Kurigram demands Shaheed Samad Day
Bir Uttam Lt. Ashfaqus Samad in eternal rest at Joymonirhat, Kurigram. Photo: Star
After 42 years of liberation war, Shaheed Lieutenant (Lt.) Ashfaqus Samad Bir Uttam (second highest award for individual gallantry in Bangladesh) has not been properly recognized nationally.
Shaheed Lieutenant Abu Moyen Mohammad Ashfaqus Samad Bir Uttam, a freedom fighter of Shahebganj sub-sector under sector No. 6 during the liberation war was killed during a front battle on the 20th of November, 1971 by the invading Pakistani Army. He was only 23 years old then.
He is one of 68 Bir Uttam awarded freedom fighters. People at Kurigram are proud that this gallant hero has been laid to eternal rest on their soil.
He was one of the first 61 Commissioned Officers of the army of the Shadheen Bangla Government. He received training in Murtee Training Camp in India-Bhutan border area in 1971. The completion of their training course was held on the Murtee academy parade ground in October 9. After completing his course, he joined the war as an officer in Shahebganj sub-sector in Kurigram. The sub-sector Commander was Captain Nawazesh Uddin.
Freedom fighters of the Royganj fight Harun-Ar Rashid Lal and Abdul Khaleq said that Lt. Samad fought against Pakistani forces in Royganj Bridge area over Phulkumar River in Royganj union under Nageswari upazila. He died on the spot at around 12.15 am on November 20 in 1971; the night was of the Muslim religious festival Eid-ul-Fitr. Freedom fighters could not move his body due to heavy fighting.
Pakistani army took position on the south side of the river Phulkumar. On the other hand, freedom fighters, including Lt. Ashfaqus Samad took position on the North side of the river. Pakistani army took position in their bunkers at evening on November 19 while the freedom fighters made bunkers for battle.
At first, Pakistani army opened fire finding trace of freedom fighters. Freedom fighters were bound to fire back when they could not keep themselves in the bunkers any longer.
Initially, freedom fighters failed to gain upper-hand against the Pakistani invaders. Later, freedom fighters made strong position, defeated the Pakistani army and freed Royganj on November 21.
After the fighting, Lt. Samad's body was found in the morning of November 22. His body was found with bullet on his head. His body was brought to Joymonirhaat Bazar, in Joymonirhaat union under Bhurungamari upazila at around 9.00 am and was buried near Joymonirhaat Bazar Mosque. About 50 people including 30 freedom fighters took part in his Namaaj-e Janaja.
From then local people, freedom fighters Sangshad unit, cultural organizations and educational institutions observe 20th November every year as Shaheed Lt. Samad Day. But the day is not observed nationally.
Government has not taken any initiative in keeping his memory alive around the country. Only locals and few other no-government organizations observe the day. Locals have set up few institutions by his name. The institutes are; Shaheed Lt. Samadnagore Girls' High School and Shaheed Lt. Samadnagore Technical School & College in the Joymonirhaat union and Shaheed Lt. Samad Bir Uttam High School in Rangpur Contonment area.
The Joymonirhaat Bazar adjacent area in Chhoto Khatmari village of Joymonirhaat union under Bhurungamari upazila of Kurigram district was mentioned as Shaheed Lieutenant (Lt.) Samadnagore. But unfortunately, it has been omitted some years ago.
Every year those who still remember Lt. Samad have been demanding few issues to keep the memory of Martyr Lt. Samad. The demands are; naming of Kurigram Stadium as Shaheed Lt. Samad Bir Uttam Stadium, establishing Shaheed Lt. Samad Nagore at Joymonirhaat area of Bhurungamari upazila, constructing a memorial with renovating Samad's graveyard and most of all, nationally recognizing his 20th November as as "Shaheed Samad Day".
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