Bir Shreshtha Noor Mohammad's 55th martyrdom anniversary observed

The 55th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Shreshtha Lance Naik Noor Mohammad Sheikh, one of Bangladesh's seven recipients of the highest gallantry award, was observed across the country yesterday (5 September) with various programmes paying tribute to his supreme sacrifice during the Liberation War in 1971.

Different organisations, including government and local administrations, organised programmes to commemorate the valiant freedom fighter and honour his contribution to the country's independence.

Noor Mohammad Sheikh embraced martyrdom while fighting Pakistani occupation forces during the Liberation War. He was posthumously awarded the title of Bir Shreshtha, the highest military gallantry award of Bangladesh, in recognition of his exceptional bravery and sacrifice.

In Narail, the district administration and Bir Shreshtha Noor Mohammad Sheikh Trust jointly organised programmes at Noor Mohammad Nagar in Chandibarpur Union of Narail Sadar upazila.

The programmes began with the placing of wreaths at the portrait of Noor Mohammad Sheikh. A guard of honour, Quran-khani, doa mahfil, essay and drawing competitions, and a discussion on his life and heroic contribution were also held at the auditorium of the Noor Mohammad Sheikh Memorial Museum and Library.

In Jashore, members of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) paid homage to the martyred freedom fighter at his grave near Kashipur Border Outpost (BOP) in Sharsha upazila at 10:00am. 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 distribution of tabarruk among those present.

Members of Noor Mohammad's family, local representatives, journalists and prominent local residents attended the programme.

Commander of Jashore Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Golam Mohammad Saiful Alam Khan said the anniversary was observed with due respect, as in previous years, to commemorate the heroic contribution of Noor Mohammad, who made the supreme sacrifice during the Great Liberation War.

Noor Mohammad Sheikh was born on 26 February, 1936, in Mahishkhola village under Chandibarpur. The village was renamed Noor Mohammad Nagar on 18 March, 2008, in his honour.

He joined the then East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) on 14 March, 1959, and served for years along the Dinajpur border before being transferred to the Jashore sector on 10 July, 1970.  He was later promoted to Lance Naik.

During the Liberation War, he fought under Sector No. 8 in the Jashore region. Under the leadership of Captain Nazmul Huda, he took part in battles against Pakistani forces in the Boyra area near the Kashipur border.

On 5 September, 1971, during a fierce battle at Goalhati and Chutipur in Jashore, fellow fighter Nannu Mia was critically wounded. 

Noor Mohammad advanced towards the enemy carrying a light machine gun and his injured comrade on his shoulder while continuing to fire.

Even after sustaining severe injuries from a mortar shell, he continued fighting with exceptional courage. 

He ultimately embraced martyrdom while resisting the occupying forces and protecting 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.