KHULNA, DEC15, 2022 (BSS)-December 17 is a red letter day for Khulna People as the Pakistani occupation forces surrendered to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and Indian joint forces on this day in 1971, a day after the great 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 of the then Mujib Bahini who is now elected Chairman of Bagerhat District Council.

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

The camps including Gallamary Radio Station, Khulna Lions School, PMG Colony, Khulna Shipyard, Number 7 jetty Ghat area, Tootpara and Boyra Fire Station, 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 fighting for capturing Khulna City from different points including Rupsha Ghat area via Senerhat Rajapur, Crescent Jute Mill, Khulna Lions School, Mongla and Batiaghata.

Two major battles were held on the day specially 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 to the freedom fighters and the Indian Army, meanwhile their local collaborators fled away.