Lt Col Qadir's martyrdom anniv today

Today marks the 47th martyrdom anniversary of Lt Col Muhammad Abdul Qadir, who was killed by the Pakistani troops at the very onset of the 1971 Liberation War.

Army engineers are set to recall the freedom fighter today, says a press release.

Qadirabad Cantonment, named after the martyr in Natore, will arrange a milad mahfil at its central mosque.

Qadir joined the war as he was serving on deputation as the controller of operations at the then East Pakistan Oil and Gas Development Corporation in Chattogram. He was caught by the Pakistani occupation army as he secretly returned home to see his ailing wife on April 17. He embraced martyrdom the same day.

Qadir's grave was found in 2007 and he was reburied with full state and military honour in 2011 at Qadirabad Cantonment.

His two sons -- journalist Nadeem Qadir and Naweed Qadir -- requested his friends and well-wishers to pray for the salvation of the departed soul.