Panchagarh's 1971 liberated area Tetulia: 54 years of glorious 'November 29' in history

Just as Panchagarh's name is indelible in history during the great freedom struggle of 1971, November 29 is a unique memory of glory, pain and victory for the people of this district. Exactly 54 years ago, on this day in 1971, Panchagarh, the northernmost border district of the country, was liberated from the occupation of the Pakistani occupying forces. Every year, various commemorations, processions, tributes and discussion meetings are celebrated across the district around this day. The people of Panchagarh still hold the memory of that glorious liberated area formed around Tetulia in their hearts.

This year too—November 29, 2025—the district administration, freedom fighters, political party leaders and people from all walks of life will commemorate the sacrifices of the heroic freedom fighters through various programs.

The Panchagarh district administration has informed that the day's program will begin at 9:15 am on Saturday by placing wreaths at the memorial plaque of the martyred freedom fighters. After that, the procession will leave the memorial plaque and go to the slaughterhouse of the Zilla Parishad office at 9:30 am to pay tribute to the martyrs. Freedom fighters, district-upazila administration, police, socio-political organizations and the general public will participate in it. Later, a discussion meeting will be held at the Central Shaheed Minar premises at 10 am.

The history of the liberation war of Panchagarh in 1971 was different. Although this region was initially free from invaders, on April 17, the Pak army occupied Panchagarh by road. At that time, strong resistance was put up by the Mukti Bahini in Talma, Amarkhana, Tentulia and surrounding areas. The Pak army could not enter Tentulia as the bridge over the Chawai river in Amarkhana was destroyed. As a result, Tentulia was a 'free zone' free from the Pak army throughout the war. Many important meetings of the Provisional Government were held in Tentulia, which is a significant chapter in the history of the Liberation War.

Later, when the Indian allies and the Liberation Army began a joint operation from November 1, the Pak army began to weaken. Amarkhana on November 20, Jagdalhat on November 25, Shingpara on November 26, and East Tamla on November 27—in this way, the enemy's position collapsed one by one. On the night of November 28, the Pak army retreated towards Saidpur via Debiganj and Domar. And in the early hours of November 29, the freedom fighters entered Panchagarh city—the liberation of Panchagarh from the occupation of the invaders was confirmed.

November 29 was not just the Liberation Day of a district, it was an important milestone in the Liberation War on the eastern border. Through this day, Panchagarh rejoined the map of independent Bengal—it embodies the glory, sacrifice and dreams of countless people.

The people of Panchagarh still remember this day with immense pride and respect—because it is through this day that the heroic story of 1971 is retold anew, and the true history of the freedom struggle reaches a new generation.