Early Resistance in Chittagong City After Operation Searchlight

The early resistance in Chittagong city following Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971, stands as one of the most immediate and successful acts of defiance against Pakistani military oppression at the outset of the Bangladesh Liberation War. While Dhaka witnessed devastating massacres that night, Chittagong became a beacon of organized rebellion, largely due to the swift actions of Bengali military personnel, police, EPR troops, and civilians.

This resistance prevented a full-scale slaughter in the port city, secured vital resources, and provided the platform for Major Ziaur Rahman's historic declaration of independence.The Context: Pre-Crackdown Tensions in ChittagongIn the weeks leading to March 25, Chittagong was a hotbed of nationalist fervor. Port workers refused to unload weapons from the ship MV Swat in early March, signaling growing defiance. Riots and clashes occurred, including violence against non-Bengalis, which Pakistani authorities later used to justify the crackdown.Bengali units in the Pakistan Army (particularly the 8th East Bengal Regiment), East Pakistan Rifles (EPR), and police were increasingly alienated by West Pakistani dominance and prepared mentally for resistance.The Night of March 25-26: Revolt EruptsUnlike Dhaka, where Bengali forces were caught off-guard, Chittagong's resistance began almost immediately:

Military Revolt: Major Ziaur Rahman, second-in-command of the 8th East Bengal Regiment at Chittagong Cantonment, rallied Bengali soldiers. They arrested or disarmed Pakistani officers and secured the cantonment, armory, and key positions. Clashes with loyalist units ensued, but Bengali forces gained control quickly.
EPR and Police Uprising: EPR wings and police stations across the city and suburbs revolted, joining the resistance. Many handed over arms to emerging freedom fighters.
Civilian Support: Students, workers, and political activists barricaded streets, disrupted communications, and provided intelligence.

This coordinated action meant Pakistani forces could not launch a systematic massacre as in Dhaka. Chittagong city remained contested, with Bengali fighters holding significant areas for days.Seizure of Kalurghat Radio Station and the DeclarationA pivotal moment came when rebels seized the powerful Kalurghat Radio Station on the city's outskirts.On March 26-27, Major Ziaur Rahman broadcast the declaration of independence multiple times, proclaiming Bangladesh's sovereignty on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This message reached millions, inspiring uprisings nationwide and prompting further defections.Pakistani aircraft bombed the station on March 30, silencing it, but the declaration had already changed the course of the war.Immediate Aftermath: Holding Ground and RetreatFor several days, Bengali forces controlled much of Chittagong city and port areas. Port workers struck, halting operations. However, facing reinforcements and superior firepower, rebels gradually withdrew into the Chittagong Hill Tracts by early April, taking arms and recruits with them.This retreat was strategic—preserving manpower for guerrilla warfare rather than risking annihilation in urban combat.Significance of Chittagong's Early Resistance

Prevented Massacre: Unlike other cities, Chittagong avoided large-scale civilian killings in the initial crackdown.
Secured Resources: Captured arms, ammunition, and radio facilities bolstered the Mukti Bahini.
Inspired Nationwide Uprising: Zia's broadcast and successful revolt motivated resistance across Bangladesh.
Foundation for Sector 1: Defected troops formed the core of Sector 1 forces under Zia's initial command.

Chittagong's early stand demonstrated Bengali military resolve and set the tone for the nine-month liberation struggle.Joy Bangla! The defiance in Chittagong city on those fateful nights kindled the flame of independence that could not be extinguished.
Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, Early Resistance Chittagong, Operation Searchlight March 1971, Major Ziaur Rahman Revolt, Kalurghat Broadcast, Mukti Bahini EPR Police, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla