Khulna freed on December 17

December 17 is a red-letter day for the people of Khulna as on this day in 1971 the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered to the allied forces of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and Indian forces in Khulna, a day after the liberation of the rest of the country.

"News over the radio (Bangladesh Betar) on December 16 that the Pakistani army had surrendered everywhere in the country except Khulna made our blood boil. We were determined to free Khulna as soon as possible," said Sheikh QuamruzzamanTuku, chief of Khulna unit MuzibBahini, who is now elected chairman of Bagerhat District Council.

Between December 11 and 16, freedom fighters had captured most of the camps of the Pakistani army and their local collaborators like Razakars, Albadars and Alshams in the areas surrounding Khulna city.

The camps include Gallamary Radio Station, Khulna Lions School, PMG Colony, Khulna Shipyard, Number 7 jetty ghat area, Tootpara and Boyra Fire Brigade Stations, Wapda Building, Goalpara Power Plant at Khalishpur, BhasanyBiddyapith, Hotel Asaiana, Hotel Shaheen, Khulna Circuit House and some places of Goalkhali, Daulatpur, Khalishpur and Shiromony area in Khulna.

On December 17, the freedom fighters started entering Khulna City through different points, including the Rupsha Ghat area via SenerhatRajapur, Crescent Jute Mill Khulna Lions School, Mongla and Batiaghata.

Two major battles were won on the day, one in the Shiromony area and another in the Khulna Shipyard area.

The Pakistani forces were fighting for the last two days, armed with several militaries of artillery, infantry and armoured divisions, including six trucks, in the Shiromony area.

In the morning, the battle grew fierce, says freedom fighter S M Rezwan. The occupation forces used modern weapons, including anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars and rocket launchers.

Soon the Pakistani occupation forces were defeated. A total of 200 Pakistani soldiers surrendered with their weapons while their local collaborators fled.