Liberation of Areas Along the Muhuri River

The liberation of areas along the Muhuri River centered on the Belonia Bulge enclave, a pivotal campaign in Sector 1 during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. The Muhuri River formed the natural boundary of this salient in present-day Feni district, where Mukti Bahini forces waged a protracted struggle to seize and hold territory against Pakistani defenses.

Through daring infiltrations, tenacious defenses, and final offensives, freedom fighters liberated key towns like Parshuram, Belonia, and surrounding regions, disrupting enemy logistics and symbolizing early territorial gains.The Muhuri River TheaterThe Muhuri River originates in Tripura and flows through the Belonia Bulge before joining the Feni River. Its banks defined the enclave's northern and western edges, providing natural barriers for defense and routes for infiltration.Areas along the river—Parshuram, Belonia town, Shubar Bazar, and parts of Fulgazi—saw continuous fighting. Pakistani forces fortified positions to protect the Dhaka-Chittagong highway and railway running nearby.Mukti Bahini operations here, often joint with Sector 2, aimed to sever these lifelines and establish liberated zones.Phases of LiberationLiberation unfolded in stages:

Early Infiltration and First Battle (June 1971) → Fighters crossed the Muhuri under Captain Jafar Imam, overrunning positions and reaching river banks near Shubar Bazar. Pakistani counterattacks forced temporary withdrawal, but the operation gained experience and arms.
Sustained Guerrilla Defense (July-October) → Continuous raids, ambushes, and sieges along the river harassed garrisons. Defenders used riverine cover for resupply from Tripura.
Decisive Battles and Surrenders (November 1971) → Renewed offensives encircled Pakistani forces. On November 10, a captain and 72 soldiers surrendered; the Bangladesh flag rose at Parshuram and Belonia amid national anthem celebrations.
Final Liberation (December 1971) → Joint Mukti Bahini-Indian advances liberated remaining areas, including Feni town on December 6, ahead of nationwide victory.

Local civilians along the river provided vital support—intelligence, food, and shelter—despite reprisals.Challenges and HeroismFighters endured artillery, airstrikes, and monsoons while outnumbered. Tactical withdrawals preserved strength; river crossings under fire showcased bravery.The campaign inflicted heavy Pakistani losses, forcing resource diversions.Legacy Along the MuhuriLiberation of Muhuri River areas:

Severed critical supply routes.
Created one of the war's earliest permanent liberated zones.
Inspired resistance and facilitated the southeastern offensive.

Today, memorials in Parshuram and Belonia honor martyrs. The river's banks remind of sacrifices that turned a vulnerable enclave into liberated soil.Joy Bangla! Along the Muhuri's flow, freedom fighters etched an enduring tale of defiance and victory.
Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, Liberation Muhuri River, Belonia Bulge Areas, Parshuram Belonia Feni 1971, Mukti Bahini Muhuri, Sector 1 River Operations, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla