Independent University Bangladesh

Course Title: Bangladesh 1971- Through the Lenses

Course Code: BDS109

Assignment Title: Report on The Battles of Belonia

Submitted To:
Ms. Momtaz Parvin Mumu
Lecturer B
Department of Media and Communication,
School of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Submitted By
Sadman Sakib ID: 2330996
We the students from the Independent University of Bangladesh (IUB) went on a field trip to the
Liberation War Museum on Tuesday, March 5. We had a priceless opportunity to learn more
about Bangladeshi history through this instructive outing, especially the country's valiant
independence movement of 1971.
This museum was established long after Bangladesh was created after a nine-month massacre. Its
mission is to teach a generation of people who were not able to witness personally the lesser-
known national history of Bangladesh's 1971 War of Liberation.
Standing tall and serene, the Liberation War Museum welcomes guests to learn about
Bangladeshi culture, history, and legacy, as well as the 1971 independence struggle and other
historical events that have occurred throughout the ages in our region. We travelled back in time
and experienced the agony, uncertainties, sufferings, and sacrifices of the great Liberation War
while strolling through the corridors of this museum's four spectacular galleries. We also tasted
the creation of a new nation named Bangladesh.
On gallery 4 we got to see the artifacts and writings on the Battles of Belonia.

The Bangladeshi enclave of Feni-Belonia is a thin, finger-shaped band that stretches roughly 16
km in length and 4-6 km in width across Indian territory. Belonia Border Outpost and Feni are
connected by a meter-gauge railway track and two semi-metal roads, one from Chagolnaiyya and
the other from Feni.
The battles of Belonia Bulge are looked upon as an important chapter of the Liberation War of
Bangladesh. During the nine-month-long Liberation War, Feni-Belonia Bulge had always been a
fiercely hot battlefield. To take control of the Bulge, three major battles were fought where
freedom fighters successfully applied their improvised tactics.

The First Battle:

The First Battle of Belonia Bulge was a significant event in the early stages of the Bangladesh
Liberation War. Freedom fighters under Captains Jafar Imam and Ziaur Rahman infiltrated the
Belonia Bulge with the aim of liberating Feni and establishing a provisional Bangladeshi
government there. They built a strong defensive line and successfully repulsed several Pakistani
attacks. However, the tide turned when Pakistani forces launched a major offensive with
commandos, a brigade, and gunboats. Maj. Ziaur Rahman withdrew his troops without informing
Capt. Jafar Imam, leaving the eastern flank exposed. Despite facing an overwhelming enemy
force, Capt. Jafar Imam's fighters displayed bravery and inflicted heavy casualties. However, to
minimize losses, they strategically retreated into Indian territory. This Battle highlighted the
courage and determination of the freedom fighters. It proved they could effectively challenge the
Pakistani army and boosted their morale. The battle also emphasized the need for better arms,
ammunition, and support for the liberation forces.
The Second Battle:
After regrouping and forming the 10th East Bengal Regiment, Capt. Jafar Imam received orders
to retake lost territory. He infiltrated enemy lines with his battalion and other freedom fighters,
encircling Pakistani forces in Parshuram and Belonia.
The attack began on November 6th. Freedom fighters successfully defended their positions
despite air raids and assaults. Indian artillery joined the battle on November 10th, helping to
cripple Pakistani morale.
With heavy losses and low spirits, Pakistani forces surrendered on November 10th. This marked
the liberation of Parshuram and Belonia, a major victory for the Bangladeshi Liberation War.
The unconventional tactics used by the freedom fighters, like placing back-to-back defensive
lines, were later recognized as a valid war strategy.
The Third Battle:
Following the victory at Belonia, Kilo Force, a joint Bangladeshi and Indian force led by Brig.
Anand Swarup, was tasked with liberating Feni. They faced heavy resistance near Pathan Nagar
but eventually forced the Pakistani forces to retreat towards Comilla and Chittagong. Feni and
Noakhali were liberated on December 6th and 9th, respectively.
Kilo Force then continued their advance towards Chittagong. The 10th East Bengal Regiment,
under Maj. Jafar Imam, played a key role in these operations. They defeated Pakistani forces at
Hathazari and Kumira Bazar. The war ended on December 16th with Pakistan's surrender at
Chittagong.
The 10th East Bengal Regiment earned the nickname "Durdhorsho Dosh" (The Daring Ten) for
their bravery and contribution to the liberation of Bangladesh. Their heroism and patriotism
continue to inspire future generations.

Winning the battle of Belonia changed the course of the war as its location held immense
military value. The immediate aftermath of this victory instilled a sense of confidence across the
country, fuelling the flames of resistance. Even today, the tactical brilliance employed in the
Belonia campaign continues to be taught in military academies worldwide
References:
1. https://www.thedailystar.net/news/bangladesh/news/battles-quickened-victory-3495381
2. https://www.thedailystar.net/supplements/victory-day-special-2017/battles-belonia-bulge-
1505437
3. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/141622/a-war-museum-that-brings-
bangladesh%E2%80%99s-history-to
4. https://www.liberationwarmuseumbd.org