On this day in 1971

DECEMBER 5

The skies of Bangladesh were freed on the third day of the relentless war. Almost all of the Pakistani aircrafts were destroyed or distressed. Indian fighter jets bombed Pakistani bases all day long, stopping activities at the airports.

According to the Indian Air Force, almost 50 tonnes of bombs were dropped within 12 hours on Pak airbases in Tejgaon and Kurmitola. A Pakistan army convoy of 90 vehicles was destroyed in the airborne attack. A few Pakistani steamers and launches, carrying Pak soldiers, were also destroyed.

Pakistan Navy’s pride, “Gazi” -- a submarine the US had lent it -- was destroyed in the Bay of Bengal in an attack by the joint naval force.

The joint naval force advised vessels of neutral states to leave the Chattogram port. The joint command refused them any security. The Pakistan force turned out to be too weak to defend the port.

The allied force began their march towards Dhaka. They deployed heavy resistance on highways that connected Dhaka with other districts. Cumilla, Chattogram, Sylhet, Natore, Rangpur and Jashore road routes were cut off from Dhaka.

The 57th Mountain Division of the Indian army joined the Muktibahini at the Akhaura battle field. They created resistance on the south and western parts of the area. Facing the heavy resistance, the Pakistan army eventually surrendered and Akhaura was freed.

Subedar Ashraf Ali Khan, Sipahi Amir Hossain, Lieutenant Badiuzzaman, Sipahi Ruhul Amin, Sipahi Sahab Uddin and Sipahi Mustafizur Rahman were martyred in this battle.

A few Pakistani military men escaped to Brahmanbaria after the battle but around 160 were killed by the allied force.

Source: Shafiullah, KM Bir Uttam Major General. Muktijuddhe Bangladesh, Dhaka: Agami Prokashon, 1995: 201.