• Comment: Redirect or merge to 1st East Bengal Regiment which already exists. Please consider updating that article with the information provided here. QEnigma talk 14:19, 27 December 2024 (UTC)

Senior Tigers

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Background

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After the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947.[1], the then Pakistani Government (later Bangladesh) decided to create a regular force with only Bengalis from East Pakistan. With this ideology, on 15th February 1948 the 1st East Bengal Regiment[2] was formed which created a new era for the then Bengalis. The regiment was initially formed with soldiers from 1256 and 1407 Indian Pioneer Company. They were gathered in Kurmitola Cantonment in 1947. This new force was first led by Captain M A Goni and Bengali Subedar Mohammad Golam Mawla (later Honorary Captain). On 15th February 1948 the then Governor of East Pakistan Sir Fredrick Brabourne led the foundation stone of the 1st East Bengal regiment, commonly known as 'Senior Tigers' (nom de plume). This battalion is the oldest battalion of Bangladesh Army and the only battalion that actively participated in three wars - Indo Pak War of 1965[3], The Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971 The National Archives - Homepage[4]and The Gulf War of 1990

Unit Establishment

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Date: 15 February, 1948.

Place: Darogabagicha, Kurmitola Cantonment (At present Zia Colony)

First Commanding Officer: The first Commanding Officer of the Senior Tigers Lieutenant Colonel V J E Patterson was a WWII veteran and late of the British Indian Army and Pakistan Army.

First Bengali Commanding Officer: The then Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani[5], psc (the Commander-in-chief of Bangladeshi Forces during liberation war) commanded as the first Bengali Commanding Officer from October 1952 till February 1954.

First Subedar Major: Honorary Captain Fateh Mohammad Khan.

Raising Officers:

(1)      First Second-in-command: Major F P Jahan.

(2)      First Adjutant: Captain Abdul Jabbar.

(3)      First Quartermaster: Lieutenant Monk Kawaii.

Commanding Officers

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Serial Army Number Rank Name Period
From To
1 - Lieutenant Colonel V J E Patterson 1948 1949
2 - Lieutenant Colonel R M Sarowar Khan 1949 1951
3 - Lieutenant Colonel Sardar Hossain 1951 1952
4 PA-171 Lieutenant Colonel M A G Osmani, psc 1952 18-2-54
5 - Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Ahmad, MC, psc 08-11-54 06-8-55
6 PA-666 Lieutenant Colonel S R H Rezvi, psc 29-8-55 10-3-57
7 PA-420 Lieutenant Colonel Fazal Rahim 18-4-57 22-7-57
8 PA-955 Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Wahed Niaji 05-8-57 13-3-58
9 - Lieutenant Colonel Abul Bashir Khan 29-4-58 30-6-62
10 - Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Yakub 01-7-62 06-3-63
11 PA-1677 Lieutenant Colonel Abu Taher Khairul Haque, SJ, psc 31-12-62 30-6-66
12 PA-1763 Lieutenant Colonel Haque Newaj Kaiyani, SJ 01-8-66 26-6-67
13 PA-3478 Lieutenant Colonel S Mohammad Jaidi, psc 26-6-67 23-5-69
14 PA-4484 Lieutenant Colonel Q G Dostogir, psc 23-5-69 19-4-70
15 PA-4051 Lieutenant Colonel Rezaul Jalil, psc 19-4-70 29-3-71
16 BSS-10691 Captain Hafij Uddin Ahmed, BB 30-3-71 20-6-71
17 - Major Moinul Hossain Chowdhury, BB 21-6-71 02-8-71
18 PA-6489 Major Mohammad Zia Uddin, BB 03-8-71 06-8-72
19 - Major Mohammad Bazlul Gani Patowari, BB 07-8-72 07-1-75
20 - Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Motiur Rahman 08-1-75 06-3-76
21 - Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Bazlul Gani Patowari, BB 07-3-76 12-2-77
22 - Major A F M Mainul Ahsan 13-2-77 08-12-77
23 - Lieutenant Colonel A F M Mainul Ahsan 09-12-77 01-8-79
24 BA-496 Lieutenant Colonel Abdul Mohit Khan, psc 30-8-79 21-7-82
25 BA-756 Lieutenant Colonel Sheikh Md Abdur Rashid, psc 21-7-82 12-12-82
26 BA-763 Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Faruk Khan, psc 10-1-83 25-6-83
27 BA-762 Lieutenant Colonel Ahsan Nazmul Amin 19-7-83 15-10-84
28 BA-939 Lieutenant Colonel Motiur Rahman 03-12-84 07-9-86
29 BA-685 Lieutenant Colonel Khandakar Md Nurunnabi 03-9-86 21-7-87
30 BA-1075 Lieutenant Colonel Md Sadek Ali 22-7-87 18-2-89
31 BA-956 Lieutenant Colonel Shabab Ashfaq, psc 19-2-89 05-7-89
32 BA-1263 Lieutenant Colonel Ahmed Imrul Kayes, psc 06-7-89 22-3-90
33 BA-1145 Lieutenant Colonel Shah Md Sultan Uddin Iqbal, BB, psc 21-8-90 10-11-91
34 BA-1075 Lieutenant Colonel Md Sadek Ali 28-12-91 30-5-93
35 BA-1249 Lieutenant Colonel Alauddin Mohammad Abdul Wadud, BP, psc 11-7-93 31-3-94
36 BA-1752 Lieutenant Colonel Md Mohobbot Hossain, psc 04-5-94 17-2-95
37 BA-1972 Lieutenant Colonel Md Ehtesham-Ul-Haque, psc 18-2-95 25-2-96
38 BA-1858 Lieutenant Colonel Abu Sohel, psc 01-3-96 07-4-97
39 BA-2070 Lieutenant Colonel Mir Saidur Reza 08-4-97 17-7-97
40 BSS-2048 Lieutenant Colonel Abu Hena Mustafa Kamal, psc 16-10-97 21-3-99
41 BA-1894 Lieutenant Colonel Shamim Hasan 09-8-99 20-12-00
42 BA-2362 Lieutenant Colonel Md Imdad Ul Haque, psc 26-12-00 16-2-02
43 BA-1988 Lieutenant Colonel Md Tozammel Haque 10-4-02 02-11-03
44 BA-2660 Lieutenant Colonel Md Adur Razzak, psc 19-11-03 10-4-05
45 BA-3144 Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Ashraf Ul Kader, psc 20-4-05 31-12-06
46 BA-3422 Lieutenant Colonel Shakil Ahmed, psc 25-12-06 14-2-09
47 BA-4197 Major Md Nazmul Haque (Rear Officer Commanding) 15-2-09 06-6-10
48 BA-3125 Lieutenant Colonel Md Motlub Ahmed, AFWC, psc 07-6-10 16-11-10
49 BA-4465 Lieutenant Colonel Md Hamidunnabi Chowdhury 02-11-10 18-9-11
50 BA-4113 Lieutenant Colonel Salahuddin Khaled 19-9-11 21-10-13
51 BA-5164 Lieutenant Colonel Azahar Uddin Ahmed, psc 21-10-13 07-2-16
52 BA-6003 Lieutenant Colonel Zahidur Rahman, psc 08-2-16 14-1-18
53 BA-6477 Lieutenant Colonel Md Rifat Sayeed Chowdhury, psc 14-1-18 06-12-20
54 BA-6996 Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Saiful Islam, psc 07-12-20 15-12-22
55 BA-7345 Lieutenant Colonel Golam Kibria Khondokar, psc 16-12-22 Till Date

Regimental Color and National Standard

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On 26 February 1962 the battalion was decorated with the Regimental Color as one of the finest battalions of the Pakistan Army. General AM Yahya Khan[6], HJ, SPK, C-in-C, Pakistan Army presented the regimental colors to the unit in a grand ceremony held at the Dhaka Stadium. After the war of independence, the unit received the regimental color for the second time on 02 December 1986 in a parade from President Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad[7], NDC, psc.

On 20 February 1967, the 1st Bengal Regiment was also honored with the National Standard as one of the best battalions of the Pakistan Army. After the War of Independence, this unit again received the National Standard for the 2nd time on 02 December 1986 from the President Lieutenant General Hussain Muhammad Ershad, NDC, psc.

Locations

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Serial Place Duration
From To
1 Kurmitola, Dhaka Cantonment 15-2-1948 30-8-1948
2 Khulna Cantonment 31-8-1948 30-10-1952
3 Jessore Cantonment 01-11-1952 28-11-1955
4 Chittagong Cantonment 01-12-1955 01-12-1955
5 Karachi, Pakistan 12-12-1955 24-12-1955
6 Sialkot, Pakistan 27-12-1955 04-1-1957
7 Abbottabad, Pakistan 07-1-1957 17-10-1957
8 Chittagong Cantonment 01-12-1955 01-12-1955
9 Cumilla Cantonment 28-10-1957 27-2-1960
10 Dhaka Cantonment 23-3-1960 24-3-1960
11 Ukhia, Cox's Bazar 26-3-1960 21-6-1960
12 Comilla Cantonment 22-6-1960 24-10-1963
13 Banu, Peshawar, Pakistan 02-11-1963 15-10-1964
14 Lahore, Pakistan 18-10-1964 11-6-1966
15 Chittagong Cantonment 19-6-1966 19-6-1966
16 Jessore Cantonment 20-6-1966 30-3-1971
17 Liberation War
a.       Chowgacha 31-93-1971 13-04-1971
b.       Benapole 14-04-1971 5-1971
c.       Bongaon, India 5-1971 6-1971
d.       Teldhala, India 6-1971 9-1971
e.       Ambasa, India 9-1971 04-12-1971
f.        Shayestaganj, Sylhet 5-12-1971 31-01-1972
18 Dhaka Cantonment 01-2-1972 06-12-1975
19 B-Baria, Comilla Cantonment 07-12-1975 03-4-1976
20 Comilla Cantonment 04-4-1976 01-8-1977
21 Mahalchari, Khagrachari cantonment 02-8-1977 10-8-1977
22 Comilla Cantonment 11-7-1978 23-3-1979
23 Bandarban Cantonment 24-3-1979 24-6-1982
24 Rangpur Cantonment 28-06-1982 05-01-1987
25 Dighinala, Khagrachari Cantonment 02-2-1987 12-8-1987
26 Mahalchari, Khagrachari cantonment 05-9-1987 06-1-1989
27 Savar cantonment 19-1-1989 05-9-1990
28 Saudi Arabia 06-9-1990 20-5-1991
29 Savar Cantonment 21-5-1991 02-6-1994
30 Baghaihat, Khagrachari Cantonment 03-6-1994 12-6-1997
31 Comilla Cantonment 13-6-1997 29-7-1998
32 Jalalabad Cantonment 30-7-1998 16-2-2001
33 Comilla Cantonment 17-2-2001 21-7-2003
34 Island, Kaptai, Rangamati 22-7-2003 26-7-2006
35 Savar cantonment 27-7-2006 05-4-2012
36 Mainimukh Army Camp, Khagrachari Cantonment 06-4-2012 10-6-2015
37 Syedpur Cantonment 11-6-2015 10-4-2017
38 Rangpur Cantonment 11-4-2017 19-8-2019
39 Rooppur, NPP, Pabna 20-8-2019 08-9-2021
40 Rangpur Cantonment 09-09-2021 23-5-2023
41 Ramu Cantonment 24-5-2023 Till now

First Military Engagement

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In 1958, while stationed at Cumilla Cantonment, Senior Tigers fought the first battle – Operation Sharee Dance against the Indian Assam Rifles at the Lakshipur and Mukundpur border posts with the then EPR during the Indo-Pakistani border Conflict[8]

Indo-Pak War of 1965

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The then Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel A T K Haque, SJ, PSC deployed all the rifle companies of the battalion in one line in the Bedian sector over a wide area without leaving any depth. The left-most company was D Company, commanded by Major Abdul Hamid Butt. On his right was B Company at Bedian Head on the Lahore Road in Jalandhar, commanded by Major M A Quraishi. The next company was A Company, commanded by Major Ziaur Rahman[9] (later retired Lieutenant General BU, PSC, now deceased) and on the right-most was C Company, commanded by Major Md. Ashraf. On 05-06 September 1965, at 4 am the Indian forces attacked the Bedian Head Bridge with the support of tanks, armored vehicles and air force. But with the help of the fighters of all ranks who were stationed on the defense, the Indian army had lost. After a long five-hour battle, the Indian forces were forced to retreat. Many tanks, armored vehicles of the Indian forces were destroyed and many other soldiers died in this conflict. Then again after a short break on 06 September 1965 all day and night, the Indian Forces made repeated attacks to capture the location but they were forced to retreat each time after suffering heavy casualties.

During the long 17 days battle, the Indian Forces continued to attack the battalion several times after suffering defeat in the early stages. But the brave soldiers of 1st East Bengal Regiment repulsed them every time. Naik Monirul Haque bravely repulsed the attack of a platoon of Indian forces from the Bedian Head Bridge area with the help of a machine gun and was later martyred. Naik Tajul Islam similarly inflicted considerable damage on a battalion of the Indian Forces with a machine gun. But later, when his weapon ran out of ammunition, he was martyred by fire. In this battle Naik Abul Hashem destroyed three Indian tanks and became renowned as a brave soldier. He was awarded the Taghma-i-Jurat (TJ) in recognition of his bravery in this battle. Later he fought in the Battle of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. He also earned the gallantry title of Bir Pratik (BP) for bravery in the War of Liberation. He is the only proud soldier of the Senior Tigers who holds the rare feat of receiving two separate gallantry awards in two consecutive wars. Also in this battle, Subedar Ish Mohammad, Habildar Md Aslam, Naik Md Abdul Alim, Sepoy Abdul Mannan, Sepoy Nasir Uddin and Sepoy Golam Mustafa became martyrs in battle. A notable incident in this battle was that A company commanded by Major (later retired Lieutenant General, BU, psc) Ziaur Rahman (now deceased) rescued an Indian tank that was destroyed under their own fire and brought it out of the battlefield. It is to be noted that the tank was destroyed by the bullet fired by Captain (now Major General) Mahmudul Hasan (deceased). The tank currently adorns the premises of the East Bengal Regimental Center (Chittagong Cantonment).

It is worth noting here that in the 1965 war, the Senior Tigers received the highest number of gallantry awards (15) among all regiments in Pakistan thereafter.[10]

Gallantry Awards in 1965 Indo-Pak War Numer of Persons
Sitara-E-Jurat (SJ) 3
Imtiaz-E-Sanad 1
Tamgha-E-Quaid-E- Azam (TQA) 1
Tamgha-E-Basalat (TBT) 1
Tamgha-E-Jurat (TJ) 8
Tamgha-E-Shujaat (TST) 1
Total 15

Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971

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Senior Tigers participated in a total of 63 engagements during the Liberation War of 1971 including Operation Navaron, Battle of Kamalpur, Battle of Basapur, Battle of Beramara, Operation Dholoi BOP, Operation Chargram, Battle of Kanaighat, etc.

Outbreak of War

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In late February 1971, the battalion was deployed in winter military exercise in Jessore Cantonment in Court Chandpur. Meanwhile, this battalion was also ordered to move to Sialkot Cantonment in West Pakistan for 02 years in June 1971. About 350 soldiers of the battalion were sent home on leave towards the end of February on this occasion. As a result, from the beginning of March, the battalion's strength was only half of the total strength (350). Therefore, the combat capability of the battalion was reduced. All radio sets were taken away from the soldiers of the battalion. As a result, the soldiers did not know the situation in the country and the ongoing conflict. They did not know about the “Operation Searchlight” of Pakistan Army in the dark night of 25th March. At that time, the battalion commander was a Bengali officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rezaul Jalil. The Second-in-Command was Punjab officer Major Iqbal Quraishi. The only two Bengali officers in the battalion were Captain Hafizuddin Ahmed and 2nd Lieutenant Anwar, a platoon commander of C Company. All other officers were from West Pakistan. On the night of 29th March, the battalion was brought back to Jessore cantonment. The next day on March 30, Brigadier General Durbani, the Pakistani Brigade Commander of 107 Brigade of Jessore Cantonment, came to 1 East Bengal Regiment during early hours and took the keys of the battalion's kote (armory) and Magazine (Ammunition Depot) from Lieutenant Colonel Rezaul Jalil and ordered that no soldier of this battalion should enter the area. On hearing this news, the soldiers of the battalion realized that they had been disarmed and were instantly furious. They found that soldiers of the 22 Frontier Regiment were engaged in guarding their kote (armory). At that time, the agitated soldiers led by Captain Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and Lieutenant Anwar quickly broke the lock of the kote (armory), collected weapons, ammunition and started a mutiny. 25 Baloch and 22 Frontier Force Regiments then advanced to encircle the soldiers of the unit and started firing. Soldiers of Senior Tigers mounted a counter-attack and a bloody battle ensued.[11]

Initial Stage

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From 9 am to 4 pm on 30th March, the battalion continued to fight against two full regiments of Pakistan Army. Their firing gradually subsided and Captain Hafiz ordered that before evening, the soldiers should leave the cantonment and assemble in small groups. Leaving in the open, Lieutenant Anwar was firing towards the Pakistani soldiers so that the soldiers could easily leave the cantonment and fall back to a safer place. Thanks to his covering fire, the soldiers of the battalion were able to retreat towards Chougacha. Lieutenant Anwar continued to face the Pakistan Army with great bravery and at one point his waist, stomach and chest were grazed by the fire of machine gun and he was martyred on the spot. Fellow soldiers took his blood-stained belt and handed it over to Captain Hafiz and reported the young officer's martyrdom. Later, his body was buried at Haibatpur Churamankathi, Jessore, adjacent to Nazrul Islam College along the Jessore-Kushtia road under the leadership of local villager Md. Abdul Bari Biswas. It should be noted that Second Lieutenant Anwar was the first military officer of the liberation war who was martyred. It was largely due to his sacrifice that the battalion's soldiers suffered less casualties and were able to retreat to safety. Afterwards, the battalion was dispersed into different groups and assembled in Chougacha.

A college in Dhaka Cantonment was established named 'Shaheed Bir Uttam Lieutenant Anwar School and College' to honor the great sacrifice of Shaheed Lieutenant Anwar.[12]

Defence in Jessore

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On 14th April, the 1 East Bengal Regiment set up a battalion defense formation in the Kagazpukur area of ​​the Jessore-Benapole Grand Trunk Road. A few days later on April 19, the Commander-in-Chief of the Liberation War, Colonel M A G Osmani visited the 1st East Bengal Regiment. Colonel Osmani's arrival boosted the morale of all the soldiers. They received the necessary direction of war from Colonel Osmani. Meanwhile, they had to fight with the Pakistani army almost every day. Freedom fighters also suffered casualties in the war. In this situation, instructions were given to build a defensive structure in front of the Benapole check post. The regiment remained there till the second week of May.

Assembly in India  

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Analyzing the nature of the battle, the troops in Benapole were to leave the area in the third week of May. For reinforcement and safety, they were ordered to move to India. Nothing could have been better than going to India as a strategy of war at that time. As advised, the battalion crossed the border and assembled at Bangaon, India. Captain Md. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed served as the acting Commanding Officer. The strength of this unit was increased by recruiting a number of civilian freedom fighters (Muktijoddha) into the military and was divided into 5 companies. B and C companies were in defence at a place called Petrapole across the Benapole border during the stay at Bongaon. When the Pakistani forces attacked these defenses, they suffered losses and the battalion was forced to shift their position due to the onslaught. During its stay at Bangaon for over two months, the battalion participated in several regular and irregular battles, the most notable of which was Operation Navaran.[11]

Operation Navaran        

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The battalion conducted operation Navaran in early 2nd week of May 1971. A company of the Pakistan Army's Punjab Regiment attacked the defenses and inflicted considerable damage. Abdul Karim and another soldier of B Company were martyred in that attack. During this time Pakistani forces were damaged in several irregular attacks across the border and a number of Albadar and Razakar members were captured as prisoners of war.

Battle of Kamalpur

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The historic Battle of Kamalpur is one of the battles/operations in which the Senior Tigers participated during the War of Independence. Two platoons of Pakistan Army were on defense in the border village of Kamalpur in ​​Sherpur district. On 29/30 July 1971 a Patrol led by Captain Salah Uddin Momtaz, comprising Lieutenant Abdul Mannan, Subedar Abdul Hai, Subedar Abul Hashem, TJ etc., went on patrolling at Kamalpur defense position of Pakistani forces at night to gain information. At one point, the patrol party ended up right on top of the perimeter’s sentry post. The sentry stopped the patrol, but the brave Captain Salahuddin Mumtaz pounced on him and immediately Lieutenant Abdul Mannan with the help of other members shot the sentry dead and snatched a G-3 rifle and fell back to safety. Later in 31 July at 4 am all battalions under the command of Major Moinul Hossain attacked the positions at Kamalpur in Mymensingh, relying on the information received from the previous day's Patrol. This attack caused irreparable damage to the Pakistani forces but we also lost many precious lives. Notable among them are Captain Salah Uddin Mumtaz, Sepoy Mashiur Rahman, Sepoy Mohammad Ali, Lance Naik Golam Mostafa, Sepoy Abdul Wahab and many others. The total number of martyrs in this war is 33 and the number of injured is 40.

Battle of Basapur

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The battalion was reinforced after the Kamalpur attack. After nearly a month of training and formation, D Company was now in defense at Basapur in Sherpur. This defense was chosen in such a place that it could be considered as a trap for the attackers. The attacker actually attacked this trap the next day and could barely stand in front of this defense. In fact, the attacking forces were almost completely cut off. Naik Subedar Mozammel Haque and Sepoy Abu Yusuf were martyred in this battle.

Battle of Beramara

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C Company was sent to the defense to stop the Pakistani’s advance in which is now in Chilmari, Beramara area of ​​Kurigram. The Pakistan Army attacked the position several times but could not dislodge the company from the position. All the attacks inflicted huge losses on their side. It had been revealed there that from the beginning of independence till the end, the area was free and the flag of the independent Bangladesh was adorned.

Operation Dholoi BOP   

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The Dholoi border outpost of Srimangal police station in Sylhet, a military point, was to be liberated by C Company of 1 East Bengal. In September 1971, an attack on Dhalai BOP was planned. At that time Captain Mahbub was the company commander of A Company, Captain Hafeez of B Company, Lieutenant Qayyum of C Company and Captain Bajlul Gani Patwari was the company commander of D Company. On 28 October, a defensive position was set up in a tea-garden area called Patrakhola, 2 miles behind Dholoi under the command of Captain Mahbub and Captain Hafiz. A blocking position was set up on the paved road 1 mile north of Patrakhola under the command of Captain Bajlul Gani Patwari. At the appointed time C Company formed an attack on a section of Dhalai BOP. The attack was resolutely resisted by the Pakistani forces from their fortified bunkers. An LMG in the southwest corner of the BOP was hampering the attack. Sepoy Hamidur Rahman, a soldier of C Company, was given the responsibility of destroying the LMG. He crawled forward. He jumped on the LMG post. The LMG fire had stopped. Dhalai BOP was captured. The soldiers ran to the LMG post and found two injured Pakistani soldiers. Next to them was the body of Sepoy Hamidur Rahman.

Sepoy Hamidur Rahman was awarded the “Bir Shrestha” title (the highest gallantry award) by the Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh for his outstanding bravery. The name of Dhalai BOP is now Birshrestha Hamidur Rahman BOP. A memorial has been built next to the BOP which has turned into an attractive tourist spot.

Operation Chargram    

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A platoon of Pakistan Army had established a defensive structure in Chargram area near Atgram on the Sylhet border. At dawn on November 22, B Company attacked the position without artillery support to surprise the Pakistani Soldiers. At a distance of about 100 yards, the Pakistani Soldiers opened fire with LMGs and rifles, but eventually fled after suffering heavy losses. Although not occupied, the Pakistan Army later abandoned the place due to irreparable losses.

Battle of Kanaighat        

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A series of small-scale battles were organized from mid-November with the aim of breaking through the strong Pakistani defenses at the then Kanaighat. On November 27, 1971, Captain Mahbub and BHM Hakeem were martyred in a sudden attack on 27 November 1971. On 05 December the battalion entered Bangladesh with the allied forces. After reaching Kanaighat, Birampur of Sylhet district at 2 am midnight, on December 7, the defense formation was formed. On the other side, several attacks were made on the battalion from the Pakistani’s fortified strong positions. During the late night of December 13, the battalion arrived at a Cattle Farm near MC College on the outskirts of Sylhet city. Here a fierce battle ensued with the Pakistani Army's fortified and strong positions. But the Pakistan Army was forced to leave the city of Sylhet under the combined pressure of Mukti Bahini and allied forces. In this clash, the Pakistani forces suffered considerable damage. On the other hand, Naib Subedar Faiz Ahmed, Sepoy Bachchu Mia, Sepoy Ahsan Ali and Sepoy Abdus Salam of Senior Tigers were martyred. Apart from that, some soldiers were injured. On December 16, 1971, the battalion was stationed at Sylhet railway station and from there came to Shaistaganj.

The Bir Uttam Shaheed Mahbub cantonment located at Kholahati, Pavartipur Khana, Dinajpur district is named after Captain Mahbub of Senior Tigers.

Gallantry Awards in the Liberation War of Bangladesh

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Gallantry Awards Number of Persons
Bir Sreshtho 1
Bir Uttom 6
Bir Protik 9
Bir Bikrom 23
Total 39

Martyrs in the Liberation War of Bangladesh

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Serial Rank Name Place of Martyrdom
1 Captain Salahuddin Momtaj Kamalpur, Mymensingh
2 Captain Mahbubur Rahman Gouripur, Sylhet
3 2nd Lieutenant Anowar Hossain Jessore Cantoment
4 Subedar Mohammad Feroz Khan Benapola, Jessore
5 Subedar Foyez Ahmed M C College, Sylhet
6 Subedar Mozammel Haque Jessore Cantoment
7 Subedar Rokon Uddin Jessore Cantoment
8 Naik Subedar (Clerk) Mofizul Haque Jessore Cantoment
9 Naik Subedar Mozammel Haque Kashipur, Mymensingh
10 Naik Subedar Mozammel Haque Mahendraganj
11 Habildar (Battalion Sergeant Major) Abdul Hakim Kanaighat, Sylhet
12 Habildar Shamsul Islam Jessore Cantoment
13 Habildar (Clerk) Ali Ahammad Miya Jessore Cantoment
14 Habildar Nasir Uddin Jessore Cantoment
15 Habildar Shamsul Haque Jessore Cantoment
16 Habildar Abdul Latif Gouripur, Sylhet
17 Habildar (Company Quarter Master Sergeant) Abdus Ajij Jessore Cantoment
18 Habildar Mofijul Haque Jessore Cantoment
19 Naik (Clerk) Paan Mohammad Mondol Jessore Cantoment
20 Naik (Clerk) Altaf Hossain Jessore Cantoment
21 Naik Nur Nabi M C College, Sylhet
22 Naik Afsar Ali M C College, Sylhet
23 Naik Uji Ullah Chittagong Cantoment
24 Naik Habib Ullah Chittagong Cantoment
25 Naik Abdul Latif Kamalpur, Mymensingh
26 Naik Monjur Ahammad Khan Jessore Cantoment
27 Naik Abdus Salam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
28 Naik Moyna Mia Jessore Cantoment
29 Naik Mohammad Amin Jessore Cantoment
30 Naik Khurshid Alam Bhurungimara
31 Naik (Clerk) Abdul Majid Jessore Cantoment
32 Naik (Cook) Abdul Habib Jessore Cantoment
33 Lance Naik Golam Mostofa Kamalpur, Mymensingh
34 Lance Naik Sirajul Islam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
35 Lance Naik Iqbal Hossain Jessore Cantoment
36 Lance Naik K M Wasid Ali Jessore Cantoment
37 Lance Naik Yousuf Ali Kashipur, Mymensingh
38 Lance Naik Sultan Mola Jessore Cantoment
39 Lance Naik Lokman Jessore Cantoment
40 Lance Naik Md Shamsuddin Kanaighat, Sylhet
41 Sepoy Nurul Islam Jessore Cantoment
42 Sepoy Abdur Rahim Jessore Cantoment
43 Sepoy Abdus Hasim Bhuiyan Jessore Cantoment
44 Sepoy Siddikur Rahman Jessore Cantoment
45 Sepoy Altaf Hossain Jessore Cantoment
46 Sepoy Wahiduzzaman Jessore Cantoment
47 Sepoy Bilayet Hossain Jessore Cantoment
48 Sepoy Aktar Uz Zaman Jessore Cantoment
49 Sepoy Joynal Abedin Jessore Cantoment
50 Sepoy Nur Ula Jessore Cantoment
51 Sepoy Abdul Malek Jessore Cantoment
52 Sepoy Sohrab Hossain Jessore Cantoment
53 Sepoy Abdus Salam M C College, Sylhet
54 Sepoy Mohammad Ali Kamalpur, Mymensingh
55 Sepoy Abu Taher M C College, Sylhet
56 Sepoy Foyzul Haque Kamalpur, Mymensingh
57 Sepoy Bacchu Miya M C College, Sylhet
58 Sepoy Altaf Hossain Jessore Cantoment
59 Sepoy Bilayet Ali Jessore Cantoment
60 Sepoy (Clerk) Abdus Salam Jessore Cantoment
61 Sepoy Kala Miya Jessore Cantoment
62 Sepoy Abul Khayer Jessore Cantoment
63 Sepoy Nurul Islam Jessore Cantoment
64 Sepoy Mohammad Ali Jessore Cantoment
65 Sepoy Ishac Miya Jessore Cantoment
66 Sepoy Abul Kashem Jessore Cantoment
67 Sepoy Md Hanif Chowdhury Jessore Cantoment
68 Sepoy Hamidur Rahman Dholoi, Sylhet
69 Sepoy Abdul Karim Jessore Cantoment
70 Sepoy Md Kashem Jessore Cantoment
71 Sepoy Jamal Uddin Miya Jessore Cantoment
72 Sepoy Lokman Hossain Jessore Cantoment
73 Sepoy Sheikh Ahammad Jessore Cantoment
74 Sepoy Tabidur Rahman Jessore Cantoment
75 Sepoy (Clerk) Md Modasser Hossain Jessore Cantoment
76 Sepoy S K Anowar Hossain Koshba, Khulna
77 Sepoy Tomij Uddin Jessore Cantoment
78 Sepoy (Clerk) Azizul Haque Jessore Cantoment
79 Sepoy Abdul Kuddus Kamalpur, Mymensingh
80 Sepoy Fazar Ali M C College, Sylhet
81 Sepoy G M Hayat Ali Kamalpur, Mymensingh
82 Sepoy Syed Fuul Miya Kamalpur, Mymensingh
83 Sepoy Munsur Ali Kamalpur, Mymensingh
84 Sepoy Sirajul Islam Jessore Cantoment
85 Sepoy Shomsher Mola Jessore Cantoment
86 Sepoy Mohi Uddin M C College, Sylhet
87 Sepoy Abdul Wohab Kamalpur, Mymensingh
88 Sepoy Abdul Gofur M C College, Sylhet
89 Sepoy Mostofa Kamal Kamalpur, Mymensingh
90 Sepoy Abdur Rahman Sylhet
91 Sepoy Azizul Haque Kanaighat, Sylhet
92 Sepoy Abdul Karim Dholoi, Sylhet
93 Sepoy Afjal Hossain Dholoi, Sylhet
94 Sepoy Mobarok Ali Dholoi, Sylhet
95 Sepoy Kabir Uddin Dholoi, Sylhet
96 Sepoy Kalal Uddin Kamalpur, Mymensingh
97 Sepoy Abdus Salad Kamalpur, Mymensingh
98 Sepoy Rahat Ullah Kamalpur, Mymensingh
99 Sepoy Motiur Rahman Kamalpur, Mymensingh
100 Sepoy Md Abu Ismail Kamalpur, Mymensingh
101 Sepoy Mohammad Abdus Salam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
102 Sepoy Sadar Uddin Kamalpur, Mymensingh
103 Sepoy Rafikul Islam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
104 Sepoy Robiul Islam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
105 Sepoy Abdul Latif Kamalpur, Mymensingh
106 Sepoy Shahin Uddin Kamalpur, Mymensingh
107 Sepoy Abdus Sobur Kamalpur, Mymensingh
108 Sepoy Amirul Islam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
109 Sepoy Momtaj Mia Dholoi, Sylhet
110 Sepoy Ali Ajom Jessore Cantonment
111 Sepoy Shahjahan Ali Kamalpur, Mymensingh
112 Sepoy Robiul Islam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
113 Sepoy Shetab Uddin Kamalpur, Mymensingh
114 Sepoy Anowar Hussain Kamalpur, Mymensingh
115 Sepoy Sekandar Ali Jessore Cantonment
116 Sepoy Abul Kalam Jessore Cantonment
117 Sepoy Rohit Ullah Kamalpur, Mymensingh
118 Sepoy Aminul Islam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
119 Sepoy Rofikul Islam Kamalpur, Mymensingh
120 Sepoy Abdul Hannan Kamalpur, Mymensingh
121 Sepoy Shaheb Ali Kamalpur, Mymensingh
122 Sepoy Jamal Hossain Kamalpur, Mymensingh
123 Sepoy Abbas Sobhan Kamalpur, Mymensingh
124 Sepoy Main Uddin Lakkor Tola
125 Sepoy Fazlul Karim Jessore Cantonment
126 Kormokar Saleh Ahmed Jessore Cantonment

Gulf War of 1990 (Operation Desert Shield)

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Senior Tigers actively participated in the Gulf War against the Iraqi invasion from 04 September 1990 to 20 May 1991. In 1990, when Iraq invaded and occupied its neighboring state of Kuwait, the whole world became vocal against this aggressive role of Iraq. Along with the whole world, Bangladesh also expressed strong anger against the role of Iraq. An economic embargo was imposed against Iraq in accordance with the decision taken by the United Nations Security Council. At the personal request of Saudi King Fahd bin Abdul Aziz, the government of Bangladesh decided to send troops to Saudi Arabia in an attempt to suppress the aggressive activities of Iraq. A group from Bangladesh was selected from Bangladesh Army to implement this decision. "Senior Tigers" were selected as a part of this plan and started preparing to move to Saudi Arabia. Accordingly, Warning Order was issued on August 17, 1990.

Officers Participated in the Gulf War

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(1)      Lieutenant Colonel Shah Md Sultan Uddin Iqbal, BP, psc – Commanding Officer.

(2)      Major Hafiz Uddin Ahmed - Battalion Second in Command,

(3)      Major Khademul Insan Mohammad Iqbal, AMC – Regimental Medical Officer.

(4)      Major A K M Robiul Alam – Company Commander, Headquarter Company.

(5)      Major Md Rafikul Alam – Company Commander, A Company.

(6)      Major Abu Faysal Md Nurul Amin – Company Commander, B Company.

(7)      Major Md Nur E Azad – Company Commander, C Company.

(8)      Major Md Salahuddin Miazi – Company Commander, D Company.

(9)      Captain Jamal Mahmud Chowdhury - Quarter Master.

(10)    Captain Md Abdur Razzak – Company Second in Command.

(11)    Captain Shoaib Bashir Azad – Company Second in Command.

(12)    Captain Md Mahbubul Haque - Company Second in Command.

(13)    Captain A K M Golam Rasul Bhuiyan – Signal Platoon Commander.

(14)    Captain Abdus Salam Md Arif - Company Second in Command.

(15)    Captain Nasir Uddin Ahmed – Adjutant.

(16)    Captain S M Aminul Hasan – Support Platoon Commander.

(17)    Captain Md Masudul Islam - Support Platoon Commander.

(18)    Captain Manjurul Kabir Chowdhury (Deceased) - Support Platoon Commander.

(19)    Lieutenant Main Ullah Chowdhury, Intelligence Officer.

(20)    Lieutenant Jil Bahrain Jaygirdar – Mortar Platoon Commander.

(21)    2nd Lieutenant Sumon Reza – Support Platoon Commander.

Deployment        

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(1)      On 15 October 1990, Battalion Headquarters, B and C Companies took up positions at Jabal Al Nayeria to provide security for the Divisional Administrative Area (DAA) of the Eastern Province. The location was only 60 km from the Kuwaiti border.

(2)      On 20 October 1990, the company took up a position at Jabal Al Riyal, 30 km from the Kuwaiti border to provide security for the tactical headquarters on the Eastern Province front.

(3)      On 26 December 1990, D Company and Mortar Platoon were deployed around the cantonment to secure King Fahd Military City. The security plan for this cantonment is prepared by Senior Tigers and was approved by the Saudi Joint Force Headquarters.

A total of 185 persons from Senior Tigers were martyred in the war of Liberation. Out of them, 126 persons were identified and documented. Rest 59 were the general people like farmers, students, citizens etc, who fought with Senior Tigers but their names could not be documented.

National Color and Awards

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Serial Rank Name Name of Competition Remarks
1 Lance Naik Nazrul Islam Football 03 Times
2 Lance Naik Abul Khayer Football 03 Times
3 Lance Naik Jalil Football 02 Times
4 Lieutenant Hafiz Uddin Ahmed Football
5 Sepoy Ali Hossain Football
6 Corporal Md Akhter Hossain Football
7 Corporal Md Mokhter Hossain Football
8 Lance Naik Dhon Miya Swimming 02 Times
9 Lance Naik Taleb Ali Swimming 02 Times
10 Lance Naik Sirajul Haque Swimming
11 UP (Unpaid) Lance Naik Abdul Wahid Swimming
12 Sergeant Md Monir Hossain Swimming
13 Corporal Md Iman Ali Swimming
14 Corporal Md Shahabuddin Swimming
15 Shainik Md Khalilur Rahman Volleyball
16 Corporal Md Majed Volleyball
17 Corporal Mohammad Mofizur Rahman Volleyball
18 Shainik Md Rouf Hossain Boxing
19 Corporal Md Abdul Mannan Boxing
20 Corporal Md Akkas Ali Hockey
21 Corporal Md Tarikul Islam Hockey
22 Sergeant Md Jaane Alom Athletics
23 Sergeant Md Delowar Hossain Athletics
24 Sergeant Md Dulal Miya Athletics
25 Shainik Md Milon Hossain Athletics
26 Sergeant Md Awal Boxing

In Aid to Civil Power

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Anti-Smuggling Operation (Operation JUTE)        

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From 03 September 1952 to 25 December 1952, Senior Tigers was engaged in anti-smuggling operation (Ops JUTE) 'in aid to civil power' in Dinajpur district and parts of Bogra district (approximately 12 miles area). In the operation, the battalion headquarters and reserve company were deployed at Dinajpur, one company at Hili and another company at Birol and they successfully completed their task.

Anti-Smuggling Operation (Operation Close Door)                   

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The unit was deployed in Akhaura, Feni, Ramgarh and Chandpur in 'Operation Close Door' (anti-smuggling operation) from 05 February 1958 to 01 November 1958. D Company was assigned to Feni, Ramgarh, Parasuram and Bellunia under the command of Captain QG Dastgir. Battalion Headquarters and B Company (except one platoon) were stationed at Comilla Air Field. A platoon of B Company under the command of Lieutenant AY Mostaq Ahmed was deployed at Chandpur and C Company under the command of Major Md Ashraf was deployed at Akhaura. On 14 April 1958, the battalion took over Mymensingh and Srimangal from the 5 FF Regiment.

Cyclone/Flood Relief Operation

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The unit was deployed on cyclone/flood relief operation duty in Patuakhali district on 21 November 1970. This battalion was sent for relief operations in all the affected areas of Patuakhali district. A company was deployed in Baufal, B Company in Galachipa, C Company in Khepupara, D Company in Amtoli and Battalion headquarters in Patuakhali Sadar.

Operation Clean Heart             

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The unit was deployed to improve law and order in Feni district from 17 October 2002 to 11 January 2003. Being engaged in joint operations for 86 days, 131 different types of terrorists were arrested, 48 different types of illegal weapons and 99 different types of ammunition were recovered, law and order was improved and people were able to regain peace by conducting various types of operations. The battalion returned to cantonment on 11 January 2003 after completion of duty

Operation Alor Shondhane

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The unit was deployed in Madaripur district from 19th December 2008 to 25th January 2009 to maintain law and order during the 9th National Assembly Election 2009 and returned to the cantonment on 07th January 2009 after performing the duties with great success.

Operation Nabojatra

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This unit successfully fulfilled the responsibility of preparation of national identity card and voter list of Madaripur district under Operation Nobojatra from last November 11, 2007 to December 31, 2008 and completed the work smoothly.

9th National Election  

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The unit was deployed on 11th November 2007 to maintain law and order in Madaripur district and returned to the cantonment on 07th January 2009 after completing its duties in the 9th ​​National Assembly Election 2009.

Upazila Election

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Senior Tigers on 18 January 2009 was deployed to ensure correct implementation of law and order in the 3rd upazila parishad election in Madaripur district.  The unit returned to the cantonment on 25 January 2009 after completing the duties.

Ghorasal Power Station Security Duty 

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From 02 September 2010 to 02 October 2010, 02-25 November 2010, 10-31 January 2011, 05 July 2011 to 01 August 2011 and from 02 November 2011 to 02 December 2011, one platoon member (01 JCO and 18 Soldiers of Other Ranks) performed the security duties of Ghorashal Power Station in Narsingdi District successfully and contributed immensely.

11th National Parliamentary Election

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This unit was deployed in Rangpur district on 24th December 2018 on the occasion of the 11th National Assembly election and on 3rd January 2019.

Duty at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant         

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From August 20, 2019 to September 8, 2021, this unit was deployed in the interim security force at Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant, one of the most sensitive projects in Bangladesh.

In Aid to Civil Power Deployment after July Revolution  

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On 8th August 2024, the Army was employed in aid to civil power to reinforce law and order in the country. Accordingly, the unit was deployed in Chakaria on 20th July till 19th August. On 20th August, the unit was deployed in Ukhiya.

References

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  1. ^ "Partition of India".
  2. ^ "1st East Bengal Regiment". Archived from the original on 2021-10-16. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  3. ^ "Indo Pak War of 1965". Archived from the original on 2015-07-08. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  4. ^ "The Independence of Bangladesh in 1971". Archived from the original on 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  5. ^ Bangladeshi Military Personnel: M. A. G. Osmani, Raihanul Abedin, Muhammad Shahid Sarwar, Abu Taher, Abul Manzoor, Sarwar Jahan Nizam. General Books LLC, 2010. 2010. ISBN 978-1157059462.
  6. ^ "Yahya Khan". Archived from the original on 2024-12-03. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  7. ^ "Ershad, Lt. General Hussein M". Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  8. ^ "Agreement between India and Pakistan on Border Disputes (East Pakistan) | UN Peacemaker". peacemaker.un.org.
  9. ^ "Ziaur Rahman - Biography". IMDb. Archived from the original on 2022-02-03. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
  10. ^ "EAST BENGAL REGIMENT AND THE 1965 WAR". DefenceHub | Global Military & Security Forum. December 19, 2023.
  11. ^ a b "প্রথম আলো ই-পেপার | বাংলা নিউজ ই-পেপার". প্রথম আলো ই-পেপার | বাংলা নিউজ ই-পেপার.
  12. ^ Patowari, Bojlul Gani. শত্রুভূমি থেকে সম্মুখসমরে.