RANGPUR, March 28, 2022 (BSS) - Heroic freedom fighters, politicians and

officials today recalled the unique heroism of some 600 Bangalees who
embraced martyrdom while encircling Rangpur Cantonment on March 28, 1971.

 They were addressing a discussion arranged in observance of the "Rangpur
Cantonment Gherao Day" at the Nishbetganj Baddhyabhumi Smriti Soudha 'Rakta
Gaurab' premises in the city today.
 
The observance began with placing wreaths at the "Rakta Gaurab" Memorial by
the people from all walks of life paying rich tribute to the heroic Bengalees
who embraced martyrdom while encircling the Rangpur Cantonment.
 
Deputy Commissioner Md. Asib Ahsan, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General)
Md. Golam Rabbani and Sadar Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nur Jahan Begum placed
wreaths there paying rich tribute to the martyrs of the Nisbetganj massacre.
 
Former Awami League Lawmaker Advocate Hosne Ara Lutfa Dalia, President of
Rangpur city Awami League Shafiur Rahman Shafi, heroic freedom fighters
Baloram Mohanta, Kashem Ali and Kamrul Islam, President of Rangpur unit of
Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee Dr. Mofizul Islam Maantu placed wreaths at the
memorial.
 
The March 28 Cantonment Attack Smriti Sangrakhshan Parishad, Muktijoddha
Sangsad Santan Command, Bir Muktijoddha Tayebur Rahman High School, Jamison
Nesa High School and Nisbetganj Government Primary School also placed wreaths
there.
 
The Deputy Commissioner with political leaders, heroic freedom fighters,
teachers, students and common people offered munajats seeking divine
blessings for the departed souls of the martyred Bangalees who embraced
martyrdom there on March 28, 1971.
 
The speakers said thousands of Bangalees irrespective of their caste, creed
and religion laid down lives while surrounding Rangpur Cantonment with lethal
and indigenous sharp weapons like spears, arrows and bows in a bid to capture
the cantonment.
 
Shafiur Rahman said the supreme sacrifice of some 600 heroic Bangalees set up
a glittering example of Bangalee heroism and sparked the War of Liberation
inspiring the Bangalees with heroism to liberate the country.
 
Advocate Dalia said the independence-seeker Bangalee Muslims, Hindus and
Buddhists, Oraon, Santal and other ethnic communities equipped with
indegenous weapons attempted to capture the cantonment on that day in 1971.
 
"Message of the dazzling Bangalee heroism spread rapidly to the whole
northern region, igniting a fire in the mind of every Bangalee and inspiring
political leaders in organising the War of Liberation to attain ultimate
independence," she added.
 
The Deputy Commissioner called for informing the new generation about the
unique heroism and supreme sacrifice of the brave Bangalees while encircling
Rangpur Cantonment to bring them up in the spirit of the War of Liberation.