, including Razakars, Al-Badars, and Al-Shams, around Khulna city. A memorial at Jahanabad Cantonment highlights that the Pakistani forces had entrenched themselves in Shiromoni to halt the joint forces’ advance. The joint forces launched multiple attacks after December 15, ultimately demoralizing the Pakistani troops.
On December 17, a coordinated four-pronged assault led to the surrender of Brigadier Hayat and 3,700 soldiers to the joint forces, marking the historic Shiromoni War. The battle resulted in significant casualties, with about 200 Pakistani soldiers killed and 200 wounded, while the allied forces lost 250-300 fighters and had 300 wounded.
The allied forces had previously liberated strategic locations such as Gallamary Radio Station, Khulna Lions School, and Khulna Shipyard, among others. On the day of liberation, freedom fighters advanced on Khulna city from various directions, facing fierce resistance from Pakistani forces equipped with artillery, infantry, and modern weaponry.
The allied forces had entered Bangladesh through Benapole earlier in December, with Major Mahendra Singh leading a team that guided the freedom fighters toward Khulna. Their efforts resulted in the surrender of 200 Pakistani soldiers, while local collaborators fled.
Journalist Manik Saha documented that the Pakistani army had fortified their position at Shiromoni after moving from Jashore Cantonment. The Mukti Bahini and allied forces set up a camp at Phultala on December 10, with fighting intensifying over the following days. On December 15, under the leadership of Major M A Manjur and Major Dalbir Singh, the allied forces surrounded Pakistani troops with a multifaceted attack, including air strikes.
Prof. Anwarul Kadir recounted visiting the war zone on December 17, noting the extensive destruction and the visible marks of conflict. He described the allied forces advancing from Shiromoni toward Khulna as Pakistani soldiers retreated.