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Yet another March has arrived. Since 1971, every March reminds us of the supreme sacrifices Bangalees made to come out of the clutch of Pakistani repressors when the 23-year-long struggle culminated in the War of Liberation.
This year the Daily Sun will shed light on some of the most heroic battles fought by the ordinary people and freedom fighters, which not only glorified their valour but also boosted the morale of the people to reach the destination they had been searching for.
The Battle of Kushtia stands as one of the earliest and most significant resistance battles of Bangladesh’s Liberation War, demonstrating how ordinary people could confront a powerful military force through unity, courage and determination.
The spirit of resistance began to take shape on 3 March, 1971, when the Swadhin Bangla Chhatra Sangram Parishad (Independent Bangla Student Struggle Council) organised a public rally at Kushtia Islamia College. During the gathering, the red-and-green flag of an independent Bangladesh was raised, symbolising open defiance against Pakistani rule. Soon after, resistance groups known as the Joy Bangla Bahini were formed across villages, later evolving into the Mukti Bahini.
Although members of the then East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), police and Ansar forces contributed significantly, overall leadership and coordination largely rested with students and local civilians. The people organised themselves strategically. One group gathered intelligence on Pakistani troop movements, weapons and positions, while others established communication with EPR camps in Chuadanga, Meherpur and Daulatpur to prepare for armed resistance.
The imbalance in military strength was stark. Pakistani forces possessed jeep-mounted 106 mm recoilless rifles, heavy and light machine guns, automatic weapons, ample ammunition and communication equipment—firepower comparable to a regular infantry battalion.
In contrast, the resistance fighters relied mainly on old .303 rifles, outdated machine guns and a few worn-out rocket launchers from the Second World War. Major Abu Osman Chowdhury, who later commanded the operation, recalled that their greatest strength was the unwavering support of the people.
On the night of 25 March, Pakistani troops launched operations across the country. Around 11:45pm, soldiers from the 27 Baluch Regiment entered Kushtia from Jashore cantonment and attacked the Police Lines.
Many police members escaped by swimming across the Garai River and taking refuge in nearby villages, while others were disarmed. The army quickly occupied key installations, including the Police Lines, Zilla School, telegraph office and wireless station, and imposed a strict curfew.
Despite military patrols, students, teachers and political activists secretly prepared for resistance. Under plans developed by local organisers, Major Abu Osman Chowdhury and Captain Azam Chowdhury finalised an assault strategy. To prevent reinforcements from Jashore, freedom fighters blocked the Jashore–Jhenaidah highway.
After delays caused by a vehicle accident, coordinated attacks began at 4:00 am on 30 March. Freedom fighters launched simultaneous assaults on Pakistani strongholds at the Police Lines, Zilla School and Aruapara wireless station. EPR soldiers fought alongside student volunteers and civilian fighters of the Joy Bangla Bahini. Police personnel who had earlier escaped also joined the counterattack.
Before launching the assault, electricity from the Bheramara power station was cut, isolating the town. Armed with limited weapons but immense determination, fighters advanced. Even bamboo crackers used in farming were employed as psychological weapons, creating the illusion of heavy gunfire.
After intense fighting throughout the day, the Mukti Bahini captured the Police Lines by evening, and most Pakistani troops were killed. All major positions except the Zilla School fell to the resistance forces. Surrounded and under pressure, surviving Pakistani soldiers attempted to flee toward Jhenaidah at night.
Local fighters had already prepared an ambush near Shailkupa bridge, disguising a damaged section with bamboo mats. When the retreating vehicles fell into the trap, freedom fighters launched a decisive attack, killing several soldiers, including Major Shoaib. Others were captured or eliminated while fleeing. Lieutenant Ataullah Shah was arrested wounded on 31 March. By 1 April, Kushtia was declared free of enemy forces.
Only six freedom fighters were martyred in the battle, though many were injured. Their sacrifice marked a historic victory. The Battle of Kushtia became one of the first major defeats of the Pakistani army during the Liberation War, proving that organised popular resistance could overcome superior military power.
The victory inspired resistance movements across Bangladesh. International recognition followed when journalist Dan Coggin reported on the battle in Time magazine on 19 April, 1971. Today, the Battle of Kushtia remains a powerful symbol of collective bravery and the indomitable spirit that shaped Bangladesh’s independence.