The silent warriors of '71: How Digharkanda's youth fought the oppressors

In 1971, a temporary camp was set up by Pakistani Punjabis between Digharkanda and Bangladesh Agricultural University in Mymensingh. Fearing for their safety, many people fled their homes and sought refuge with relatives. 

During this time, the Punjabis would slaughter cows and goats, sending the meat to various camps, where they consumed it for amusement. At times, they also engaged in heinous acts, such as torturing the mothers and sisters of the local community.

A group of brave young men, encouraged by the wise elders of Digharkanda, took it upon themselves to resist these acts. Armed with local weapons, they would stay up all night, hiding in the bushes to protect the area. 

Notable members of this group included Md Khalilur Rahman, Rahmat Ali, Monai Mia, Md Abdur Rahim, Nazim Uddin, Md Harun Mia, Alal, Kashem, Azmat Munshi, Jabed Ali, and others.

The Pakistani Army attempted to launch attacks nearly every night from their temporary camp near Digharkanda and Bangladesh Agricultural University, but due to the vigilance of the local defenders, they were unsuccessful. 

However, their torment of innocent civilians persisted. The young defenders of the area continued to protect the villagers, particularly the young women, from the malevolent soldiers. These women were kept safe in a few houses, including the old Dupir Bari in Digharkanda, which offered a secure location. 

On one occasion, 10-15 women, many of them young, sought refuge there.

One night, the local defenders sensed that the Pakistani soldiers would target the women at Dupir Bari. Organised youths of the area hid in the nearby bushes and on the banks of the pond, armed with local weapons. When 10-12 Pakistani soldiers arrived at Dupir Bari and entered the rooms searching for young girls, the youth group surrounded them. 

During the confrontation, Golapjan and Mukutunnessa attacked the soldiers with shovels. In the ensuing struggle, one soldier was killed on the spot, and two others were injured. The body of the dead soldier was later buried one kilometre away. 

Tragically, Rahmat Ali (Bodi Mia) was killed in the exchange of fire with the Pakistani army, while Nazim Uddin and Azmat Munshi were injured. One Pakistani soldier later died from injuries sustained during the attack at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Furious at this incident, the Pakistani soldiers retaliated by patrolling Digharkanda and the Bangladesh Agricultural University area. The local population lived in constant fear, and the area became desolate. When no one could be found to bury Rahmat Ali's body, some brave youths took it upon themselves to bury him without regard for their own safety.

The Pakistani troops captured many of the local youths involved and took them to their camp, where they were subjected to horrific torture. Among them were Md Khalilur Rahman, Monai Mia, Md Abdur Rahim, and Jobed Ali. At one point, when they were at the mercy of collaborators of the Pakistani soldiers, Abdul Hannan and Mehedi Khan, they were released. However, the soldiers continued to torture them brutally. Md Khalilur Rahman, in particular, was left for dead near the camp. His family, believing him to be dead, went to retrieve his body under the cover of darkness. They managed to bring him home, and though he recovered with their care, he suffered from debilitating brain pain every winter for the rest of his life, a constant reminder of the brutal torture he endured.

Recently, in the search for untold stories of the Liberation War, a visit to the Digharkanda site revealed the extensive history of the suffering endured during the conflict, as documented in the "Digharkanda Janajuddho" by freedom fighter Bimal Pal. Md Gias Uddin, a retired employee of BAU, and playwright Md Harun Mia, who were aware of the events, shared their knowledge. The Digharkanda skirmish remains a testament to the courage and sacrifices of the unsung heroes of 1971. Their resilience and determination helped them fend off the violent occupying forces.

The author is a law student at the University of London