Photo : BSS

By Akkas Sikder

JHALAKATHI, Dec 8, 2025 (BSS) - Jhalakathi and Nalchhiti today celebrated Pak Invader-Free Day, marking the liberation of the two regions from Pakistani occupation forces on December 8, 1971.

On this day, Pakistani troops and their local collaborators abandoned the region in the face of determined resistance by freedom fighters, allowing the Bangladeshi flag to be hoisted in both Jhalakathi Sadar and Nalchhiti.

Mustafa Kamal Montu, convener of the Jhalakathi District Muktijoddha Sangsad, told BSS that liberation inspired widespread jubilation among residents. "Freedom-loving people rejoiced in every corner of the district," he said.

He recalled that the Pakistani army had captured Jhalakathi town on April 27, 1971, launching heavy artillery and mortar attacks. Until December 7, the occupying forces and their collaborators inflicted severe violence - including killings, rape, looting and torture - mainly in the Kheyaghat area of Jhalakathi Municipality.

As resistance intensified, the occupation forces imposed a curfew on the evening of December 7 and fled under the cover of darkness. 

Freedom fighters later surrounded the local police station and disarmed police personnel. By the morning of December 8, both Jhalakathi and Nalchhiti were declared liberated.

Dulal Saha, former deputy commander of the District Freedom Fighters Command Council, said they expected liberation to come on December 7. 

He recalled: "On the morning of December 8, freedom fighters and pro-liberation residents entered the towns. Thousands took to the streets waving red-and-green flags." 

He added: "Tears of joy flowed as we celebrated freedom, remembering the sacrifices of countless martyrs and the suffering of mothers and sisters."

Freedom fighter Shaheed Imam described how, from April 27 onward, Pakistani troops seized Jhalakathi amid heavy shelling and continued their brutal campaign until their retreat on December 7. 

Many freedom fighters and civilians were killed and buried across the district during that period.

Imam said the occupying troops, unable to withstand mounting resistance, imposed a curfew and fled at night. Later, freedom fighters disarmed police at the Jhalakathi police station, prompting the surrender of the Officer-in-Charge and other officers.

Today, the district administration, the Freedom Fighters' Association and various social organisations have arranged a series of programmes to honour the martyrs and celebrate the region's liberation.