During the 1971 Liberation War, dozens of regional forces emerged across Bangladesh. Just as the freedom fighters trained under the sub-sectors and the Bengal Regiment fought valiantly, these regional forces also put up tough resistance against the Pakistan army. In the month of victory, we bring you the stories of some of these heroic forces.

AHMAD ISTIAK

The Aftab Bahini, led by Aftab Ali, a subedar in the 3rd East Bengal Regiment, was a formidable regional force that operated along the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers during the 1971 war.

The force’s influence extended from Dewanganj in Jamalpur to Ghughumarir Char in northern Kurigram near the Indian border.

The Aftab Bahini freedom fighters engaged in over 30 battles against the Pakistani forces and successfully defended the 600 square-mile “Rowmari Muktanchal” (Liberated Zone). These battles resulted in significant casualties among Pakistani soldiers and Razakars.

Colonel Abu Taher, Bir Uttam, commander of sector 11, acknowledged Aftab’s crucial role in defending Rowmari and his exceptional bravery in the book “Swadhinota Juddho: Dolil Potro (Volume 10).”

Abu Taher writes that when he briefed Aftab about the strategic importance of defending the Rowmari liberated zone, Aftab resolutely declared, “Sir, the Pakistanis will only enter Rowmari over my dead body.”

Despite being shot four times on the battlefield, Aftab’s unwavering courage and determination remained steadfast. His bravery, along with that of his forces, continues to inspire the people of Kurigram and Gaibandha to this day.

In May of this year, The Daily Star spoke to over 40 freedom fighters of Aftab Bahini during a visit to Kurigram and Gaibandha.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Noor Hossain, an Aftab Bahini freedom fighter, said, “Aftab was a man of unwavering courage and strong moral character. He had the ability to inspire and motivate us all.”

In recognition of his heroic contributions to the war, the Bangladesh government honoured Aftab with the titles of Bir Uttam (the second-highest gallantry award) and Bir Pratik (the fourth-highest gallantry award).

Many Aftab Bahini fighters were also awarded the titles of Bir Uttam and Bir Pratik.

Some of the notable operations conducted by Aftab Bahini between July and October include the Durgapur bridge operation and attacks on the Kamarjani police outpost and the Sundarganj Police Station in Gaibandha; and the capture of the Kalir Haat jute warehouse, the battle of Ulipur, and the Chilmari raid in Kurigram.

FORMATION, TRAINING

According to “Bangladesher Swadhinota Juddho - Sector Bhittik Itihash (Sector-11)”, in early March, Aftab Ali was serving in the Delta Company of the 3rd East Bengal Regiment, headquartered in Saidpur Cantonment.

Following the massacre of March 25, the Bangalee soldiers of Delta Company, deployed in Palashbari of Gaibandha, revolted and put up resistance against the Pakistani authorities.

By mid-April, a platoon of Delta Company relocated to Rowmari in Kurigram across the Brahmaputra and Teesta rivers to mobilise and train freedom fighters.

“From March, freedom fighters began training at Rowmari CG Zaman High School under the leadership of Constituent Assembly member Nurul Islam Papu Miya,” freedom fighter Azizar Rahman told this newspaper.

He added that the initial progress was slow, but the arrival of the Delta Company platoon invigorated the freedom fighters.

Here, the Aftab Bahini was formed, and trained youths began joining the force.

“Initially, Aftab Bahini trained at the Rowmari High School ground. However, due to security concerns, Aftab shifted the force headquarters to the house of Jadurchar union chairman Matiur Rahman. A training camp was also set up at the nearby Jadurchar High School,” said another freedom fighter Lutfor Rahman.

In early May, the main training

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