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Senior Tigers
editBackground
editAfter 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
editDate: 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
editSerial | 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
editOn 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
editSerial | 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
editIn 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
editThe 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
editSenior 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
editIn 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
editFrom 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
editOn 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
editAnalyzing 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
editThe 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
editThe 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
editThe 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
editC 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
editThe 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
editA 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
editA 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
editGallantry 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
editSerial | 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)
editSenior 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
edit(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
edit(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
editSerial | 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
editAnti-Smuggling Operation (Operation JUTE)
editFrom 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)
editThe 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
editThe 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
editThe 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
editThe 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
editThis 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
editThe 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
editSenior 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
editFrom 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
editThis 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
editFrom 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
editOn 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
edit- ^ "Partition of India".
- ^ "1st East Bengal Regiment". Archived from the original on 2021-10-16. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
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- ^ "The Independence of Bangladesh in 1971". Archived from the original on 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Yahya Khan". Archived from the original on 2024-12-03. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ "Ershad, Lt. General Hussein M". Archived from the original on 2024-01-03. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ "Agreement between India and Pakistan on Border Disputes (East Pakistan) | UN Peacemaker". peacemaker.un.org.
- ^ "Ziaur Rahman - Biography". IMDb. Archived from the original on 2022-02-03. Retrieved 2024-12-27.
- ^ "EAST BENGAL REGIMENT AND THE 1965 WAR". DefenceHub | Global Military & Security Forum. December 19, 2023.
- ^ a b "প্রথম আলো ই-পেপার | বাংলা নিউজ ই-পেপার". প্রথম আলো ই-পেপার | বাংলা নিউজ ই-পেপার.
- ^ Patowari, Bojlul Gani. শত্রুভূমি থেকে সম্মুখসমরে.