Introduction to Sector 1: Geography and strategic importance in the Liberation War.

The 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War was a monumental struggle for independence, where the Bengali people of East Pakistan rose against the oppressive West Pakistani military regime. Divided into 11 sectors for operational efficiency, these zones allowed the Mukti Bahini (freedom fighters) to conduct coordinated guerrilla warfare. Among them, Sector 1 stood out as one of the most strategically vital and geographically challenging areas.Sector 1 encompassed the entire Chittagong District, the vast Chittagong Hill Tracts (including Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Bandarban), and the critical Belonia Bulge in the Feni/Noakhali border area along the Muhuri River. This southeastern corner of Bangladesh covered thousands of square kilometers of diverse terrain: coastal plains, dense tropical forests, rugged hills rising over 1,000 meters, winding rivers like the Karnaphuli and Sangu, and the vital Chittagong Port on the Bay of Bengal.
The beautiful yet unforgiving landscape of the Chittagong Hill Tracts, with Kaptai Lake and Rangamati's hills, provided natural fortresses for guerrilla operations during the war.

Why Was Sector 1 So Strategically Important?Chittagong Port was the economic lifeline of East Pakistan, handling over 90% of imports and exports, including military supplies for the Pakistani army. Disrupting this port could cripple the occupation forces' logistics. Operations like Operation Jackpot, where Mukti Bahini naval commandos sank or damaged numerous ships, effectively blockaded the harbor and isolated Pakistani troops.
Scenes from Operation Jackpot – Mukti Bahini commandos targeting ships in Chittagong Port, a daring sabotage that choked Pakistani supply lines.The sector's proximity to India's Tripura border allowed easy access to training camps, arms supplies, and refugee safe havens. Over 10 million Bengalis fled across this border, drawing international attention and Indian support.The Belonia Bulge, a narrow salient protruding into India, became a hotspot for infiltration and battles. It threatened Pakistani communication lines between Chittagong and Dhaka, making it a priority for early liberation.
The intense battles in the Belonia Bulge saw Mukti Bahini forces holding liberated zones against repeated Pakistani counterattacks.The hilly terrain of the Chittagong Hill Tracts was perfect for guerrilla tactics – ambushes, hit-and-run attacks, and hideouts. Indigenous tribal communities (Chakma, Marma, Tripura) provided crucial intelligence, guides, and fighters, forging a unique Bengali-tribal alliance against the common enemy.Leadership and Key CommandersSector 1 was initially commanded by Major Ziaur Rahman (later President of Bangladesh), who defected from the Pakistan Army and played a pivotal role from March to June 1971. On March 27, 1971, from Kalurghat Radio Station in Chittagong, Zia broadcast the historic declaration of independence on behalf of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, igniting nationwide resistance.
Major Ziaur Rahman – The brave officer whose voice proclaimed Bangladesh's independence to the world.In July 1971, command passed to Captain Rafiqul Islam (later Major, awarded Bir Uttam), who led the sector through intense guerrilla campaigns until victory.

Captain Rafiqul Islam, the steadfast commander who orchestrated Sector 1's operations in the later phases.Headquarters were established at Harina in the Hill Tracts, a remote nerve center coordinating sub-sectors and raids.Guerrilla Operations and Key BattlesFighters in Sector 1 underwent rigorous training in camps across the Tripura border, learning weapons handling, ambush tactics, and survival in monsoon-drenched hills
Mukti Bahini guerrillas training and in action – young, determined fighters who turned the hills into a graveyard for Pakistani convoys.Operations included:

• Sabotage of roads, bridges, and railways
• Ambushes on supply convoys along the Dhaka-Chittagong highway
• Raids on Pakistani outposts in Ramgarh, Kaptai, and Lama
• Defense of liberated zones in Belonia through multiple battles (June to November 1971)
• Support from tribal allies and even Tibetan Special Frontier Force in some hill operations

Women, youth, and even teenagers joined the fight, handling logistics, intelligence, and combat roles. Pakistani atrocities in Chittagong city and hills fueled unbreakable resistance.Path to Victory and LegacyBy December 1971, with Indian forces joining the war, Sector 1 guerrillas launched final offensives, advancing toward Chittagong city. On December 16, Pakistani forces surrendered, and Chittagong Port was liberated – a fitting end for the sector that had strangled their supplies from the start.Sector 1's contribution was immense: it denied the enemy vital resources, tied down thousands of troops, and symbolized Bengali-tribal unity. Many heroes earned Bir Uttam and other gallantry awards; countless martyrs sacrificed their lives.Today, memorials in Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and Chittagong remind us of their bravery. Sector 1 teaches timeless lessons in asymmetric warfare: how terrain, local support, and determination can defeat a superior force.Joy Bangla! The spirit of Sector 1 lives on in independent Bangladesh.