The day Tangail tasted freedom

On December 11, 1971, freedom fighters raised the flag of an independent Bangladesh after freeing Tangail from the grip of Pakistani occupation forces. 

The Zila Swadhin Bangla Gono Mukti Parishad was formed in March 1971, with local youths beginning to organise. Freedom fighters underwent rigorous training in preparation for battle. 

Despite their initial resistance, Pakistani forces entered Tangail on April 3, overcoming freedom fighters at Goran-Satiachara in Mirzapur.

Forced to retreat, the fighters regrouped. Soon after, the Kaderia Bahini, under Siddique's leadership, launched strategic attacks on the Pakistani forces, supported by another group led by Khandakar Abdul Baten. 

On December 10, the Pakistani army's morale shattered after 2,000 Indian paratroopers from the Mitro Bahini landed at Poulee, near Tangail. Facing relentless resistance, the Pakistani forces retreated towards Dhaka. 

By early December 11, freedom fighters entered Tangail, greeted by jubilant crowds flooding the streets to celebrate their newfound freedom. 

Tangail Municipality traditionally hosts a six-day Victory Festival from December 11 to December 16. This year, a rally, cultural programmes, and a discussion meeting will be held at Shaheed Srity Pouro Udyan, according to Shihab Raihan, the municipal administrator.