Mymensingh observes historic Liberation Day

The historic Mymensingh Liberation Day was observed today (10 December) with due dignity and various commemorative programmes, marking the district's freedom from Pakistani occupation forces on 10 December 1971.

According to liberation war veterans and local residents, Mymensingh-under Sector 11 during the War of Independence-held significant strategic importance for the Pakistani military, which had established a major defence zone to maintain control over the northern border. 

However, following the Pakistani Air Force's aggressive attacks on 3 December 1971, the Mukti Bahini prioritised the liberation of the district.

Beginning on the night of 3 December, freedom fighters took up covert positions along the Haluaghat border, monitoring enemy movements. Supported by the 57th Mountain Division of the 95th Brigade, the Mukti Bahini launched an overnight offensive. Haluaghat was fully liberated by the early hours of 4 December, opening the first gateway to freeing Mymensingh. Dhobaura followed the next day.

Retreating Pakistani troops attempted to regroup in Phulpur, Tarakanda, Nandail, and Trishal, but the Mukti Bahini continued their advance. After fierce battles on 7-8 December, Phulpur, Tarakanda, and Nandail were liberated. Trishal, heavily fortified by the enemy, fell after two days of intense fighting on 8-9 December.

Meanwhile, freedom fighters launched simultaneous attacks on December 9 from the southwest and east, resulting in the liberation of Gafargaon, Gauripur, Muktagachha, Phulbaria, and Ishwarganj, effectively encircling Mymensingh city.

Despite the Pakistani army's last attempt to maintain control over the Dhaka-Mymensingh highway, Bhaluka was freed on the morning of 10 December, rendering the city indefensible. Anticipating defeat, Pakistani soldiers began fleeing through Shambhuganj late on 9 December, destroying the Shambhuganj railway bridge in a final act of sabotage. However, the Mukti Bahini, aided by local residents, entered the city before dawn.

Mymensingh was fully liberated on the morning of 10 December 1971. Jubilant crowds gathered in victory processions, converging at the Circuit House where the red-green flag of independent Bangladesh was hoisted, marking the end of occupation and the dawn of freedom.

Today, the district honours the courage, sacrifice and unwavering spirit of its freedom fighters with solemn remembrance and patriotic fervour.