Khulna freed on December 17

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KHULNA, Dec 14, 2019 (BSS) – December 17 is a red letter day for Khulna
people as the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered to the allied forces
comprises freedom fighters and Indian armed forces on this day in 1971, a day
after 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 are determined to free Khulna as soon as possible,” said
Sheikh Quamruzzaman Tuku, chief of Khulna unit Muzib Bahini who is now
elected chairman of Bagerhat District Council.

Between December 11 to 16, freedom fighters had captured most of the
camps of 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, Bhasany
Biddyapith, 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 Khulna City through
different points including Rupsha Ghat area via Senerhat Rajapur, Crescent
Jute Mill Khulna Lions School, Mongla and Batiaghata.

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

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