PIROJPUR, Dec 8: Pirojpur Liberation Day was celebrated on Monday in the district with great festivity and enthusiasm.
The district administration and the Muktijoddha Sangsad District Command Council jointly organised a colourful, joyous rally.
It commenced from the premises of the central Shaheed Minar, paraded through the main streets, and concluded at the Liberation War Martyrs' Monument on the bank of the River Boleshwar in the town.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Abu Sayed, on behalf of the district administration, offered floral tributes at the monument. Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammad Manjur Ahmed Siddique and the convener of the district Muktijoddha Sangsad, Md. Shahidul Haque Chand, also paid their respects.
They were followed by the Principal of Government Shurawardy College, Professor Panna Lal Roy; the Principal of Government Mahila College, Professor Sheikh Rafiqul Islam; the administrator of Pirojpur municipality, Israt Jahan; and representatives from other academic institutions and socio-cultural organisations, who offered floral tributes. Political party leaders also took part in the programme. A special 'Doa* (prayer) was later organised.
In a speech, the DC said it is our duty to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War, and that the new generation should know about our glorious victory. District Commander Shahidul Haque Chand said the heroic history of the countrymen is unforgettable and is a part of our very existence.
On 8 December 1971, Pirojpur subdivision was freed from the barbaric occupation of the Pakistani army. On 3 May 1971, Pakistani forces entered the subdivision headquarters, killing more than 100 innocent villagers in the Masimpur and Krishnanagar areas of the town, burning houses and looting valuables.
Under the nine sector Sundarbans sub-sector, Commander Ziauddin Ahmed, a young army officer, sent troops of freedom fighters from different sides to attack the Pakistani army camp. Upon learning the news, the Pakistani army quickly left Pirojpur for Barishal by gunboat. Before leaving, they looted the National Bank and the treasury. Simultaneously, the auxiliary forces, Rajakars and Al-Badrs, surrendered to the freedom fighters.
