Today, 12 December, marks Cox’s Bazar Liberation Day. On this day in 1971, freedom fighters defeated the Pakistani occupation forces and formally declared Cox’s Bazar liberated.
Fifty-four years ago, on the morning of 12 December, the national flag was hoisted at the historic Public Library ground (now Shaheed Daulat Maidan), marking the district’s freedom from enemy control. Four vehicles carrying freedom fighters entered the town that morning.
Under the leadership of Captain Abdus Sobhan, the then commander of the Cox’s Bazar–Bandarban region, freedom fighters gathered at Shaheed Daulat Maidan at 10 am. With a ceremonial flag hoisting and showdown, they declared Cox’s Bazar free from the occupation army.
In the book “Muktijuddhe Cox’s Bazar-Bandarban,” published after the Liberation War, the late Captain Abdus Sobhan recalled that day:
“Four buses left the Palong Adarsha High School camp in Ukhiya early on 12 December. A white Red Cross jeep and vehicles arranged by residents Kapil Uddin Chowdhury and Zia Uddin Chowdhury accompanied the convoy as it moved through Kotbazar and Maricha towards the town.”
The book notes that Maricha Bazar was bustling with its weekly market that day. Thousands lined the roadside, raising their hands and chanting slogans to welcome the advancing freedom fighters. Fearing sudden attacks, fighters kept their weapons positioned outward as they moved. Before entering the town, they split into four groups to encircle Cox’s Bazar. From Hashemia Madrasa to the radar station, and from the Kolatoli area to the beach, freedom fighters took positions across key points. Later, crowds surged into what is now Shaheed Daulat Maidan, turning the area into a “sea of people” in a mix of celebration and grief for lost loved ones.
According to the historical account, Captain Sobhan said in his speech that day:
“Do not grieve for those you have lost. Be proud of them. They became martyrs for independence. Cox’s Bazar is free today because of their blood.”
He also remembered the sacrifices of many, including student leader Subhash, Chittagong University activist Farhad, and advocate Gyanendra Lal Chowdhury.
Freedom fighter and veteran journalist Fazlul Kader Chowdhury expressed concern that many mass killing sites in Cox’s Bazar remain neglected. “The new generation is not learning the true history. These sites must be preserved,” he said.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
