Fall and Recapture Efforts in the Belonia Bulge

The Belonia Bulge experienced a dramatic cycle of fall and Pakistani recapture efforts during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. This enclave in Sector 1 saw initial Mukti Bahini liberation in June 1971, followed by temporary Pakistani reoccupation after fierce counteroffensives, and multiple failed attempts to hold it permanently.

These fluctuating fortunes highlighted the guerrillas' resilience and the occupation forces' overextension, culminating in final Mukti Bahini victory by November.Initial Fall to Mukti Bahini (June 1, 1971)Four companies under Captain Jafar Imam (Sector 2, coordinated with Sector 1) infiltrated covertly from Tripura. They overran lightly defended positions, liberating much of the Bulge—including Parshuram and Belonia town—within days.Local civilians celebrated, and plans advanced to establish the provisional Bangladesh government there.This rapid fall shocked Pakistani command, exposing the salient's vulnerability.Pakistani Recapture Counteroffensives (Mid-June 1971)Pakistan mobilized brigade-strength forces, including artillery and air support, to retake the enclave.

Heavy Assaults → Infantry waves, supported by shelling and airstrikes, pressed from Feni and Chittagong.
Encirclement Attempts → Troops advanced along roads and railway, aiming to trap defenders.
Intensity → By late June, relentless pressure—ammunition shortages and superior firepower—forces Mukti Bahini tactical withdrawal around June 21.

Pakistanis reoccupied the Bulge, fortifying positions and declaring control restored.Subsequent Recapture Efforts and FailuresPakistanis committed resources to hold the Bulge, viewing it as essential for logistics.However:

Ongoing Guerrilla Pressure → Combined Sector 1 and 2 raids, ambushes, and sieges prevented consolidation.
Second and Third Battles (July-November) → Renewed Mukti Bahini offensives encircled garrisons. Pakistani relief attempts failed amid heavy losses.
November Collapse → Desperate counterattacks crumbled; on November 10, a captain and 72 soldiers surrendered.

Pakistan's recapture efforts ultimately failed due to overextended lines, guerrilla mobility, and local support for Mukti Bahini.Broader ConsequencesTemporary recapture diverted Pakistani troops, weakening other fronts.It provided Mukti Bahini combat experience and morale boost, proving they could contest territory.By December, the Bulge's fluctuating control facilitated the final allied advance.The Belonia Bulge's fall and failed recapture efforts underscored the limits of conventional force against determined guerrillas in unfavorable terrain.Joy Bangla! The Bulge's turbulent history reflected the inexorable tide toward liberation in Sector 1.
Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, Fall Recapture Belonia Bulge, Pakistani Counteroffensives 1971, Mukti Bahini Temporary Withdrawal, Sector 1 Enclave Battles, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla