The Genocide and Killing Fields Organized in Bangladesh in 1971

Background of the Genocide

Despite the Awami League’s overwhelming victory in the 1970 general election, the Pakistani military junta refused to transfer power and launched “Operation Searchlight” on the night of March 25, 1971. Its objective was to eliminate political leadership, the student community, the Hindu population, and intellectuals. Indiscriminate killings were carried out at Dhaka University, Rajarbagh Police Lines, Pilkhana, Old Dhaka—everywhere.

During the war, intellectuals, journalists, teachers, public and private sector employees, farmers and laborers, as well as ordinary citizens were indiscriminately killed. To carry out these massacres, the Pakistani occupying forces and their collaborator Razakars selected certain specific locations. These places became known as killing fields. To date, many locations across the country have been identified as killing fields. According to information obtained from the Liberation War Museum, 86 sites have been identified as killing fields in Dhaka Division, 147 in Rajshahi Division, 87 in Chattogram Division, 67 in Khulna Division, 22 in Barishal Division, and 57 in Sylhet Division.

Notable Killing Fields

Across various parts of Bangladesh, numerous killing fields have been identified as memorials of the genocide. Some of the notable ones include:

1. Rayerbazar Killing Field (Dhaka)

On December 14, 1971, the Al-Badr force—collaborators of the Pakistani occupation army—systematically abducted and murdered more than a hundred intellectuals of the country and dumped their bodies in Mirpur. The victims included teachers, journalists, physicians, writers, engineers, and thinkers. This massacre, carried out on the eve of independence with the aim of destroying the nation’s intellectual backbone, was a deliberate and horrific act of genocide.

This day is marked in the history of Bangladesh as Martyred Intellectuals Day. The Rayerbazar killing field is not merely a killing site; it is the most significant and symbolic memorial of the intellectual massacre. Among the notable individuals killed here were—

Martyred Intellectuals from the University of Dhaka

• A. N. M. Munir Chowdhury: Professor, Department of Bengali.
• Dr. Gobinda Chandra Dev: Professor, Department of Philosophy.
• Mofazzal Haider Chowdhury: Professor, Department of Bengali.
• Anwar Pasha: Professor, Department of Bengali and writer.
• Dr. Jyotirmoy Guhathakurta: Professor, Department of English.
• Abdul Mukhtadir: Professor, Department of Chemistry.
• S. M. Rashidul Hasan: Professor, Department of English.
• Dr. N. M. Fayzul Mahi: Professor, Department of Physics.
• Fazlur Rahman Khan: Professor, Department of Physics.
• Dr. Sirajul Haq Khan: Professor, Department of Physics.
• Dr. Shahadat Ali: Professor, Department of Bengali.
• Dr. Anwarul Azim

Other Distinguished Martyred Intellectuals

• Shahidullah Kaiser: Journalist and writer.
• Selina Parvin: Journalist.
• Altaf Mahmud: Composer and musician.
• Dhirendranath Dutta: Politician and lawyer.
• Zahir Raihan: Filmmaker and writer.
• Dr. Fazle Rabbi: Cardiologist.
• Dr. A. F. M. Alim Chowdhury: Ophthalmologist.
• Syed Nazrul Islam: Journalist.
• Abul Hasnat: Journalist.

This list is not complete, as many intellectuals were never officially documented and many remain unknown. According to information from the Liberation War Museum and other sources, the number may exceed 1,000, including teachers, physicians, journalists, writers, artists, engineers, and other professionals.

These lifeless bodies symbolized the future thought, knowledge, and leadership of an independent nation. The Pakistani forces sought to annihilate them, but their sacrifice remains immortal in the nation’s history.

Even today, this place at Rayerbazar reminds the nation that independence was not merely achieved through victory in battle; it came at the cost of the blood and sacrifice of countless intellectuals and innocent people. This day calls upon every Bengali to remember their education, ideals, and courage.

2. Killing Fields of Mirpur (Dhaka)

During the Liberation War, Mirpur was one of the most massacre-ridden areas of Dhaka. Throughout the entire nine months of the war—especially until its final phase—the Pakistani occupation army and their collaborators Al-Badr, Al-Shams, and local accomplices turned this area into a planned killing zone. The major massacre and killing field sites in Mirpur include:

a. Killing Fields of the Mirpur Embankment Area

• Many people were shot or slaughtered and their bodies dumped in areas adjacent to the embankment.
• Later, scattered human skeletons were found along the riverbanks.

b. Mirpur Ceramic Area and Pump House Killing Field

• Used regularly as sites for killing and disposing of bodies.
• Abandoned buildings and structures were repeatedly used to conceal evidence of mass murder.

c. Mirpur Section-11 and Section-12 Killing Fields

• Raids were carried out in Sections 11 and 12, abducting people from their homes and killing them.
• Victims included supporters of freedom fighters, professionals, teachers, students, and members of minority communities.

d. Mirpur Embankment Area Killing Field

• A stronghold of armed collaborators where detention, torture, and killings took place.
• After detention and torture, many victims were taken to Jalladkhana and other major killing fields.

e. Areas Adjacent to the Mirpur Botanical Garden (then undeveloped regions)

• Remote and forested areas were used for secret killings and mass graves.

3. Jalladkhana Killing Field (Mirpur)

One of the largest and most horrific killing fields in the country is the Jalladkhana killing field in Mirpur. Throughout the entire nine months of the 1971 Liberation War, this site became a silent witness to organized torture and genocide carried out by the Pakistani occupation army and their Bihari collaborators. Thousands of unarmed and helpless people were brutally slaughtered here after being brought from various areas. This killing field was not merely a site of execution; it was a center of planned mass extermination.

After remaining neglected and unmarked for a long time, excavation work began at the Jalladkhana killing field in 1999 under the initiative of the Liberation War Museum and with the cooperation of the Bangladesh Army. During excavation, heartbreaking evidence was recovered from a well inside an abandoned pump house—70 human skulls and 5,392 bones of various kinds. These remains included those of women, men, and people of different ages, clearly revealing the scale and brutality of the massacre carried out here.

In addition, various personal belongings used by the victims during the war were recovered from the wells, carrying memories of their everyday lives and once again reminding us of the brutal reality of that time. These artifacts still stand as proof that the Jalladkhana killing field of Mirpur was a burning symbol of the 1971 genocide—where humanity was mercilessly trampled.

4. Chuknagar Massacre (Khulna)

The Chuknagar massacre stands as evidence of the joint brutality carried out by the Pakistani army and local Razakar–Al-Badr forces during the 1971 Liberation War. It was essentially a military genocide that took place on May 20, 1971. As Chuknagar is located near the Indian border, people from various regions began gathering there in the early days of the war seeking safe shelter and a route to cross the border. In particular, people from Khulna and Bagerhat crossed the Bhodra River and assembled in Chuknagar, with estimates suggesting the number exceeded one hundred thousand.

At around 11 a.m. on May 20, two contingents of the Pakistani army arrived by truck and jeep at a place known as “Kautola” at the northern edge of Chuknagar Bazaar. From there, they opened fire at Pathkhola Bazaar and then advanced toward Chuknagar Bazaar. The shooting continued until around 3 p.m. According to eyewitness accounts, approximately 13,000 or more people were killed in this single day of massacre.

Although most of the bodies were thrown into the river by the Pakistani forces, local residents were later forced to dispose of nearly all remaining corpses into the river water. The nature of the massacre was entirely planned and organized—gathering people together, opening fire, killing with bayonets and other weapons, and carrying out brutal atrocities against women.

The Chuknagar massacre remains a horrific and brutal chapter in the history of Bangladesh’s Liberation War. It was not merely an act of barbarity against innocent people, but a clear example of genocide and terror as part of the Pakistani military strategy.

5. Pahartali Killing Field (Chattogram)

The Pahartali killing field is known as one of the largest massacre sites in Chattogram city and stands as a witness to the horrific atrocities committed by the Pakistani forces and their collaborators during the Liberation War of Bangladesh. According to historical records and research, it was used continuously for genocide from April to December 1971, during which countless innocent Bengalis were killed here.

During the Liberation War, the Pakistani army and their auxiliary collaborators brought many Bengali people to the Pahartali area and killed them there. Various studies and documents indicate that on November 10, 1971 alone, hundreds of people were killed here, and violence continued over an extended period on different days.

Due to the scale of the massacre, the Pahartali killing field is locally also known as a “Jalladkhana.” Even after the war, numerous human skulls and bones were found here, serving as physical evidence of the atrocities committed. According to official records, approximately 1,100 human skulls were recovered from a specific area after 1971, which stands as stark proof of the brutality of the genocide carried out here.

Genocide and killing fields of Panchagarh and Thakurgaon districts

Panchagarh

Aloyakhoya genocide

The Pakistani occupying forces and their collaborators attacked the house of Dr. Hafez in Bamonkumar village of Aloyakhoya Union in Panchagarh and killed several innocent people. In a similar manner, around June, in broad daylight, Khoyer Muhammad and his son Ashir Uddin were shot dead in Sukhati village.

Boda genocide

On 17 April, the Pakistani occupying forces entered the Boda area, killed three people, and subjected many others to brutal torture. Later, in the second week of October, 17 people were arrested from here and taken to the then Baliyadangi police station in Thakurgaon, where they were shot dead.

Amar Khana genocide

Amar Khana was a large camp of the Pakistani forces. Countless Bengalis were brought to this camp, interrogated and tortured, and then killed.

Genocide in Mirzapur and surrounding villages

On Sunday, the 24th of Kartik in the Bengali year 1378, before iftar, 11 people from Mirzapur village were arrested and shot dead on the bank of Nayadighi.

Mirgarh genocide

On July 21–22, with the cooperation of Razakars and Biharis, the Pakistani forces carried out a massive attack in Mirgarh. They went from house to house, pouring petrol and setting fires. Prominent businessman Ashir Uddin was burned alive. College student Mintu, primary school teacher Shamsul Huda, Meru Mohammad, and many others were killed.

Atwari genocide

On 4 August 1971, collaborators of the Pakistani forces arrested 20–25 people from Dhamor Union of Atwari Upazila and took them to the Dangirhat Pakistani camp. After horrific torture, all of them were killed.

Thakurgaon

Gobindonagar temple and mass grave

At the entrance of Thakurgaon district town, near the Satypir Bridge, there was a main headquarters of the occupying Pakistani forces at the EPR camp (later known as BDR and currently the BGB Thakurgaon Sector Headquarters). In this notorious camp, countless innocent people were regularly brought in broad daylight and brutally killed and subjected to inhuman torture. At the mass grave adjacent to the Gobindonagar temple, the Pakistani occupying forces kept Yasin Ali alive and shot his five children one by one in front of his eyes, and after this horrific massacre they rejoiced. The bodies of the victims were then buried there by digging the soil. A few days later, unable to bear the burden of grief and torture, Yasin Ali also died.

Islamnagar area was a stronghold of the Awami League at that time. Student leaders of that area—Ahammad Ali, Yakub Hossain, Mozaffar, Dabirul Islam, Nuruzzaman, and Siraj Uddin—were arrested and brutally killed by bayonet charge by the Pakistani army and their local collaborators. After the killings, their bodies were thrown into the Tangon River. Thus, the Tangon River flowing through the heart of Thakurgaon town became not just a river, but a killing field—a silent witness to genocide.

Ranishankail killing field

At the Ranishankail camp, the Pakistani army, with the active cooperation of Razakars and the Peace Committee, arrested the parents and close relatives of freedom fighters and brutally killed them. The bodies of the victims of this planned massacre were secretly buried here. However, due to the absence of any preservation or identification measures, most of these mass graves have now almost completely disappeared over time, losing their existence as silent yet horrific witnesses of history.

Jathibhanga killing field and genocide

The Jathibhanga genocide is considered the largest and most horrific of the brutal genocides committed in this district. Although the Jathibhanga village of Kismat Sukanpukuri mouza in Balia Union of Thakurgaon Sadar is now known as ‘Bibahpalli’, in 1971 it was a terrifying death pit. Here, on 23 April, the Pakistani army and their collaborators brutally killed approximately two and a half thousand innocent people.

Immediately after the declaration of independence, with the support of the Razakar, Al-Badr, and Al-Shams forces, the occupying Pakistani army began inhuman torture, looting, and genocide against the freedom-loving people. To save their lives from this brutality, several thousand minority families from various villages of Thakurgaon district—Balia, Sukanpukuri, Jagannathpur, Chokhaldi, Singia, Chandipur, Basudebpur, Milanpur, Gauripur, and Khamar Bhopla—along with Palashbari of Birganj Upazila in Dinajpur district and various villages of Debiganj Upazila in Panchagarh district, attempted to flee to India with their wives and children.

On 23 April 1971, through a planned strategy, collaborators of the occupying forces gathered these displaced people on the bank of the Jathibhanga River. Based on information provided by the Razakars, the Pakistani soldiers surrounded everyone from all sides, regardless of gender. Then began the horrific massacre—by gunfire and sharp weapons, approximately two and a half thousand men were brutally killed, and their bodies were thrown into the river. In this single day of killing, 250 women were widowed, and countless families were destroyed forever.

To preserve the memory of this tragic genocide and to pay tribute to the martyrs, a memorial has now been constructed here, standing as a silent witness to the terrifying history of Jathibhanga.

Genocide at Thakurgaon Police Lines

The seven paired graves located adjacent to the Thakurgaon Police Lines still bear the horrific memories of 1971. At that time, there was a madrasa established in a hut here, known as a center of religious education for local people. The Pakistani occupying forces carried out a sudden attack in this area, searched house to house, arrested innocent people, and brutally killed them.

At this site, Samir Uddin, Habibur Rahman, Saiful Islam, Aminul Islam, Abdus Samad, and Shamsul Islam were shot dead. Their remains were later buried in this blood-soaked land. Sadly, no effective measures have been taken to preserve or identify these seven paired graves to this day, leaving these important testimonies of history neglected.

Thakurgaon Sugar Mill genocide

Sugar mill guard Jahur Hossain and senior electrician Asgar Ali were shot dead together by the Pakistani forces. Their paired graves are located beside the main gate of the mill.

Boyendha Chowdhuripara genocide

In Boyendha Chowdhuripara of Pirganj Upazila in Thakurgaon, the Pakistani occupying forces brutally killed seven members of the same family. At that time, with the active cooperation of Biharis, the Pakistani army regularly carried out planned killings in this area. Arresting innocent people and killing them indiscriminately was part of their daily terror.

Farabari Hat killing field

A well in the killing field area of Farabari Hat in Thakurgaon still stands as a silent witness to the horrors of 1971. With the help of non-Bengali Biharis from surrounding villages, the Pakistani army arrested at least 18 innocent people and shot them dead here. After the killings, their bodies were thrown into the well. Sadly, this killing field has long been neglected, with no preservation initiatives taken.

Mass grave at Ramnath Hat, Ruhia

In 1971, the Ruhia area of Thakurgaon was a union under Sadar Thana, now known as Ruhia Thana. Six members of the family of Nurul Islam of Kanikshalgaon village in Ramnath Hat were arrested and brutally killed. These six martyrs were Rafiqul Islam (Abul), Azim Uddin Ahmed, Azim Uddin Ahmed’s grandson Md. Belal (Belu), his younger brother Md. Jalal, Md. Rezaul, and Delowar. No effective initiative has been taken to preserve this mass grave that carries their memory.

Tetultala Farm genocide

Seven political leaders from the then Pirganj Upazila, including Awami League leader Dr. Sujauddin, Ataur Rahman, Abdul Jabbar, and Mozaffar Ali, were arrested by the Pakistani army and taken to Tetultala Farm on the Pirganj–Thakurgaon paved road, where they were brutally killed. Among the martyrs was Professor Golam Mostafa, the acting principal of Pirganj College, known as the only martyred intellectual of the district. Although the grave of martyred principal Golam Mostafa is located in the Pirganj rail crossing area, it has also not been preserved. A token memorial built at Tetultala lies neglected. In memory of martyr Golam Mostafa, the Bangladesh Postal Department issued an intellectual commemorative postage stamp.

Deshiapara killing field

In the Deshiapara area of Bhomeradah Union in Pirganj Upazila, the Pakistani occupying forces carried out genocide by arresting more than a hundred local women, men, and children. After the killings, their bodies were buried together in a large pit. Despite such a massive crime against humanity, no memorial has been built here, nor has any initiative been taken to preserve the killing field.

Baliadangi killing field

Pakistani soldiers called Akbar Ali, the father of Baliadangi Liberation War organizer and six-time Member of Parliament Dabirul Islam and former Upazila Chairman Mohammad Ali, out of his house, killed him, and set his body afloat in the river. Another 25 innocent people from Jhikargacha village of the same thana were arrested from their homes, lined up at the Baliadangi camp, and shot dead. The mass graves located in various places of this upazila still remain unprotected.

Khuniadighi killing field

The Khuniadighi genocide is one of the most barbaric massacres carried out by the Pakistani army. There is hardly anyone in Thakurgaon district who has not heard the name Khuniadighi. There was a Pakistani army camp in Ranishankail Thana. With the cooperation of Razakars and members of the Peace Committee, countless Bengalis were arrested, tortured, and killed here, and then thrown into Khuniadighi. According to eyewitnesses, more than three thousand Bengalis were killed and dumped into this pond. Only a small number of bodies were buried by digging pits in the ground. Many bodies were also thrown into the Tangon River. Currently, under the initiative of the Ranishankail Upazila administration, the Khuniadighi killing field has been preserved and a memorial has been constructed there.

Pirdangi killing field

In 1971, Pirdangi of Pirganj Upazila became a terrifying example of barbaric and brutal genocide. The Pakistani occupying forces used this area as a permanent killing field. After independence, in the vast uninhabited area along the Lachhi River, countless Bengali skulls, rib cages, bones of hands and feet, and blood-stained clothes were found. The brutality of the occupiers was so horrific that flesh was cut from living people and fed to dogs. People were burned alive by pouring petrol, and killing by throat-slitting, bayonet stabbing, and shooting seemed like a kind of festival to them.

This large mass grave, a witness to the cruelty of history, still remains neglected. Even after 49 years, no initiative has been taken to identify or excavate it, causing the locations of the killing fields to disappear over time. According to local journalist Azam Rehman, around two hundred people were killed here at that time. Alauddin from a neighboring village stated that eight members of the same family, including his father Jamaluddin, were killed here. He further stated that in 1971, four children of one mother—Jamaluddin Ahmed, Latifur Rahman, Hasan Ali, and Azizur Rahman—were martyred at this killing field. Yet, no initiative has been taken to preserve this mass grave.

Islamnagar (Khanka Sharif) killing field

In May 1971, Pakistani soldiers surrounded the Islamnagar locality known as Khanka Sharif. Captains Afzal and Harun ur Rashid asked the terrified people which party they had voted for in the last election. A few people fearlessly admitted that they had voted for the Awami League. When asked why they voted for the Awami League, the answer was given by local physician Dr. Mostafa Ahmed. Then a military officer produced a list, read out several names, and ordered them to report to the camp by ten o’clock the next morning. Otherwise, they threatened to destroy the entire locality.

After discussions and consultations throughout the night, the residents decided to send the listed individuals to the camp. As no one was killed that day, they assumed that there would only be interrogation at the camp. Due to a lack of vehicles, seven people went to report to the EPR camp the next morning in bullock carts. They included Ahmed Hossain (19), a student and the youngest son of the late Pir Sahib of Khanka Sharif, Md. Shamsuzzoha; the younger brother of Dr. Mostafa Ahmed, prominent businessman SMA Islamul Haque (55); Md. Mahadi alias Dabiruddin (32); Sirajuddin Ahmed (55); Yakub Hossain (45); Mazharul Islam (45); and Md. Nuruzzaman (36).

What happened to them after going to the camp could not be discovered by their relatives for a long time. Later it was learned that on 24 May they were taken by truck to a killing field near the old bridge over the Tangon River and shot dead together with eight others. All were then buried. Those additional eight had been brought from Baliadangi, and their identities could not be determined. Other sources also mention that the Pakistani army killed countless people and threw them into the Tangon River. The Khanka Sharif killing field of Islamnagar has now been identified and enclosed, standing as a living memorial to the brutality of 1971.

Genocide and Killing Fields of Sylhet and Sunamganj Districts

Sylhet

Salutikar Killing Field

One of the largest and most brutal killing fields of Sylhet district is located in the Salutikar area. During the Liberation War of 1971, the Pakistani occupying forces used the Sylhet Cadet College located here as a military camp. This camp quickly turned into a horrific center of torture and killings. Freedom fighters and innocent Bengalis were brought here from various areas and detained in the camp. The prisoners were subjected to inhuman torture, physical and mental abuse in the name of interrogation, and extreme brutality.

After torture, many were killed either openly or secretly. Instead of burying the bodies properly, mass graves were made in the secluded area behind Sylhet Cadet College. According to direct and indirect sources, the bodies of more than two hundred martyrs are buried in these mass graves. Thus, the Salutikar killing field is not just a place; it is a sorrowful testimony of the Pakistani army’s planned genocide, torture, and crimes against humanity. This killing field still stands today as a terrifying memorial in the history of genocide committed in the Sylhet region.

Sylhet Hospital Killing Field

In the first week of April 1971, brutal attacks by the Pakistani forces began in Sylhet. Countless people were killed by their shelling, mortar attacks, and machine-gun fire. Those who were injured in these attacks took shelter in Sylhet Hospital. Dr. Shamsuddin Ahmed took on the grave responsibility of treating and saving these helpless injured people. On the morning of April 9, Pakistani forces surrounded Sylhet Hospital. At that time, the operation was led by Major Riaz. The soldiers entered different wards of the hospital and took Dr. Shamsuddin Ahmed, Dr. Shyamal Kanti Lala, driver Korban Ali, Mahmudur Rahman, and seven other patients to the south-eastern corner of the hospital. There, they were shot dead one by one. Their bodies lay there for three days. Later, some local people courageously came forward and buried them at that very place.

Mirza Jangal Killing Field

On March 27, 1971, the Pakistani army stationed in Sylhet attacked the Nimbark Ashram at Mirza Jangal. In this attack, they brutally killed Rasbihari Dhar and Panchu Babu. The next day, March 28, the Pakistani forces raided the Nimbark Ashram again and took away Surati Dhar and Narendra De. No trace of them was ever found afterward. On April 10, unable to capture Principal Krishnakumar Pal Chowdhury, Pakistani Captain Karam Khan killed Byomkesh Chowdhury, the brother of Padmakesh Chowdhury, accusing him of sheltering the principal. In December, the Pakistani forces attacked the house of Dr. Digendrakumar Enda in Mirza Jangal and fired mortars. As a result, Dr. Digendrakumar Enda, his wife Suniti Bala Enda, Pushpa Enda, Dibyendra Enda, Shikha Enda, Apu Enda, Shivani Enda, and Gopesh Das were killed. In addition, the Pakistani forces shot dead Mirza Jangal businessman Khosruzzaman and four others.

Kalapara Killing Field

At around 3 p.m. on April 6, 1971, a large convoy of Pakistani forces entered the Kalapara slum. They ordered all men and women of the area to appear at the tents they had set up. When no Bengali responded to this call, the Pakistani forces became enraged. They captured people, gathered them in front of a house in Kalapara, and subjected them to inhuman torture. After that, the tortured people were divided into two groups—Hindus and Muslims. The Muslims were released, while the Hindus were taken to a hillock, lined up, and brutally shot dead. Among those martyred in this incident were Kalia Uddiya, Nakul Uddiya, Sadhya Uddiya, Bir Uddiya, Beni Uddiya, Nitai Uddiya, Raman Uddiya, Chaku Uddiya, and many others.

Akhali Killing Field

On March 28, 1971, Pakistani occupying forces entered the Akhali area of Sylhet. They set up a military camp at Madina Market and began genocide from there. Unarmed civilians were fired upon indiscriminately at Madina Market. As a result, Manik Mia, a rickshaw puller, an elderly man, and several others were killed. Later, on April 10, Abduch Sattar and Abdur Razzak of Noapara village were shot dead. On April 23, Sushil Chandra Ghosh of Arikhai village was shot, and on April 25, Pulin Chandra Deb of Kalapara was shot dead. During the Liberation War, the Pakistani forces carried out widespread looting, genocide, and violence against women in the Akhali area.

Kalagul Tea Garden Killing Field

Towards the end of April 1971, the Pakistani army entered the Kalagul Tea Garden and set up a base in the manager’s bungalow. Upon hearing of the arrival of Pakistani soldiers, the tea garden workers tried to flee. While some managed to escape, many workers were captured. All the captured workers were gathered together and lined up in the Kathaltali area of the Kalagul Tea Garden and shot dead. Among the dead were at least 15 workers, including Kaloguna Lohar, Kosh Lohar, Lalban Khatuar, Sadhu Bauri, Tufan Lohar, Golok Lohar, Bhuban Lohar, Bhim Lohar, and Mithai Lohar. The bodies of the dead were seen lying scattered in the area.

Star Tea Garden Killing Field

On April 18, 1971, Pakistani forces entered the Star Tea Garden. The owner of the tea garden was Rajendralal Gupta. Under the pretext of checking identity cards, they gathered workers in front of Rajendralal Gupta’s house. They were then taken to a hillock near the neighboring Malnichhara Tea Garden. There, everyone was divided into three groups—owners, staff, and workers. Three separate squads were formed under the leadership of three Subedars, surrounding the hillock on three sides, and indiscriminate firing was carried out, killing a total of 39 people. Among the dead were Rajendralal Gupta, Rabindranath Gupta, Jaharlal Gupta, Kshitish Chandra De, Naresh Chandra Deb, Phatik Roy Haldar, Bharat Bhallar, Mahendra Koramodi, Palesh Koromodi, and many others. In addition, on May 5 and 6, Pakistani forces re-entered the Star Tea Garden and shot dead four more people.

Goalabazar Killing Field

Awami League Goalabazar Union General Secretary Abdul Mannan Chowdhury, Abdul Manaf of Gadiar Char village, and Tota Mia of Moroldash village were arrested and brutally killed by Pakistani forces. In addition, Pakistani soldiers shot dead two unidentified persons, Tapesh Lal and Nayan Shukla Baidya, in the haor east of Goalabazar.

Sadipur Killing Field

On April 8, 1971, Pakistani forces entered the village of Sadipur in Sylhet and carried out indiscriminate killings. At that time, a young man named Masuk Ahmed was shot dead. Pakistani soldiers arrested anyone they found in the village and took them to Sadipur Ferry Ghat, where they were tied with ropes and brutally shot dead. Those martyred in this incident included Ali Box, Betu Mia, Tenai Mia, Tarani Chandra Baidya, Khayer Uddin Chowkidar, Lodai, and many others. When unarmed and helpless villagers tried to flee during the attack on Sadipur village, several were shot dead while fleeing. Among them were Tenai Ullah, Sultan Ullah, Sadhu Mia, Syed Ansar Ali, Karam Ullah, and others.

Other Killing Fields

In addition to the killing fields mentioned above, there are many more killing fields in Sylhet district where Pakistani occupying forces and their collaborators carried out brutal genocide in 1971. Notable killing fields include the Weather Office Killing Field, Surikona Killing Field, Barutkhana Killing Field, Tultikor Killing Field, Machkander Khal Killing Field, Jaintapur Killing Field, Khariser Pul Killing Field, Goyain River Killing Field, Model School Killing Field, Gyan Babu’s House, Khajanchi House, Mahajan Patti, MC College Killing Field in Sylhet, and Sylhet Airport Killing Field.

Sunamganj

Currently, a total of 11 killing fields have been identified in eight upazilas of Sunamganj district. However, due to the lack of proper initiatives, research, and investigation, many more killing fields have not yet been officially identified. As a result, many genocide sites from the Liberation War remain hidden from history. Yet, these killing fields bear silent testimony to the sacrifice, heroism, and glorious history of the nation during the Great Liberation War.

Shriramsi Killing Field

On August 31, 1971, Pakistani occupying forces and their local collaborators carried out a horrific conspiracy in Shriramsi village in the name of forming a Peace Committee. Villagers were called to the school field with assurances of peace and security. The confused and frightened people believed it might be an administrative meeting or the announcement of some new directive. But no one could imagine how horrific the consequences of that assumption would be.

After gathering in the school field, villagers were lined up regardless of gender. Within moments, Pakistani soldiers and their collaborators began brutal brushfire shooting. The sound of gunfire filled the air, and innocent people began to fall to the ground one by one. In this planned genocide, teachers, tahsildars, respected individuals from various sections of society, and countless ordinary villagers were brutally martyred. This barbaric massacre, carried out in the name of forming a Peace Committee, plunged the entire area into grief and terror. Those who survived still carry the searing memories of that day. The Shriramsi village massacre remains a burning proof of the brutality and deception of the Pakistani occupying forces during the Liberation War of 1971.

Raniganj Bazar Killing Field

On September 1, 1971, Pakistani occupying soldiers strategically surrounded the Raniganj Bazar area. People present in the market were thrown into confusion by this sudden encirclement. Without any warning or explanation, the soldiers captured more than two hundred innocent people, tied their hands, and lined them up. Many still could not comprehend the horrific fate that awaited them.

Then, within moments, a brutal massacre began. Pakistani soldiers opened indiscriminate fire on the lined-up people. The entire area shook with the sound of gunfire, and countless unarmed and innocent people fell to the ground. Ordinary shoppers, laborers, businessmen, and passersby lost their lives in the blink of an eye. This sudden and savage massacre turned Raniganj Bazar into a land of death within moments. Those who miraculously survived still carry the traumatic memories of that horrific day. The Raniganj Bazar massacre will forever be remembered in history as another tragic example of the brutality of the Pakistani occupying forces during the Liberation War of 1971.

Chhatak Killing Field

On April 28, many people were martyred in a Pakistani attack in Chhatak. Later in 1971, after the Liberation War began, 18 energetic youths from different parts of the country gathered between mid-August and September, inspired by patriotism, to participate in the Liberation War with the determination to free the country from occupation. They set out via the Surma River through the Noarai area of Chhatak, Sunamganj, to go to Chela in India for training. While passing through the Betura area of Noarai, the notorious Razakar and former local chairman Motshir Ali, also known as Fakir Chairman, who was a collaborator of the Pakistani occupying forces in the area, learned of this and, under the pretext of taking them to their destination, deceitfully took the youths to his house.

While crossing the Betura area of Noarai, the infamous Razakar and former local chairman Motshir Ali, also known as Fakir Chairman, a collaborator of the Pakistani occupying forces stationed in the region, came to know of this. Promising to take the youths to their destination and gaining their trust, he cleverly took them to his own house. Trusting his sweet words and false assurances, the innocent youths stayed there while waiting to go for training. But the traitor Fakir Chairman, instead of sending them to India, secretly informed the Pakistani occupying forces, who soon arrived and took the spirited youths, burning with dreams of liberating their motherland, into their custody.

Before the youths could understand what was happening, their hands and feet were tightly bound, and they were taken by the Pakistani occupying forces to Chhatak police station. The next evening, they were taken to a secluded place called Lalpul on the Chhatak–Gobindaganj road. There, local people were forced to dig a large pit. Then began a horrific chapter of brutal physical and mental torture on the youths who yearned for freedom. Unable to bear the unbearable pain, their heart-wrenching screams spread through the air, leaving the entire area heavy and silent.

Suddenly, the machine guns of the Pakistani occupying forces roared. Within moments, the green grass of the Lalpul area was drenched in fresh blood. Even when the gunfire did not immediately kill some of the youths, they were brutally dragged and thrown into the pit. With their hands and feet bound, 17 young men were mercilessly buried alive, while the inhuman occupiers and their collaborators rejoiced. The following night, some brave villagers secretly came and covered the bloodied bodies with more soil.

Thus, a living grave was created here for 17 more sons of the soil—a horrific mass grave. In the pages of history and in the memories of the people of Chhatak and the entire country, this place is still remembered with deep respect and sorrow as “Shikha Satero”.

Sagardighi Killing Field of Gazipur

On May 2, the bank of Sagardighi in Gazipur village became a silent witness to a horrific genocide. On that day, Pakistani occupying forces and their local collaborators deliberately turned the area into a killing field. After inhuman torture, 20 to 25 unarmed and innocent laborers brought from the nearby Naluya Tea Garden were brutally killed. Their only crime was that they were Bengalis and part of the freedom-seeking population.

After the killings, their bloodied bodies were ruthlessly thrown into a well beside the bank of Sagardighi in Gazipur village, as if to erase all traces. Buried deep in the darkness of that well were the cries of many lives, the dreams of working people, the futures of families, and the hopes of an entire community.

Sadly, even the identified killing fields have not been properly preserved or maintained. Due to the lack of necessary state initiatives and supervision, these historical sites are gradually deteriorating, and invaluable memories of the Liberation War are being lost. Although local people have taken the initiative to install nameplates at some killing fields, most sites remain in extreme neglect, according to residents. If this negligence continues, it will become increasingly difficult to properly convey the sacrifices and history of the Liberation War to future generations.