JAMALPUR, Dec 11: After months of fighting Jamalpur district was at last totally freed from the Pakistani occupation on Det ember 11. 1971. The occupation soldiersand their local collaborators-- members of Razakar, Al Badar and Al Shams forces - fled the district, and people from all walks of life heaved a sigh of relief.

On this day 29 years back Folzur Rahman, the company commander of Sector No 11. formally declared Jamalpur enemy-free area by hoisting the flag of independent Bangladesh atop local WAPDA Rest House in presence of many freedom-loving people.

The Pakistani soldiers were forced to leave the district after their defeat In Kamalpur battle. The enemy soldiers constructed a concrete bunker to face freedom fighters. 31 Baluch Regiment was deployed In Kamalpur-BakshiganJ area.

The headquarters of the regiment was up at the Primary Teachers' Institute (FT!) near Jamalpur (own. Lieutenant Colonel Sultan Mahmud was the commander of the regiment.

In the area, freedom fighters launched several attacks on the enemy soldiers. Sector Commander Colonel Abu Taher had launched an attack on the Pakistani camp but he was wounded seriously during an attack and lost his one leg. Later Wing Commander Hamldullah Khan Blr ITat Ik took over as Sector Commander.

After 21 days of fighting on December 4 the Pakistani soldiers gave in and moved to their headquarters at Jamalpur town. At least 220 soldiers were killed while 12 freedom fighters. Including Captain Salahuddln. embraced martyrdom.

Later the enemies were also forced to leave the headquarters.