Today is Hatia massacre day.
People of Hatia union in Ulipur upazila of the district observe the day with a heavy heart and due respect every year.
On this day in 1971, Pakistani army with the help of local collaborators killed at least 697 people, including women and children, of seven villages.
When the country was still fighting for freedom, one of the biggest mass killings took place at Dagar Kuthi village in the union.
Hatia union, under Sector 11 during the Liberation War, was a safe place for the freedom fighters who had set up camps. Local families assisted the freedom fighters with food and shelter.
On information from the local agents (Rajakar, Al-Badar and Al-Shams), the Pakistani occupation forces on this day launched a massive gun attack on the people of seven villages just after Shehri, as it was the 23rd day of Ramadan.
The villages are Anantapur, Rumkhana, Naya Doba, Bagua, Nilkhata, Dagar Kuthi and Hatia.
A memorial was constructed at Dagar Kuthi village, remembering the great heroes but it was devoured by the Brahmaputra in 1998.
Later a new memorial, funded by Kurigram Zila Parishad, was built near Natun Anantapur Bazar in the union.
Ulipur upazila freedom fighters' unit and Hatia union parishad jointly have chalked out various progrmmes including flag hosting, rally and discussion, marking the day.
Deputy Commissioner ABM Azad is expected to attend the meeting as chief guest today.
They demanded punishment to war criminals
Freedom fighter Mizanur Rahman of the area urged the government to bring the collaborators, who are still alive, to book.
Commander of the district Muktijoddha Sangsad Command Md Shirajul Islam Tuku demanded punishment to the war criminals.