Third Battle of Belonia Bulge in Late 1971

The Third Battle of Belonia Bulge (November-December 1971) culminated the prolonged campaign for this vital enclave in Sector 1 during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Following the sieges of the Second Battle, Mukti Bahini forces—bolstered by the newly formed 10th East Bengal Regiment under Major Jafar Imam—launched decisive offensives that forced Pakistani surrenders and secured permanent liberation.

This final phase transitioned from guerrilla sieges to coordinated assaults, paving the way for the broader southeastern advance.Buildup to the Third BattleAfter mid-1971 sieges weakened Pakistani garrisons, Major Jafar Imam raised the 10th East Bengal Regiment (Durdharsha Dosh) in October 1971 from experienced Bulge veterans.In early November, renewed infiltrations and encirclements sealed remaining positions. Coordination with Sector 1 forces and emerging Indian support intensified pressure.The battle aligned with escalating Indo-Pak tensions, as India prepared open intervention.Key Engagements and SurrendersThe Third Battle featured:

Encirclement Completion — Guerrillas occupied surrounding high ground and river banks, cutting all resupply.
Direct Assaults — Combined raids and artillery (from allied sources) targeted fortified posts in Parshuram and Belonia.
Climactic Surrender — On November 10, 1971, a Pakistani captain and 72 soldiers surrendered unconditionally. Major Jafar Imam raised the Bangladesh flag; fighters and locals sang "Amar Sonar Bangla" in jubilation.

Further surrenders followed as morale collapsed.Transition to Full LiberationBy late November, the Bulge was fully under Mukti Bahini control. In December, joint Mukti Bahini-Indian forces advanced rapidly, liberating Feni (December 6) and supporting the push to Chittagong.Significance of the Third BattleThis phase:

Achieved permanent liberation of the Bulge.
Delivered major psychological blows through mass surrenders.
Disrupted Pakistani defenses in the southeast.
Demonstrated evolution from guerrilla to semi-conventional warfare.

The Third Battle's victories in late 1971 marked the Bulge's transformation from contested salient to liberated symbol, accelerating Sector 1's triumph.Joy Bangla! The Third Battle sealed Belonia's freedom, heralding victory across the east.
Tags: Bangladesh Liberation War 1971, Third Battle Belonia Bulge, November 1971 Surrender, Major Jafar Imam Durdharsha Dosh, Belonia Liberation Late 1971, Sector 1 Final Phase, Muktijuddho, Joy Bangla