A reception was given to the valiant freedom fighters at the Upazila Conference Hall by the Betagi Upazila Administration on the Victory Day on Tuesday.
The program was presided over by UNO. Muha. Saddam Hossain.
Speeches were delivered by Betagi Police Station OC Jewel Islam, former Upazila Chairman Shajahan Kabir, Liberation War–time commander Motaleb Sikder, Joint Convener of the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters Sangsad Betagi Upazila Command and JSD nominated candidate in National Parliamentary Election for Barguna–2 (Betagi–Bamna–Patharghata) Constituency heroic freedom fighter Md. Ziaul Kabir Dulu, valiant freedom fighter Abdur Rashid and Abdul Khaleq Mina, among others.
Freedom fighter Md. Ziaul Kabir Dulu, recalling memories of the Liberation War of 1971, said that at noon on 26 March 1971, Shahjahan Gazi, who was working at the Betagi wireless station, delivered the received message of independence to the then student leader Humayun Kabir Hiru.
Later, when Hiru arranged publicity at 2:00 pm in Betagi Bazar through Sharif Alauddin Khan Dulal, Dulal Khan along with Dulu (himself), beating tin plates, went past the market house of the then Muslim League leader Altaf Khan and ended at the Khaskachari field. The next day, on the afternoon of 27 March, Major Zia declared independence on behalf of Bangabandhu from the Kalurghat radio station. With Major Zia’s announcement from the Kalurghat radio station, students and youths across the country plunged into the Liberation War like a broken dam’s torrent. Major Zia’s announcement inspired the nation and motivated them to go to war. Like the rest of the country, that wave also reached Betagi. We also began preparing for war following Major Zia’s announcement and first trained with bamboo sticks in the field where the present UNO office stands.
He mentioned the contributions of Liberation War 9th Sector Commander Major M. A. Jalil, Sub-Sector Commander Captain Mehdi Ali Imam, Shahzada Abdul Malek Khan, and Professor Humayun Kabir Hiru, paid tribute to them, and said that during the Liberation War Major Jalil protested against looting by the Indian forces and he was the country’s first political prisoner.
He said that Major M. A. Jalil sent him to fight against Israel in support of the Palestinian people, leading a group, to recover the Muslims’ holy mosque Al-Aqsa. He said that by fighting bravely, he presented the Bengali lions to the world. He further said that he was the central committee organizing secretary of the party led by A. S. M. Abdur Rab Bhai, the hoister of the first flag of independent Bangladesh and the leader known as one of the “Four Caliphs,” and former DUCSU Vice President.
He said he has been nominated as a candidate in the upcoming National Parliamentary Election for Barguna–2 (Betagi–Bamna–Patharghata) constituency. As soon as the election schedule is announced, the killing of potential candidates has begun. Whether the election on 12 February can be held on the government-set date or whether it will be held at all is uncertain. He called upon voters to elect pro-llberation party to preserve the existence of the country.
Freedom fighter Motabek Sikder said, I do not know who will say what or be offended, but on 27 March 1971 Major Zia declared independence on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Shajahan Kabir said that on 27 March 1971 from the Kalurghat radio station Major Zia first declared independence in his own name. Later, for the second time, Major Zia declared independence on behalf of the great leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Betagi Thana OC Jewel Islam said, the police force first built resistance against the Pakistani forces at the Rajarbagh Police Lines.
In the president’s speech, Betagi UNO. Muha. Saddam Hossain paid deep respect to the martyred freedom fighters and the living valiant freedom fighters and said that today’s independent Bangladesh is the result of their sacrifice and self-sacrifice.
The government has sent me to organize a fair election. With your cooperation, I want to hold the election in a peaceful, fair environment with joy and festivity. After that, the president distributed gift items to the valiant freedom fighters on the occasion of Victory Day. A special prayer was offered.led by Maulana Atikur Rahman, Khatib of Betagi Upazila Model Mosque.
It is mentioned that there are 229 enlisted valiant freedom fighters in Betagi Upazila. Currently, 85 are alive. Among them, about 40 are ill.
