Kurigram Freedom Day being celebrated today

The people from all walks of life in Kurigram are celebrating December 6 as the Kurigram Freedom Day, commemorating the day in 1971 when freedom fighters defeated the Pakistani army and liberated the district.

On this day, Company Commander Bir Protik Abdul Hai Sarkar, along with his team, entered Kurigram town and hoisted the national flag of independent Bangladesh on an overhead water tank, signaling the district’s liberation.

Bir Protik Taramon Bibi also fought under this sector.

After 230 days under occupation, the victory brought widespread celebrations as residents emerged from hiding to join in the festivities. Local leaders and former freedom fighters have called for a memorial at the flag-hoisting site and the restoration of neglected mass grave sites, along with the publication of the names of those who lost their lives.

During the Liberation War, Kurigram fell under sectors 6 and 11, led by Wing Commander M Khademul Bashar and Major Abu Taher, respectively. The district played a significant role in the war, with organised guerrilla operations and coordinated attacks leading to the liberation of key areas, including Ulipur, Bhurungamari on November 14,  Nageshwari on November 28, the entire Uttar Dharla area on November 30, and finally the entire Kurigram district, including Kurigram town, on December 6.

The freedom fighters continued to carry out successful operations against the Pakistani army. On November 13, the Pakistani forces committed a brutal massacre in Hatia, Ulipur, killing 734 innocent people, including five freedom fighters, at the Dagar Kuti slaughterhouse. From November 14 onwards, under the leadership of Brigadier Jassi and with support from the Indian Army’s 6th Mounted Division, the freedom fighters launched a series of intense attacks, liberating ,

Former company commander Abdul Hai Sarkar recalled that coordinated guerrilla attacks and aerial offensives forced the Pakistani army to retreat, allowing freedom fighters to raise the flag over the town and celebrate victory.

Local students and residents continue to honour the day as a source of inspiration for building a just and equitable Bangladesh.