RANGPUR, Dec 1, 2021 (BSS) - Following stiff resistances created by freedom
fighters, the northernmost Tentulia Thana area in Panchagarh remained as an
indomitable stronghold and training centre of freedom fighters in 1971.

   Talking to BSS, freedom fighters and eyewitnesses said the Pakistani
occupation army could not even touch sovereignty of the entire 74 square-
kilometer Tentulia Thana area during the nine-month of Liberation War.

   Tentulia remained as a spirited centre and indomitable stronghold
strengthening morale and conviction of the Bangalees for achieving
independence under the leadership of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman.

   Former Tentulia Upazila Deputy Muktijoddha Commander valiant freedom
fighter Ayub Ali of Tentulia said Tentulia was then known as the 'Muktanchol'
(free from invasion) across the globe.

  Recruitment of freedom fighters, their training, supply of arms and
ammunition and planning of attacks were being conducted freely by freedom
fighters at Tentulia that remained as a stern threat to the Pakistani army.

   "Tentulia, surrounded by Indian territories from three directions, soon
became well-known as top organisers of the War of Liberation and political
leaders frequently visited the area where freedom fighters mobilised them for
national independence," Ali said.

  Former Headmaster of Tentulia Pilot High School Jahirul Haque said Tentulia
became an internationally well-known important place in 1971 to reflect the
aspirations of the independence- seeker Bangalees.

   Prime Minister of the then Bangladesh government in exile Tajuddin Ahmed,
Finance Minister Captain Mansur Ali, Home Minister AHM Kamruzzaman, Acting
President Syed Nazrul Islam and Colonel MAG Osmani frequently visited
Tentulia in 1971.

   Sector Commander M K Bashar, Sub-sector Commander Squadron leader
Sadruddin, Captain Nazrul Haque, Captain Shahriar, Lieutenants Masud and
Matin were stationed at Tentulia Sub-sector of Sector No-6 to organise and
conduct the War of Liberation.

   "Cabinet Secretary to the government in exile HT Imam during his visit to
occupation-free Tentulia became overwhelmed and confidently told Circle
Officer of Tentulia Matiur Rahman that Bangladesh shall achieve
independence," Jahirul Haque added.

   Former Principal of Bhajanpur Degree College in Tentulia upazila Shafikul
Islam said he attended a huge rally of Tajuddin Ahmed at Tentulia during the
War of Liberation.

   "I listened to the speech of Tajuddin Ahmed in the public rally with
participation of thousands of independence-seeker Bangalees, freedom
fighters, political leaders, activists and foreign journalists," Islam said
recalling his sweet memory.

   Tajuddin Ahmed highly cherished bravery of the Tentulia people and urged
the Bangalees not to lose courage for continuing the war until the ultimate
victory was achieved.

   "While commenting on a radio speech of Pakistani junta Yahiya Khan,
Tajuddin in the rally said that Yahiya's speech reflects that moral courage
of the Pakistani army has been destroyed and our victory is apparent," Islam
mentioned.

   Former Tentulia upazila Muktijoddha Commander Kazi Mahbubur Rahman said
all hat and bazaars functioned as usual in Tentulia keeping public life
normal and freedom fighters were going to India and coming back freely to
liberate the country.

   Famous journalists like Mark Tully and William Crowley, visited Tentulia,
photographed the War of Liberation in Bhajanpur fronts and interviewed heroic
freedom fighters, common people and refugees then for global media coverage.

   The Pakistani army started retreating from Panchagarh as their defeat
became quite evident in late November in 1971 following intensified attacks
of the freedom fighters and allied forces.

   "After organising fierce attacks from Tentulia since November 20 in 1971,
freedom fighters and allied forces defeated the occupation forces in the
battles one after another and liberated Panchagarh town on November 29,"
Rahman said.

   The ultimate victory in the War of Liberation became evident when freedom
fighters defeated the Pakistani army on November 29 in Panchagarh, Thakurgaon
on December 3 and so on across the country.