Bir Shrestha Nur Mohammad Sheikh’s death anniv today

Today marks the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Shrestha Nur Mohammad Sheikh, who sacrificed his life during the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. He died in a fierce battle with Pakistani forces in the Boyra area of the Kashipur border under Sharsha upazila in Jessore on this day.

To honour his sacrifice, the Narail district administration has organized several programmes in his birthplace. These include wreath-laying and a guard of honour at his memorial in Nur Mohammad Nagar, Quran recitation, milad mahfil, a memorial meeting, and food distribution for the poor and distressed.

Nur Mohammad Sheikh was born on February 26, 1936, in Mahiskhola village of Narail Sadar upazila. Orphaned early in life, he faced hardships and sold family property to support himself.

He joined the then East Pakistan Rifles (now Border Guard Bangladesh) in 1959 and was posted to the Dinajpur sector after training.

In August 1970, Nur Mohammad was transferred to the Jashore sector headquarters. When the Liberation War began in March 1971, he joined the fight in Sector 8 while on leave at his village.

On September 5, 1971, his patrol unit was surrounded by Pakistani forces in the Boyra area. Despite being outnumbered, Nur Mohammad fought bravely to protect his team and was killed in action. His body was recovered and buried at Kashipur in Sharsha upazila.

The Border Guard Bangladesh Jashore region and Sharsha upazila administration are also observing the day with various events.

Nur Mohammad Sheikh was posthumously awarded the title Bir Shrestha, the highest military honor in Bangladesh, in recognition of his courage and sacrifice during the Liberation War.