Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Dec 11, 2025 (BSS) - December 17 is a historic day for the people of Khulna as the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered to the joint forces of freedom fighters and the Indian army in 1971, a day after the liberation of the rest of the country.

"News over Bangladesh Betar on December 16 that the Pakistani army had surrendered across the country except Khulna made our blood boil. We were determined to free Khulna as soon as possible," said S M Rezwan, a Liberation War hero who participated in the battle at Shiromoni, where a fierce confrontation took place between the Pakistani troops and the allied forces.

Between December 11 and 16, freedom fighters captured most camps of the Pakistani army and their local collaborators, including Razakars, Al-Badars, and Al-Shams, in the areas surrounding Khulna city.

A memorial at the Jahanabad Cantonment in Khulna notes that the Pakistani army had taken a strong position in Shiromoni to prevent the joint forces from advancing toward the city. After December 15, the joint forces launched three prolonged attacks, breaking the morale of the Pakistani troops.

On December 17, the Pakistani army faced a four-pronged assault at Shiromoni. Between 10 am. and 11 am., Brigadier Hayat and 3,700 soldiers surrendered to the joint forces, marking the historic Shiromoni War.

According to the Bangladesh Army publication Military Operations in Liberation War, about 200 Pakistani soldiers were killed and 200 wounded, while the allied forces lost 250-300 fighters and had 300 wounded.

Prior to December 17, the allied forces had liberated key locations, including Gallamary Radio Station, Khulna Lions School, PMG Colony, Khulna Shipyard, Number 7 Jetty, Tootpara and Boyra Fire Station, WAPDA Building, Goalpara Power Plant at Khalishpur, Bhasany Biddyapith, Hotel Asaiana, Hotel Shaheen, Khulna Circuit House, and areas of Goalkhali, Daulatpur, Khalishpur, and Shiromoni.

On the day of liberation, freedom fighters advanced toward Khulna city from multiple directions, including Rupsha Ghat via Senerhat-Rajapur, Crescent Jute Mill, Khulna Lions School, Mongla, and Batiaghata. Two major battles were fought in Shiromoni and the Khulna Shipyard.

"The Pakistani forces fought fiercely, using artillery, infantry, and armored divisions, including six trucks. They had modern weapons like anti-aircraft machine guns, mortars, and rocket launchers," Rezwan said. 

He added that freedom fighters also carried out regular guerrilla attacks on Pakistani troops in Kolaroa, Satkhira.

The allied forces entered Bangladesh through Benapole in early December. A team led by Major Mahendra Singh guided the freedom fighters from Kalaroa toward Khulna. Soon, 200 Pakistani soldiers surrendered along with their weapons, while local collaborators fled.

Manik Saha, a slain journalist, wrote in The Story of Victory in the 1971s that the Pakistani army had moved from Jashore Cantonment to Shiromoni, establishing a strong base near the Jashore-Khulna highway. 

The Mukti Bahini and allied forces then advanced toward Khulna, setting up a camp at Phultala on December 10. Fighting began in earnest on December 11 and continued until the afternoon of December 13.

On December 14, as the allied convoy moved toward Khulna, it came under a tank attack by Pakistani forces. On December 15, under the leadership of Major M A Manjur, Sector No. 8 commander, and Major Dalbir Singh, the Rajput Battalion chief, Pakistani troops were surrounded from multiple sides, including Afil Gate, Fulbari Gate, Shalua, Rangpur, Arongghata, and across the Bhairab River. The attack included coordinated air strikes.

Prof. Anwarul Kadir, an educationist and executive director of Sundarban Academy, recalled visiting the war zone on December 17, 1971. 

"The area was filled with dead bodies, and the destruction was unimaginable. Tanks of the allied forces advanced through low, canal-like areas due to anti-tank mines, and the marks are still visible today. At the time of surrender, the allied forces were advancing from Shiromoni toward Khulna, while the Pakistani soldiers retreated toward Shiromoni," he said.