staff correspondent

On the occasion of the Great Victory Day, on Tuesday, 16 December at 11:00 AM, the Betagi Upazila Administration organized a reception for valiant freedom fighters at the Upazila Conference Hall. The event was presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Md. Saddam Hossain.

Speeches were delivered by Betagi Police Station Officer-in-Charge Jewel Islam, former Upazila Chairman Shajahan Kabir, Liberation War-era Commander Motaleb Sikder, Joint Convener of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Betagi Upazila Command and nominated candidate for the upcoming National Parliamentary Election from Barguna-2 (Betagi–Bamna–Patharghata) constituency, valiant freedom fighter Md. Ziaul Kabir Dulu, along with freedom fighters Abdur Rashid, Abdul Khaleque Mina, and others.

Freedom fighter Md. Ziaul Kabir Dulu, while recalling memories of the 1971 Liberation War, stated that on 26 March 1971 at noon, Shahjahan Gazi, who was working at the Betagi Wireless Station, delivered the message of independence to then student leader Humayun Kabir Hiru. Later, Hiru arranged for Sharif Alauddin Khan Dulal to announce the message at Betagi Bazar at 2:00 PM. Dulal Khan, along with Dulu himself, beat tin drums and marched past the shop of then Muslim League leader Altaf Khan, ending the procession at the Khaskachari field.

The following day, on 27 March in the afternoon, Major Zia declared independence on behalf of Bangabandhu from the Kalurghat Radio Station. Following this declaration, students and youths across the country joined the Liberation War like a tidal wave. Major Zia’s announcement inspired and motivated the nation to join the war. That same wave reached Betagi, where they too began preparing for war, initially training with bamboo sticks in the field where the current UNO office stands.

He paid tribute to the contributions of Sector 9 Commander Major M. A. Jalil, Sub-sector Commander Captain Mehdi Ali Imam, Shahzada Abdul Malek Khan, and Professor Humayun Kabir Hiru. He mentioned that Major Jalil protested against looting by Indian forces during the Liberation War and was the country’s first political prisoner.

He further stated that Major M. A. Jalil sent him to lead a group to fight against Israel in support of the Palestinian people for the liberation of the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque. He claimed that through courageous fighting, he presented the bravery of Bengalis to the world.

He also mentioned that he was the Organizational Secretary of the central committee of the party led by ASM Abdur Rab, the hoister of the first flag of independent Bangladesh and former DUCSU Vice President, known as one of the “Four Caliphs.”

He noted that he has been nominated as a candidate for the upcoming National Parliamentary Election from Barguna-2 constituency. He alleged that killings of potential candidates have already begun and expressed uncertainty over whether the election scheduled for 12 February would be held on the government-declared date. He called upon voters to elect pro–Liberation War forces to protect independence, sovereignty, and the existence of the country.

Freedom fighter Motaleb Sikder stated that regardless of opinions, on 27 March 1971 Major Zia declared independence on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Shajahan Kabir said that on 27 March 1971, Major Zia first declared independence in his own name from Kalurghat Radio Station, and later made a second declaration on behalf of the great leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Officer-in-Charge Jewel Islam said that the police were the first to resist the Pakistani forces at the Rajarbagh Police Lines, where hundreds of police personnel were martyred during the dark night.

In his concluding speech, UNO Md. Saddam Hossain paid deep respect to the martyred and living freedom fighters, saying that it is due to their sacrifice that Bangladesh is independent today, with a flag and a recognized place on the world map. He emphasized the need to work together to build a new Bangladesh and assured that there was no lack of sincerity in the arrangements. He stated that the government has entrusted him with organizing a fair election and expressed his desire to conduct a peaceful, fair, festive, and joyful election with everyone’s cooperation.

After the session, the president distributed gift items to the freedom fighters on the occasion of Victory Day. A special prayer (munajat) was conducted by Maulana Atikur Rahman, Khatib of the Betagi Upazila Model Mosque.

It is noteworthy that Betagi Upazila has 229 listed freedom fighters. Currently, 85 are alive, of whom around 40 are suffering from illnesses.