EPR Troops Joining Freedom Fighters in Sector 1

The East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) troops played a vital role in the early days of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, particularly in Sector 1. As a paramilitary border security force with around 13,000-16,000 personnel (mostly Bengali), the EPR was one of the first organized units to revolt against Pakistani authority following Operation Searchlight on March 25, 1971.

Thousands of EPR members defected, bringing disciplined manpower, border expertise, light weapons, and tactical knowledge to the nascent Mukti Bahini in the Chittagong region and beyond.The EPR Before the CrackdownThe EPR, predecessor to today's Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), guarded East Pakistan's borders, including the long frontier with India in Chittagong and the Hill Tracts. Wings (battalions) were stationed across the province, with significant presence in Chittagong district and nearby areas.Bengali EPR personnel grew increasingly disillusioned with West Pakistani dominance. Many sympathized with the Awami League's autonomy demands and prepared for potential resistance.Immediate Revolt in Chittagong Area (March 25-26, 1971)As Operation Searchlight began, EPR units in Chittagong were among the first to act:

EPR troops joined Major Ziaur Rahman's revolt at the Chittagong Cantonment, moving to Sholashahar and supporting the 8th East Bengal Regiment.
Notable actions included ambushing Pakistani columns at Kumira (north of Chittagong), where EPR personnel under officers like Havildar Nooruddin inflicted casualties and delayed reinforcements.
Wings from Ramgarh, Rangamati, and other Hill Tracts areas revolted, clashing with Pakistani forces and retreating into the hills with arms.

Captain Rafiqul Islam, an EPR officer deputed to the force, played a key coordinating role. His leadership helped organize defected EPR troops into effective units.These early revolts complemented the army and police uprisings in Chittagong, preventing a complete Pakistani takeover of the city and port.Scale of Defections and Integration into Mukti BahiniNearly 9,000 EPR members defected nationwide, with a substantial portion in Sector 1's area. They brought:

Light infantry weapons (rifles, LMGs, mortars)
Border patrolling expertise, ideal for infiltration and ambushes
Knowledge of terrain in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and Belonia Bulge

Defected EPR troops formed dedicated companies and sub-sectors under Sector 1 command. Many served in guerrilla roles, conducting raids, mining roads, and defending liberated zones.EPR personnel not absorbed into regular battalions (like those in Z Force) operated as sector troops, providing rear security and training civilian recruits.Key Contributions in Sector 1

Early Battles: EPR ambushes delayed Pakistani advances, buying time for retreats into the hills.
Border Operations: Their familiarity with Tripura crossings facilitated arms supplies and refugee movement.
Hill Tracts Defense: In alliance with tribal communities, EPR troops helped secure bases like Harina.
Sustained Guerrilla Warfare: Throughout 1971, they participated in highway disruptions and Belonia Bulge defenses.

Two EPR members—Bir Shreshtho Nur Mohammad Sheikh and Munshi Abdur Rouf—earned Bangladesh's highest gallantry award posthumously for actions in other sectors, highlighting the force's overall heroism.Legacy: From EPR to Core of Border SecurityThe EPR defections provided Sector 1 with experienced paramilitary forces essential for guerrilla sustainability. Post-war, surviving EPR personnel formed the nucleus of the Bangladesh Rifles (now BGB).Their revolt exemplified institutional rejection of oppression, bolstering the Mukti Bahini's credibility and combat effectiveness from day one.Joy Bangla! The EPR troops who chose freedom over loyalty became indispensable warriors in Sector 1's fight for Bangladesh.
Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, East Pakistan Rifles EPR Defection, Sector 1 Chittagong, Mukti Bahini EPR Troops, Kumira Ambush, Captain Rafiqul Islam, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla