BANGLADESH AND ITS DEFENCE FORCES

Bangladesh  Air Force

                Syed Mohd. Saleh uddin

(The writer is an Ex. Airman (PAF and BAF) and Instructor  of AEC where he used to teach Military Science related subjects(Map Reading, Astro-Navigation, Aircraft recognition etc ) & now is serving in the Rampura Ekramunnesa Degree College, Rampura, Dhaka-1219 as an Assistant Professor )

    Evolution of Bangladesh Airforce : Bangladesh Airforce has established on 28/9/1971. This force fought very bravely against Pakistani Army. Many of its airmen sacrificed their lives for the liberation in 1971. Bangladesh Air Force is proud for its following martyrs of liberation. They  are Flt.Lt .M. Matiur Rahman Bir Sheresto, Flt.Lt A.A. Mahmud Saklan, Flt.Sgt.M.Wahed Talukder, Flt.Sgt. A.Rahim Bhuyan, Chief Tech. M. Matiur Rahman, Sgt. A.H.M. Mahi Alam,Sgt. Shamsul Karim Khan, Sgt. M.Abdur Rauf, Sgt. M.Rafiqul Alam Chaudhury, Sgt. M. Hedayat ullah, Sgt. M. Akber Hossain, Sgt.M. Montaz uddin, Sgt. M. Abu Bakr Siddique, Senior Tech. M. Habib ullah,  Cpl. M. Abdul Bari, Cpl. M. Abdur Rob, Cpl. Nur Muhammad, Cpl. M. Abdul Matin, Cpl. M. Aminul Hoque, Cpl. M.Abdul Mannan, Cpl. M. Shah Alam, J.T. M. Abu Hanif, J.T. M. Rohul Amin, J.T. Saleh Ahmed, J.T. M. Abdus Samad,J.T. M. Manzur Hossain, J.T. M. Shah Alam, J.T. M. Mozaffar Hossain, J.T. M. Abdul Gani, J.T. M. Shamsul Alam, J.T. S M. Karim, J.T. M. Zahirul Islam, J.T. M.Islam uddin, J.T. M. Abdus Salam, S.A.C. Mir Shamsuddin Ahmed, S.A.C. M. Nurul Hoque, S.A.C. M. Nowzesh Ali, S.A.C. M. Amin, S.A.C. M. Matiur Rahman, L.A.C. Abdus Sabor, L.A.C. Rais uddin Ahmed, L.A.C. M. Abdul Zalil, L.A.C. M.A. Salam, L.A.C. M. Anwar Hossain, L.A.C. M. Norul Hoque Chaudhury, A.C. M. Omer Faruque, A.C. M. Jahangir Hossain. They were died by various actions of Pakistani forces or in the  front battles against Pakistani Army. They were all ex- members of the PAF. But they are the heroes of the liberation war of Bangladesh. They will always remain in the history of Bangladesh. Heroes never die. They live forever. Although BAF came into being recently yet its evolution started during British Period.

Before the Second World War there were few air-crafts of Royal Air Force in India. They were employed in operations against tribal People of the Northwest frontier. For the purpose of Indianization of officers and airmen of the airforce on 01 April 1933 Indian Air Force was formed by raising No.-1 Indian Squadron at Dirgh Road with four Wapiti air-crafts. Its Indian officers were trained at RAF training center in Cranwel, Great Britain. Some Indian technicians trained in Aeronautical engineering were posted to service and maintenance of those air-crafts in the No.-1 Squadron of IAF. On 1 April 1936 the IAF Squadron was attached to RAF station at Miran Shah for operational experience. At that time it was flying its initial air-crafts Wapiti which were biplanes. During Second World War no-1 Indian Squadron was in good shape to cope with the expansion of the IAF. Its flying schools were set up initially at Walton, near Lahore, and at the Ambala. Later, as war requirement mounted, two operational units, one for fighters and another for ground attack Aircrafts were set up at Risalpur and Peshawar respectively. Several ground schools for training technicians and administrative personnel were established for officers and as well as for airmen. Before the war there were 3,000 officers and 25,000 men. They were deployed along with RAF. They saw action in the Burma theatre and gained war experience. Before the war Indian Air Force volunteer reserve units were also established to patrol the long, exposed coastline. During war a coastal defense unit based at visakha Putnam sighted first Japanese fleet     off the East Coast of India.

During war IAF has increased from one squadron to 9 squadrons. At that time strength of the RAF air-crafts were about Ninety squadrons. But IAF had to fly phased our air-crafts of RAF. As for example when RAF flew superior air-crafts like Thunderbolts and Mosquitoes at that time IAF used to fly Hurricanes and Spitfires. Still airmen of IAF earned fame during war for efficiency. So, IAF was honored by the title Royal (RIAF) and its airmen got various decoration after the war in recognition of their faithful service to the British empire. At that time few Pilots of this sub continent did well and earned fame. Among them Mazumdar and Baba Meher Singh became flying legends. In the RIAF there were few Bengalee Muslim airmen also. It is known that Sqdn. Ldr. Afazur Rahman was the first Bengali Muslim airman. Till the war was over there was no transport squadron of IAF’s own. To over come this shortcoming a transport squadron was raised after the war. This squadron had Dakotas only. These were transferred from war surplus of RAF. Its first squadron commander was Shibdev Singh (During Indo-Pak conflict of 1971, he was Vice Chief of Indian Air Force, so he was also in planning and directing of that war). After the war the strength of the IAF was 10 squadron of fighters, bombers & transport aircrafts. However, British military administration estimated in October 1946 that for post war requirement about 20 squadrons of various aircrafts needed for IAF to obtain all-purpose combat hitting power.

During partition of 1947, RIAF assets were also divided between India and Pakistan. India got roughly two-thirds, which had seven fighter squadrons and one transport squadron. Its fighters were British built 33 Spitfires and Tempests. It also purchased another 67 of above aircrafts from the RAF  war surplus stored at Karachi. Almost all training establishments of RAF was in Pakistaan. Manpower were also divided between two countries. Almost all Muslim airmen opted for Pakistan and so they became PAF personnel. Among them some Bengali airmen were also there. But during the second world war how many Bengali airmen took part in the war are not clear. In the RIAF Station Dhaka there was none. Soon after the war has broken out British authority felt the need of constructing RIAF stations in Dhaka and other vulnerable places of present Bangladesh area (along with other places of British India). Hundreds of local workers were employed to materialize their plan in Tejgaon, Dhaka and else where. The first RIAF light fighter (airframe covered with fabrics) landed in the under constructed runway of Dhaka station  at the beginning of 1943. RIAF station Dhaka went on operation in about 1943-44. Shikh, Punjabi, Pathan  airmen and airmen of other ethnic Indian nationalities were posted here. But there was not a single Bengali airman in the posted strength . At that time there were few Bengali civilian employees working with American and British Airforce detachments. For war requirements strength of air-crafts had to be increased. But to maintain those proper numbers of Airmen could not be posted in time due to slow communication system and also for lack of trained Indian airmen. So, they enrolled local youths to help RIAF and American airmen in air-crafts maintenance and administrative jobs. Some were in the job till the war was over. Among them few became airmen in the PAF after the partition. Civilian employees who served the Airforce during world war among them names of Syed Shahadot Hossain , Abdus Sahed , Kannu Mian, Abdul Khaleque Dhali, Abdul Mannan Dhali, Siraj uddin Ahmed, Mohi Uddin Ahmed are known. Among them Mohi uddin Ahmed was successful in becoming an airman in the PAF. During war he was working as an aircraft maintenance supervisor in the American Air Force detachment stationed at RIAF Station Dhaka. Later on he was retired (1977) as the Base Warrant officer from the Bangladesh Airforce. In the beginning PAF airmen entries there were few Bengali airmen.  Some Bengali airmen of RIAF also joined the PAF. Among them the names of Flt.Lt. Alam and Flt.Sgt. Ramiz may be mentioned. After partition Mr. Alam was commissioned in the PAF in the GDP branch. Among other  airmen of first few entries of PAF Flt.Sgt. Abdur Rahman, Cpl. Gazi Mohammad Kahfel Wara,etc names may be mentioned. Upto the liberation of 1971Bengali pilots and other airmen served the PAF with name and fame.

In the 1965 war few East Pakistani Bengali Pilots fought very bravely and made history in the field of Military Aviation. Among them Sqdn. Ldr. (1965) Alam may be named. He became the first Air Ace of Jet air war age. In the 6th September his prey was two Indian aircraft over the Sargodha. In the 7th September he destroyed five Indian Hunters. First one by Side winder air to air missile and other four by his machine gun brush fire of his Saber jet fighter. On 17th September he destroyed two other Indian fighters. Sqdn. Ldr. Alauddin was one of the Bengali Pilot who was a  martyr of 1965 war.  Other Bengali pilot was Mr. Saiful Azam. He fought against Israel in the Arab-Israel war of 1973 (started on 6th October). He destroyed four Israeli fighters in that air  war.

Pioneers of the Bangladesh Airforce :  The foundation stone of future    Bangladesh Air Force is practically laid by Civilian personnel, Airmen and pilots who served in the RAF and  IAF during Second World War. At that time there were few Bengali airmen of different aeronautical trades. During Second World War only pilot of the area of present Bangladesh was Group captain (Retd) Hoque. Later on two other Bengali pilots served in the IAF who got commission after the war. They were Mr. T.H. Ahmed (died in a crush while he was FLT. LT.) and  Mr. Abbas .  Who was trained  in a  British Flying club in England during British rule . In 1948 he joined the PAF and became a Flying Instructor. On  independence of India and Pakistan in 1947, our motherland was named East Pakistan. So more and more Bengali Airmen and Pilots got chance to  serve in the Pakistan Air Force. On partition the first GDP commissioned in the PAF was Mr. Alam (5th GDP course). He was an airman of other trade of IAF. Then Mr. Abdul Aziz Hawlader got commission from East Pakistan (6th GDP course). Gradually many others joined in the PAF( courtesy : Flt.Lt. Abdul Aziz Howlader before his death in 1999). All the Airmen (Non Commissioned and officers) served in the PAF earned fame for Eastern wing of Pakistan. In 1965 war, they discharged their duty very honestly. Bengalee service personnel of PAF was expecting a free Bangladesh.Sgt. Zahurul Hoque had to sacrifice his life in this dream (Feb. 15, 1969 ).  In liberation war of 1971 defected PAF airmen   ( officers and other ranks)and PIA Pilots established the Bangladesh Airforce.  The first Chief of Air staff was A.V.M. Khondoker. Under his leadership many daring air warriors and also devoted air and ground crews were working. Among them Sqdn. Ldr. Sultsn Mahmood (GDP), Flt. Lt. Shamsul Alam (GDP), Flt. Lt. Badrul Alam (GDP), Capt. Khalaque (PIA), Capt. Shahab uddin (PIA), Capt. Akram (PIA), Capt. Sharfuddin (PIA), Capt. Kaji A. Satter (PIA), Capt. Abdul Mukit (PIA), Flt. Sgt. Ali Asgar (PAF), Sgt. M.A. Halim (PAF), Sgt. Kader (PAF), Sgt. A. Hossain Sarker (PAF), Sgt. Kazi M. Ahmed (PAF), Sgt. A. Latif Majumder (PAF),  Sgt. Akther Uddin (PAF), Sen. Tech. Abdul Awal (PAF), Sen. Tech. Sirazul Hoque (PAF), Sen. Tech. Khalilur Rahman (PAF), Sgt. Shahid Ullah (PAF), Cpl. Tech. Hashmat Ullah (PAF), Cpl. Tech. Kamal Uddin (PAF), Cpl. Tech. S. Islam Chaudhury (PAF), Cpl. Nur Mohammed (PAF), Cpl. Tech. Kamal uddin (PAF), Cpl. Lutfar Rahman (PAF), Cpl. A. Karim (PAF), Cpl. A Rashid (PAF), Cpl. Moin Uddin (PAF), Cpl. Monir Ahmed (PAF), Cpl. Haque (PAF), J.T. Abu Taher (PAF), J.T. Shahab Uddin (PAF), J.T. Nur Uddin Ahmed (PAF), J.T. Hafiz Uddin Ahmed (PAF), J.T. Khalilur Rahman (PAF), J.T. Abdul Aziz Khan (PAF), J.T. Shahid Ullah (PAF), J.T. M. Islam Bhuyan (PAF), LAC. Sadeq Hossain (PAF), LAC. Faruk (PAF),  LAC. Abbas Khan (PAF), LAC. Hannan (PAF), LAC. Abu Shafi (PAF), LAC. Rabiul Awal (PAF), LAC. Hafiz Ahmed (PAF), LAC. Rustam Ali (PAF), LAC, Muzammal Hoque (PAF), LAC. Ashraf uddin (PAF), LAC. Saifullah (PAF), Cpl. Rahmat Ullah(PAF), Cpl. M. Ali Akbar (PAF) etc. may be named (courtesy BAF museum). They all defected from their previous service and joined the Initial BAF. By December 1973 all stranded Bengali PAF personnel repatriated and joined the BAF. From then BAF was  advancing step by step. After the AVM A. K. Khondoker one after another AVM M.G. Towab, AVM Khademul Basher, AVM A.G. Mahmood took the leadership of BAF. In 1st September, 1976 there were a fatal air crash of Air- Tourer training Aircraft. In that accident AVM khademul Basher the Chief of Air Staff of that time and another air crew Sqd. Ldr. Mofiz died. Before that another air crash occured in 12th July,1976 by the same type of air craft. Later on few other fighters and helicopters were crashed and there were few death.These were very shocking incidents in the history of BAF. However they all were the Pioneers of  newly born BAF.

Growth of Bangladesh Air force : Idea of air war is very old. Most probably it was an oriental idea. Various Indian mythologies speak about it. History of practical flying by the help of wings is also started in China but recorded flying what we know was over Cordova, Spain by a Sicilian Muslim in the ninth century. The name of that famous flyer was Abu al Kashem Abbas Ibn Firnas who died in 888 A D.  Then West took the lead. In 1903 the first heavier than air flying craft flown which was constructed by the Wright brothers of United States of America. Since then aircrafts of various models and designs were constructed for various purposes.Many designs were capable to fly in the air as well as ply over the water and even run in the street.Robert Edison Fulton Junior an American scientist designed an aircraft whose propeller, mainplane, tail section etc could be dismantled to drive that in the street like a car. Day by day designs of aircrafts are developing. In the year 2001 three scientists awarded noble prize for the invention of a new property of matter. This property will help aeronautical scientists to develop new types of aircrafts and utility computers for aircraft operation. It is important to know that Air Forces use only those aircrafts which may solve their purposes in war and peace time.Now air-crafts are the major war devices of an airforce. Its other important device is explosive. It is also developed in the orient (China). Mogul emperor Babur first used it in the Canon. In the thirteenth century European came to know about gun powder from Arab Muslim traders. In their hand it developed tremendously. Now various types of  improved explosives are used in ammunitions, shell filling, bombs etc war devices. By the help of those first Airforce was established in the west. History of RAF, RIAF, IAF and PAF were discussed earlier.  Bangladesh Airforce was established on 28th September 1971 in Dimapur Air Base of Nagaland in India. Initially it had one Dakota, one Otter and a Alouette –iii helicopter. 17 defected officers and 50 technical airmen headed by Air Cdr. A.K. Khondoker Bangladesh Air Force started its operation. Upto liberation it attacked about 12 times over Pak target. Its pilots , air gunners and other airmen discharged their duties very bravely in that war. In the history of BAF the action of air gunner FLT. SGT.( Sgt. in 1971) Shahid ullah,  Bir Protik will remain as legend. In every operation he fired accurately  towards enemy positions from the sky. While there was liberation war in Bangladesh at that time many stranded airmen tried to flee from Pakistani camps. Bir Sheresto Flt. Lt. Matiur Rahman dared to take risk of life to fly from Pakistan with his training aircraft overpowering Pakistani student pilot Rased Minhaz in 20th August 1971. They were in a training flight. They took off from PAF Base Mauripur (Masroor).Matiur Rahman tried to made its course towards Zam nogor Air Base of India.But the aircraft failed to cross border. It was destroyed in the air and both the crews died. He is the only pilot of Airforce who got highest military award in Bangladesh. He was a student of PAF public School, Sargodha and got commission in the PAF in 1961. He also obtained Sitara –E-Harb a military award in Pakistan  ( 4 oct .1967) . Many other airmen who escaped from various PAF camps Joined the liberation war of Bangladesh. On 03 December 1971 Indian forces took part directly in the liberation  war. Before that war PAF had only 20 Sabres here (at that time PAF had 265 aircrafts in all ) Before December 03 on November 29 there were dog fight between IAF and PAF in the sky of Hilly Balurghat area .PAF lost three Sabres there. IAF took every possible action to gain mastery over Pakistani forces. By about 7 December 1971 Pakistani Air Force elements in East Pakistan lost war capability. Indian land force was advancing towards Dhaka crossing various borders. The 2 (Maratha) Para Battalion headed by Lt col. Kulwant Singh Pannu were dropped successfully on 11 December 1971 at Madhupur forest area in Tangail. In that para dropping 50 Indian aircrafts took part. Their skill in this arm of military science made the drop quite satisfactorily. But two of the aircrafts could not drop their loads. One dropped it troops near Kali Hati, about 15 miles north of the dropping zone and other discharged one jeep about four miles south of the dropping zone, four jeeps landed in ponds. Few such brave operations they have conducted in that war by only two weeks. Para Commando Battalion is the part of military aviation from the Second World War. Later on both India and Pakistan introduced it. At present it is also included with our military aviation. BAF Para commandos are also well trained now.

Aircrafts in the Bangladesh Airforce: Now BAF is having few Mig-29 aircrafts. It is a multirole sophisticated fighter. It has a fully combat capable modern weapon control system centered  around two Radar of cantrimetric and millimetric frequency. It is capable of using the full arsenal of air to air and air to ground weapons, including R-77 active radar guided air to air missiles, the television guided KAB-500 KR glide bomb and Kh-29T missile and the Kh-31 panti radar and Kh-31A anti-ship missiles. It is indeed a very good flying machine, which is capable to face bravely the latest fighter of other manufacturers. Now few of these flying machines are flying in the Bangladeshi sky. For the inclusion of this Aircraft with BAF AVM Jamal Uddin Ahmed (Chief of Air staff in 2000 A.D) took leading part. He has retired from the BAF as an Air Marshall in June 03, 2001 when Air Vice Marshall Rafique became the new Chief of the Bangladesh Air Force.

    BAF also signed a treaty to get few C-130 paratroopers from USA. Most of the powerful airforces of this world are having this aircraft. It is a long-range military freighter. It can fly nicely above the mountains, around thunderstorm, across oceans avoiding every obstacle that nature can muster. It has integrated communication, navigation and surveillance systems. Now few of this kind is flying in the Bangladeshi sky under the banner/color of the Bangladesh Air Force.

    With powerful aircrafts Bangladesh also gaining most modern weaponry systems suitable for modern air-war day by day. After independence BAF has its own Air Tech Canada 1000  DHC-3 otter  Dc-3 Dakota (U. S.A)  and Alouette-III (France) helicopters instially Then airman of BAF made some war torn Sabre fly worthy . Then BAF collected  T-37 B Trainer (U.S.A) FT-7 (China) Fouga Magister CM-170 (France). A-5 (III )China. AN –32 (USSR) . F-7 MB Fighter Airguard, L-39A Fighter Trainer (Czech), MI-17 Helicopter (USSR) , F-6 Fighter (China), FT-5 Jet trainer (China), Mig- 21 UM jet trainer(USSR), Mig 21 Jet Fighter (USSR), AN –24 (USSR) , FT –6 Jet Trainer(China),PT –6 Basic Trainer (China) , Air Tourer (Newzeland), AN-26 Transport Aircraft (USSR), Bell 212(U.S.A), Bell –206 (Canada),  MI-8 Helicopter (USSR), F-86 (U.S.A), Glider (Czech), West land  Wessex (U.K) Helicopter to meet her requirements.Some of  these aircrafts are still in service and some became grounded for some reasons.

 Radar, Air Defense system and BAF: Radar is very important device for BAF.This is an electronic trans-receiving system by which it detect and locate objects. Two types of Radar may be used in the Airforce.  Continues wave (CW) Radar and Pulsed Radar. It is used for finding other aircrafts (own and enemy) in the air. It is also used in the Airport. Air Traffic Control. Instrument Landing System. Weather confirmation. detecting land, sea. hills etc. Radars are also used for Air defense system guns like 37 mm twin barrel guns and 57 mm single barrel guns. At present for air defense system various types of missiles and rockets may be used. But various types ack ack guns are in common use  to safe guard airforce establishments

    Training in the BAF  : Bangladesh Air Force having few training centers for its pilots and other aeronautical personnel. In BAF academy (BAFA) airforce pilots are given training. There they have to get training for two and half years in five stages. On successful completion of training each pilot is awarded graduation (BSC, Aero) from the National University.

    In Flying instructors school (FIS) potential flying instructors are given 22 weeks training on flying instructions.

    In Flight safety Institute (FSI) pilots and other airmen are given training for the period of 12/8/3 weeks on flight safety.

In officers Training School (OTS) officers of Ground branches of BAF except Degree Engineer are given 6/9 months professional training. At present BAF Academy is running BSC Engineering Course for BAF Aeronautical Engineers. Diploma of this Course is awarded by the National University.

Staff College/National Defense College: Officers of higher rank of the BAF are sent to such training establishments home and abroad for higher professional trainings.

In the Recruits Training School (RTS) airmen of all branches are given 36 weeks initial training and on successful   completion of this training they undergo training on Aeronautical Engineering and other trades what every individuals are issued . After due time Airmen do Advance Course. Advanced  courses on Aeronautical  and other Airforce Technical trades are equivalent to Diploma of  Associate Engineers of Technical Education Board of Bangladesh. The initials instructors of this school were trained in the School of Aeronautics and the School of Electronics situated in the PAF Base Korangi Creek, Karachi the very re-known Airforce training center in Asia.  Advanced courses of above schools were of international standard. RTS of BAF also following latest curriculum of Aeronautical and Electronics training. It was opened for training in the year 1976 and till date it is performing its duties.

At present RTS’s instructors are trained in the same organization and other BAF training centers.  This organization also runs Senior Technical management (STM) and other Courses. Now this school is also competent enough to train technical personnel of other Airforces like SOA and SOE of PAF Korangi Creek. BAF doing its level best to maintain the standard of its all training centers.

Reference

1 Booklet published by BAF information center, Tejgaon, Dhaka.

2. Major General Sukhwant Singh, India’s wars since Independence  _ Defense of the Western Border, Volume two, Vikas publishing house Pvt. Ltd.,New Delhi, India 1968.

3.BAF and Defense forces Museum, Dhaka.

4. Various Encyclopedias for guidance .

5. Pakistan Airforce order no 50-14 dated Feb. 16, 1970 (courtesy BTEB ).

6. Office notice no: 643 of the Bangladesh Technical Education Board dated 16/ 9/ 85.

7. Personal contact with few personnel who served in the RIAF and American Air Force detachments during Second World War in the RIAF station Dhaka and Chief Engineer Mr. Jainal of Aviation Wing ( P P D).

BANGLADESH NAVY

        Introduction : Bangladesh Navy was established on 10/12 /1971. This force fought very bravely against invader Pakistani Army and other forces.  Many of its men sacrificed their lives for the liberation in 1971. Bangladesh Navy is proud for its following martyrs of liberation. They  are as follows. 1.(E) BN Lt. Cdr. Moazzem Hossain 2. ERA-1 Md. Rohul Amin, Bir Shersto 3. CPO(Writer) Abdur Rahman Mian 4. LS Akram Hossain 5. LTO M.S. Huda 6.L/ME Fazal Ali 7. LS.Helal Ahmed 8. ME-1 MM Uddin 9. ABM Huq 10. Mohd. Mohib Ullah, Bir Bikram 11. AB Kazi Nazir Uddin 12. AB Mohd. Daulat Hossain Mollah, Bir Bikram 13. AB Abdul Latif 14. ABMI Sardar .15. ME-1 Md.Khalique-uz-Zaman Al-Mazid.16. ME-1 Ali Ahmed .17.REN-1Md,Farid Uddin ,Ahmed, Bir Bikram.18.Cook-1 Sultan Ahmed.19.ABM Rahman.20. DE/UC Md. Badiuz-Zamn. 21.AB Md. Aktar-uddin. They were died by various actions of Pakistani forces or in the  front battles against Pakistani Army. They were all ex- members of the Pakistan Navy or Naval Commandos of the newly established Bangladesh Navy. But they are the heroes of the liberation war of Bangladesh. They will always remain in the history of Bangladesh. Heroes never die. They live forever. Although Bangladesh Navy came into being recently yet its evolution started during British Period.

        Way to Bangladesh Navy: There were British Navy in India when East India Company established in India. Fact is that they have landed in the Indian coast by Naval ships.In the first world war they(Navy) were in the Indian water. During second world war some Indian naval crafts was in action in Burmese waters off the Arakan coast against the Japanese and had odd counters in the Persian Gulf on escort duty. During Second World War British raised the Indian Navy as an auxiliary force of the Royal Navy. Initially it had few small vessels, which were capable of patrolling Indian Coastal water. However, Royal Navy had a glorious past like British empire. This Navy protected the right of way of merchant shipping in the high seas and defended the colonial coastland. It also attended naval bases from hostile seaward invasion. At that time the famous slogan was “Britannia rules the waves.”

        On partition of 1947 like Army  and Airforce Royal Indian Navy (RIN) was also divided. Before that there was mutiny in Bombay and Karachi Naval establishments in February 1947. For that there was drastic cuts in RIN strength. Yet during sharing, India got 32 light vessels and Pakistan got 16. These were not bigger ships but they were meant to support large fighting ships in coastal waters. However, Indian share comprised four sloops, two frigates, one Corvette, 12 minesweepers, four trawlers, four motor launches & a survey ship. At that time Indian Navy had 1000 officers and about 10,000 other ranks personnel. Pakistan’s share of personnel was also less in proportion. In 1948 Indian Navy procured one LST and six LCTs.In the same year they purchased a light cruiser and three R class destroyers from Britain. They have collected two oilers with them..It purchased a fleet replenishment ship from Itali and borrowed three Hunt class ex-escort Destroyers from Britain. From 1955 by next six years they have collected two coastal minesweepers, five anti submarine frigates and three anti aircraft frigates along with other devices.

    In 1955 and 1957 Indian Navy procured two Air-craft carriers.Gradually it obtained modern naval fighters, fighter-bombers, anti submarine aircraft like ten Sea- land amphibious craft (1953), Fairy fly craft (1955), Hindustan HT-2 and Vampire trainer (Jet) aircrafts. American-Sea Hawk Jet fighter-bombers, French Alize reconnaissance and anti-submarine turbo Propelled aircrafts, Coastal minesweepers, antisubmarine frigates, anti-aircraft frigates, destroyer, submarines, missile boats, patrol boats etc. In 1961 Indian Navy consisted 50 warships of all types. It had 1450 officers and 14,550 ratings. Its fleet was based on the west coast of Bombay and Cochin. By April 1962 it had all types of its facilities. But its ships were entirely of British origin. Only the fleet replenishment ship was built by other country. Its Savitry class seaward defense boats were built by Italian , Yugoslav and Dutch parts. They captured a Portuguese frigate in the Goa operation in 1961 was also the asset of Indian Navy.Few smaller boats built in Indian Dockyard were also commissioned with Indian Navy and hence before 1965 it was a powerful Naval force.

         In 1965 war Pakistani Naval Power was much weaker than that of India. Pakistan did not have any aircraft carrier, submarines and other vassals were also less. The fact was at that time Pakistani naval capability was very limited which could guard the coastline of two wings of that country separated by about 3,000 miles of sea. Even riverine warfare facility in the eastern wing was also overlooked. Before 1965 war Pakistan had one second hand cruiser, five old destroyers, a fleet oiler obtained from Britain and an US gifted submarine named ‘Diablo’ which was re-named by Pakistani authority ‘Gazi’. The  hostility started in 1965 from incursions in the Rann of Kutch on April 9, 1965 followed by Pakistani sponsored infiltration by Mujaheeds into Jammu and Kashmir in early August. On September 6 ,1965 India invaded West Pakistan. Soon Navies of both the countries engaged in war.A Pakistani flotilla advanced towards fishing port of Saurashtra coast Dwarka and attacked over abondoned World war II Radar station. Submarine Gazi was also around Bombay harbour.Some Indian anti submarine frigates chased Gazi back upto Karachi harbour .

    After the 1965 war unto 1971 Indian Navy collected a fleet of new antisubmarine warships, few minesweepers and some Ossa Missile boats. A large number of Patrol boats were also collected from various sources. For maritime reconnaissance Indian Navy employed three Constellation aircrafts of Air India fitted with surveillence Radar and other detection equipments. Pakistan Navy employed Fokker friendship (F-27) of PIA for the same purpose. After the 1965 war Pakistan purchased three Daphne class sub-marine from France.After the 1971 war Pakistan tried to made up losses suffered in the war.In 1981 it had 17 major surface warships, nine submarines , some coastal patrol boats, mine sweepers, tanks and tugs. Later Pakistan purchased eight Midget submarines of the S X 404 class from Itali, two more Whitby class frigates, Shanhi II class 8 large patrol crafts.Recently also it included some more crafts etc.

    As for example Pakistan recently has added a French built Agusta B-90 class submarine in her Navy and two other submarines of same class will be built in a dock yard situated at karachi port by the technical assistance of French (Ref: The Daily Ittefaq, Sept. 10, 1999) to be commissioned in Pakistan Navy. Such submarines can carry various types of missiles. Few French built Petrol aircrafts are also Commissioned in the Pakistan Navy. One of the such aircraft (Brighway Atlantic aircraft) was shot down by Indian Mig-21 on 10/8/99 while it was patrolling over the border area with sixteen officers and crews. It may be the follow up action of last Kargil war commenced in 1999 (although irrelevent above points are written only for the informations of the readers only).

    Military Navigation of 1971 and emergence of Independent Bangladesh Navy: In 1971 when India took decision to help liberate Bangladesh, Indian Naval Military Planners wanted to blockade Khulna-Chalna and Chittagong ports. So the job was assigned to aircraft carrier Vikrant based task force. It consisted the destroyer Rajput, two frigates Brahmahputra and Beas, two anti submarine patrol boats and two to three LSTs. In November 1971 the fleet was waiting in its base in the Andamans . At that time in

this wing Pakistani naval strength consisted only 24 boats for riverine warfare under Admiral Sharif. In March 1971 here Pakistan Navy had one destroyer, the fleet oiler and four patrol crafts. During dire need it was under repair in a naval dock- yard of Karachi. However PN activated some gunboats for riverine war here. But drain of Bengali officers and seamen( about 38 percent of total PN strength were Bengali ) frustrated Pakistani authority and hence here there were less of skill manpower.

    Pakistan Navy assigned submarine Gazi to trap Vikrant in Visakhapatnam waters. So, on November 14, 1971 it left Karachi for the Bay of Bengal. It reached the assigned area on 24 November .On the night of 3 December it was destroyed under water by an explosion for an unknown reason. So, Vikrant reached its assigned area in the Bay of Bengal safely. On the morning of 4 December its aircrafts raided Cox’s Bazar’s airfield and harbour facilities. In the afternoon of the same day Patenga airfield and chittagong harbour were attacked and damaged. Thus blockade of Chittagong and Khulna ports was completed. Indian fleet captured two 8,000tons Pakistani merchant ships ( Anwar Baksh and Baqir ), two tugs, six other Pakistani crafts trying to flee under false colors and names. They also seized eight Pakistani ships which was chartered from other countries.  At about same time IAF was raiding riverine gunboats and destroyed them. Among four seagoing patrol boats one is sunk by Indian fighter, one ran away to neutral waters near Burma and other two were captured by Indian Navy in the harbour during surrender .In the Western Wing Pakistan lost one destroyer and one minesweeper, three gunboats by naval action and submarine Gazi for an accident. Indian loss was one shore based Alize aircraft of the fleet air arm and a frigate Khukri with 18 officers and 176 crews including its Commanding officer Capt. Mulla who decided to go down with his frigate instead of being rescued according to the highest tradition of Military navigation ( Navy ) at war. Before it was sank (9/12/71) he was on the bridge and supervising rescue activities.  On December 10, 1971 President Nixon took decision to send a naval task force to Bay of Bengal from Indo-China (from the Seventh fleet). It consisted aircraft carrier Enterprise (with Phantoms and Nuclear warheads ),amphibious attack-ship Tripoli (commando carrier) with required mariners, a guided missile frigate, some destroyers and dock landing supply ship. Due to Indian quick action its intention to help Pakistan was not possible .The war was over.       Bengali mariners has established Bangladesh Navy. It establishment day was 10th December, 1971. Because on that day their Naval ship Padma and Palash were destroyed and sunk by Indian air attack (by mistake, still specialists having mixed re-action about this mysterious attack). (ˆmq` Av‡bvqvi †nv‡mb, gyw³ hy‡Ïi BwZnvm PP©v – ZË¡ I c×wZ , Abycg cÖKvkbx XvKv, 2000).

              Before Bangladesh Navy Naval commando force was established. In the March 27,1971eight seamen of the Pakistan Navy who were in Tolune, France on certain duty disserted from there to join liberation war. At first they established Naval commando force with 188 young freedom fighters and absconded seamen from the Pakistan Navy. Later number of the naval commandos increased to 357. Gazi Rahmat ullah, A.W.Chaudhury and others leaded this force. Many successful operation of this shattered Pakistan Navy here. Among those operations operation ‘Jackpot’ of August 15, 1971 is much known. In the night of that day commandos destroyed 5 pakistani ships in Mongla, 5 in Narayangong, 3 in Daudkandi and 10 in Chittagong.

    To establish Bangladesh Navy, in the month of September 1971 from port commissioner of calcutta Bangladesh Government collected two ships. They were re-named M.V. Palash and M.V. Padma. In each ship two 40mm guns were installed to make those war worthy. Initially 45 defected seamen from Pakistan Navy operated them. By November 1971 about 860 Naval Commandos were trained. In November 10, 1971 for a operation above ships left Holdia, Calcutta headed by Indian Naval officer Lt. Cdr. Roy Chaudhury and Lt. Mitra. In 10 and 11 November they destroyed 5 Pakistani ships in the river posur. Later Indian Naval ship ‘Panvel’ and ‘Chitragada’ joined with above ships. They attacked and destroyed Mongla Port( December 10, 1971).

              Bangladesh walked long way after the independence. Bangladesh Government is very cautious about its powerful and Modern Navy.  Day by day Bangladesh Navy is getting newer Warships and other devices from various countries. It is the demand of the day that it should be more powerful with latest naval war equipments that will be capable enough to safeguard its sea area from foreign invasions. Coast Guard of Bangladesh will have also to be equipped with latest equipments and skill manpower to safeguard national properties from local and international ( Thai, Burmese of Myanmar etc.)  smugglers & pirates. Seamen of both the organizations must also be trained to help natural calamity affected persons of coastal area and isolated islands of Bangladesh and of neighboring countries .They must also have to work with marines of other countries for the same purpose. In the past also US Navy and Navies of other countries came to help our cyclone affected people of coastal areas and isolated islands.

           Conclusion: Modern Navy needs War-Ship like Cruiser, Destroyer, Frigate, Missile Boat, Gunboat, Petrol-Boat, Gun-Ship, Submarine etc. Powerful Navies maintaining Aircraft carriers, Aircrafts for naval warfare. Our neibours such as India and Pakistan having advanced naval war devices. India is having Aircraft carriers, Submarine, Naval Fighters/ Bombers/ Rec. Air-crafts/ Helicopters etc. Pakistan does not have Aircraft carrier but she has Landing crafts and trying to have Air-crafts carriers. She is having shore based Naval Air-crafts and other devices almost like India. They both having Torpedo, Mines, Missiles etc weapons of

latest designs. We also look forward to see our Navy a powerful one which is capable to save guard our own waters from any foreign invasion. Our Navy is commissioning new crafts, weapons (missiles,guns) etc. In the year 2001 a new modern frigate built in a Korean dockyard named Bango Bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman is added with the Bangladesh Navy. Bangladesh Government is doing everything to make our Navy a powerful one fulfilling requirements of modern Navy.

    Reference:

1.    Singh Sukhwant Major General, India’s Wars Since Independence, Defence of the Western    Border (vol. two ), Vikas Publishing House Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, 1981.

2.    A manuscript  of the contributor about Navigation which is submitted to Bangla Academy for publication.

3.    Records of the martyrs of the Bangladesh Navy from the Samonnata Swadhinota Gate of the Bangladesh Army

1. Defense services museum

Military History

(Ancient and Mediaeval)

Archeological Discovery in Bengal and Military History: In the history of this sub-continent ancient age denotes from remote past to the advent of Muslims, mediaval age means Sultans, Moghuls and Nobabs periods, from British period till to date is the present age.

        From few archeological discoveries military history of ancient and mediaval Bengal could be emagined. In the Ashrafpur (Chakra Daha) village of Shibpur upazila (District: Norshingdi) while digging a deep canal few antics were unearthed. Near Ashrafpur there is a red soil dune (small hills/ tila) named ‘Kumartek’. Digging this area many valuable antics were discovered. According to experts these were of the 8th century BC, users of these were cultivators. Four round terra cotta blocks found proved that they were also fond of hunting. Except  ‘Kumartek’ no where of present Bangladeshi area such old antics were unearthed. But in various places of eastern India including the bank of Ganges and Jamuna (West Bengal) there were many archeological discoveries. Among them bronze made axe, small chisel, fishing device (Kutch) etc. are also there. According to experts those prove the existence of civilization of 11th century BC in this area. So, there were warriors in the Pre-historic time here.

    In the ‘Kana Raza’r Ghar’ of Fulbari (Dist. Dinajpur) while digging a grave in 1966 a Bacterian coin and few pieces of ancient horse bone were found. It proved that there was a town before Christ and hence there was military presence. From the sources of Chinese traveller Huan Sung (638 AD), Song Chee (658 AD), E Ching  (673 AD) it is known first four kings of Kharag Dynasty of Somotat ruled the area from 600-655 AD. They have military forces. From the Bagra Gram near the above Fulbaria copper writing of Dharma Pal Dev was found which was written during his third coronation (8th century AD). It is worth mentioning here that 40 miles south of Fulbari lies ancient Buddha Bihar of Paharpur and in 40 miles southeast Murja’s ancient capital Pundra nogor and 20 miles east there is Gupta’s historical ‘Boigram’. So, at that time also there was Military Presence.

There is a village named Rahot nogor near Rani-Sankail of Dinajpur. There are also few archeological discoveries, which prove there was a lively town from the Pal Dynasty to Muslim sultans. So there were military presence. Rahot itself means ‘Elephant mounted warrior’. In the 15 miles North west of Rahot nogor there is a place named Nek Mardan town. The Killer of Bakhtiar, Ali Mardan was killed by  Nek Mardan here. So, there was military presence. In 1965 many antics of Pal and Sultan’s time were discovered.

    In the Karnapur village (3 miles away from Sreepur, Gazipur) there found many antics near an ancient big pond named ‘Baro Dighi’. From various sources it is known that an invader king Rajkarna defeated Bigraha Pal and conquered west and North Bengal. His victorious cavalry reached up-to the bank of Shitalakha. They dug the ‘Baro Dighi’ for water. In due time they attacked the fort of Govinda Chandra, wreck of which is still seen in the ‘Bidhacot Gram’ near Shitalakha. In that battle Govinda Chandra was defeated and killed.

    In the Ghoraghat of Dinajpur district there was a Moghal cantonment. There are various archeological proofs on the claim there. In the Gar-Bari area near Shibpur (Dist. Norshingdi) while digging few swords and spears were unearthed. It is assumed that it was an ordnance factory of Esha Khan and his heirs.  Weapons made there were used against Moghals. In the bank of Haridhua River (a branch of Shitalokha) there is a village named Tarua. There is a Majar named ‘Taruar majar’. Experts said that this is the majar of Masum Khan Kabuli who was a General of Esha Khan. History said in 1585 Moghal Subader Shah Baz Khan attacked the area of Esha Khan and captured Sonargaon, Katrabo, Agaro-Shindhu while Esha Khan and Masum Khan was fighting against a Hindu king of Kuch Bihar. After the death of Esha Khan in 1599 against Moghal Subader Islam Khan there was a naval war leaded by Musa Khan Kabuli, the son of Esha Khan. In that war Masum Khan Kabuli was the chief battle commander. However in that war Musa Khan was defeated & apprehended. Above archeological assumptions are yet to be proved.

Historical fact : Earlier also it is discussed that archeological discoveries unearthed many hidden treasures in West Bengal and Bangladesh. In the southern bank of Azoy River of Bardhaman district many antics of ancient civilization was found. The name of this digging point is Pando Razar Dhibi. It is assumed that the oldest civilization of Bengal is the Azoy River civilization. Then Nisad, Pundra and Banga civilization was established. When Alexander attacked India in 327 BC then Bengal was known as Gangareedi. In ancient Bengal Pundra, Barendra, Banga, Samatat, Horrical and Gaura were inhabitated. In Pundra nagor an order of emperor Ashoka was found in Bhramalipi in which Governor of Pundra Nogor was instructed to help the Flood-sticken people.

    From the above discussion it may be assumed that as these was civilization in the discussed period, there were presence of warriors and wars in this area. This assumption is strengthen by other discoveries of Susnia, Zam thol, Kakra dara, Kuram bera, Hati mara, Nati juri, Dewal puta (West Bengal) etc places.

    During Murja’s the Capital of Bengal was Pundra Nogor. Ancient Pundra includeded present Bogra, Rajshahi, Rangpur and Dinajpur. It was the capital of Gupta conquered Bengal. Up-to the middle of the fifth century there was Gupta Rule in Bengal. Now it is established fact that both during the Murja and Gupta capital of Bengal was Pundra Nogor is now known as ‘Mohasthan Garh (near Bogra)’. As two big dynasties reached up-to Pundra Nogor, certainly there was military presence.

            In a copper writing of Maharaj Boina Gupta (508 AD) found in the Gonai Garh, Comilla it is known that Samotat was ruled by a feudal king under Gupta dynasty.

    First famous king of Bengal was Shashanka. He became king of Gaura bit before 660 AD. Then its capital was the Karna-Shubarna. Shashanka’s army invaded Utkal, Kongod, and Mogod and captured those. Shashanka also fought against Raj-Bardhan. After the death of Shashanka western side of his kingdom divided to Harsha-Bardhan and eastern side to Bhaskar Bardhan. Then there were full of indiscipline in Bengal called ‘Matsanya’. At that time   small kings were fighting each other. After this Gopal was made king (750AD) by the local leaders. His established dynasty was the Pal dynasty. They served Bengal and Bihar for about 400 years. Dharmapal of this dynasty fought against Gurja Protihan dynasty of Rajputna and Ramakant dynasty of Southern India. He also fought against Batsharaz of Kannoz. Devapal of this dynasty had to fight against Rastokot and Protihan Kings. Gopal, Dharmapal, and Devapal were kings for about 100 years and had to fight many battles. After them, during the second Mahipal there was Koibarta Mutiny in Barendra under the leadership of Dibbak.

    Then Deva dynasty was established at the beginning of eighth century. Its first four king were Shanti Dev, Bir Dev, Ananda Dev and Bhaba Dev. Their Capital was in Deva Parbat (South of Mainamoti). They also fought many Battles for existence. Then we know about the Chandra dynasty in the southeast Bengal. His kingdom was Lalmai Hill area of Comilla. Trilouka Chandra, Klayan Chandra, Ladeh Chandra and Govinda Chandra were the kings of this dynasty.  Trilouka Chandra established capital in Bikrampur, Munshiganj. As throne was never  bed of roses they had to fight against their enemies for their existence. So they had to maintain warriors.

    Then we know about Sen dynasty. Famous king of this dynasty was Bijoy Sen (1098-1160). His first Capital was in Bijoynagor (Rajshahi). Then it was shifted to Bikrampur in Munshiganj. Bijoy Sen had to fight against Kamrup, Kalinga and Mithila. Then his son Ballal Sen became the king. He conquered Mogod and Mithila. Last king of this dynasty was Lakhan Sen. Muslim Historian Minhaz E Siraz praised his greatness. However from him Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Bin Bakhtiar Khilzi conquered Bengal (1203-1205). He died in 1206 AD.

Military history of the middle age (1204-1757) in Bengal is clearly written in various sources. In 1203 Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad Bin Bakhtiar Khilzi conquered Nadia, the capital of Lakhan Sen. Only 18 of Bakhtiar’s horse mounted soldiers could accompany his fast running horse. So, they played the role of pioneer attackers. There were chaos and confusion in the Laxman Sen’s palace. Bakhtiar’s force killed sentries of the palace. The king used back door to run and he fled away to East Bengal by boat. Thus very easily Bakhtiar conquered the Bengal. In 1205 he entered Gaura as a victorious General. His first Capital was Lakhanabati (Gaura), later it was shifted to Devakot. By Various invasions he conquered the whole North Bengal area. From Devakot he advanced up-to Tibet. His venture failed and he came back unsuccessful. In 1206 he died. His military adventure towards Bengal changed the social condition of the area gradually. After the death of this Afghan Bengal were ruled by other Afghan Generals. From 1206 to 1212 Mohammad Shiron Khilzi and later Ali Mordan Khilzi ruled Bengal from Devakot. Then came Another General Ghius Uddin Elias Khilzi. From 1212 to 1227 , he ruled Bengal. He has shifted his Capital from Devakot to Lakhnoti. To protect his new Capital he has constructed a Fort in Bosor Court. He is the first Muslim ruler who felt the importance of a Navy in this riverine area. For military and navigational reason he dug a wide and deep canal around the three sides of Lakhnoti. He has made clear division between Military and Civil branches. He took various steps to make his military forces powerful and make military maneuver easier. So, he has constructed a road from Devakot to Lakhnaur. He fought for lost Lakhnaur and re-captured it. His border expanded from Azoy River of the south to Damodar River and Bishnupur Border. He had to face the sultan of Delhi in 1227 and died in that battle.

Next 60 years Bengal was directly ruled by Governors of the sultans of Delhi from 1227 to 1287. By this period there were 15 Governors. Out of them many gone rebellion now and again. So, Bengal was named ‘Bulgakpur’ i.e. ‘Rebel City’. Among the rebel Governors Tugril announced independence and took the title ‘Sultan Mugis Uddin Tugril’. He conquered Dhaka and Faridpur. He has constructed a fort in the Narikalla near Sonargaon.. Gias Uddin Balbar the Sultan of Delhi came to Bengal to punish this rebel. This Turkish rebel the Sultan of Bengal was defeated by Balban’s Army. He was killed. Many of the Generals were hanged in the trees. Balbar appointed his son Boogra Khan as the Governor of Lakhnati and he returned to Delhi. After the death of Balban, a son of Boogra khan Kaikobad became the Sultan of Delhi. Then Boogra Khan took the title Nasir Uddin Mahmood Shah. He was ruling Bengal independently but when Kaikobad was murdered in Delhi he left the power to his another son Kaikaos. In 1301 Kakaos died. He had no son. Then Malik Firoz Itgin got the throne of Bengal. He took the title Shamsuddin Firoz Shah. His tenure was 1301to 1322. He was a great general too. When he got the throne then his Sultanate was up-to Bihar, Northwest Bengal, Southwest Bengal, (up-to Lakhanati) and in some area of southeast Bengal. During his time Bengal and Satgaon was conquered fully.  Mymensingh and Sylhet also came under his rule. After Shamsuddin Firoz Shah his son Ghiusuddin Bahadur became the Sultan of Lakhnoti. But his younger brother Nasiruddin Ibrahim invited Ghiusuddin Tughlak, the Sultan of Delhi to attack Bengal. Bahram Khan, the adopted son of Ghiusuddin Tughlok was sent to Lakhnoti to face the Sultan of Bengal. Ghiusuddin Bahadur was defeated. Again, Bengal became a part of the Sultanate of Delhi. By Delhi Bengal was divided into Lakhnoti, Sonargaon and Satgaon. Ghius Uddin Bahadur was released from the captivity and was made the Additional Governor of Sonargaon. He was working with Bahram Khan. Then the Governor of Satgaon was Izzuddin and Governor of Lakhnoti was Kader Khan. According to policy of that time, they had also to see the military interest. They had also to command their forces against invaders or rebels. They had to take every possible step for expansion of the Delhi Sultanate as directed by the sultan of Delhi.

From 1338 to 1352  there was Fokhor Uddin Mobarok Shahi dynasty in Sonargaon. The first independent ruler of this dynasty was Fokhor Uddin Mobarak Shah. His name was Fakhra and he was the ‘Shilahder’ (Shield Keeper) of Bahram Khan then ruler of Sonargaon. Once he killed his master and captured the power of Sonargaon. He was ruling Sonargaon as an independent ruler. So, Governor of Lakhnoti Kader Khan and Governor of Satgaon jointly attacked Sonargaon. Fakhor Uddin was defeated and fled away. But like a wise military planner he planned his next steps and was waiting for the rainy season. In due time he attacked Kader Khan. He bribed Kader Khan’s soldiers. Many of them betrayed and joined him. So, in the battle Kader Khan was defeated and killed. Up-to 1349 Fakhor Uddin ruled Sonargaon independently. When Sultan Fakhor Uddin was Sultan of Bengal(1338-1349) Ibne Batuta came to visit this area. He termed Bengal as ” A Hell with Full of Good Things”. He talked about “Satkawan”- a town in a seacoast. He told near the town Ganga and Janu (Jamuna) River mixed together and fallen in the nearby sea. There was a big Navy which used to fight with  ‘Lakhnaw Bati’. He told about an invader Ali Shah with whom Sultan Fakhor Uddin fought. He also told about Hajang and Kamrup. He told those area were ruled by Muslim Sultan although inhabitants were non-muslims. He also visited  ‘Sonar Kawan’.  Some say ‘Satkawan’ of Ibne Batuta was ‘ SatGaon’ near Hugli. But some say it was Chittagong and Sonarkawan is Sonargaon. After his death his son Ikhtiar Uddin Gazi coronated in the throne of Sonargaon in 1349. In the year 1352 Shams-Uddin Ilias Shah invaded and occupied Sonargaon. He was the Sultan of Lakhnoti. He also came in the power by a coup by killing Alauddin Ali Shah. His established dynasty was in the power up-to 1412.

From the throne of Lakhnoti Shams-Uddin Ilias Shah first conquered Satgaon. Then he invaded Nepal and came back with enough booty. Then he ventured towards Trihut (North Bihar) and added portion of it with his Sultanate. Conquering Sonargaon in 1452 was his great achievement by which he re-writhed Bengal. He also conquered few areas outside Bengal like ‘Champaron’ Gorakhapur and Kashi. To recapture Bengal and to punish Shams Uddin Ilias Shah Sultan of Delhi Firoz Shah Tuglak attacked Bengal (1353) Ilias Shah took shelter in the powerful Ekdhala Fort. After signing an honorable treaty Sultan o Delhi returned back. Shams Uddin Ilias Shah was an expert Sultan. His military force was also strong. According to Historian Shams-e-Siraz Afif of Delhi Ilias Shah was ‘Shah-E-Bengalah’ or ‘Shah-e-Bangalian’ (Sultan of Bengal, Sultan of Bangalees”. This great Sultan of Bengal died in 1357. His son Sultan Sikander Shah (1357-1393) was also an expert ruler like his father. Firoz Shah Tuglak also advanced up-to Bengal to destroy his power and to capture Bengal. But like his father Sikander Shah took shelter in the Ekdhala Fort. However Firoz Shah once again returned after this unsuccessful mission. Sikander Shah ruled Bengal with name and fame. After his death his son Sultan Ghius Uddin Azam Shah (1393-1411) became the sultan of Bengal. This great sultan liked peace more than sword. He died in the year 1411. Then his son Saif Uddin Hamzah Shah was coronated but after him Ilias Shahi dynasty was over. His slave Shihub Uddin captured the throne of Bengal. Then his son Alauddin Firoz became the sultan. Then he was overthrown by King Ganesh(1415). This dynasty ruled up-to 1442. King Ganesh was a tyrant ruler. So, Muslims of Bengal went to famous Sufi Hazrat Nur Kutub Alam who requested Ibrahim Sarki, the Sultan of Zaunpur to attack king Ganesh. King Ganesh was defeated. His son Zadu embraced Islam and became Sultan of Bengal wit Muslim name Zalal uddin Mahmud Shah in 1418. He served Bengal up-to 1431 till death. Then his son Shamsuddin Ahmed Shah became the sultan and ruled Bengal up-to 1442.

Of the former Ilias Shahi dynasty Nasir Uddin Mahmud became Sultan in 1442. Then his son Rokan Uddin Barbak Shah became the Sultan in 1459. He invaded Orisha and Kamrup. His Sultanate expanded up-to Chittagong, Jessore, Khulna and Bakergonj. He was in the throne up-to 1474. After him this dynasty lasted up-to 1487. They were weaker Sultans. Then came Habsi Dynasty in Bengal in 1487 killing Fateh Shah, the last sultan of Ilias Shahi dynasty. Four Habsi Sultans ruled Bengal for about Six years. In 1493 the last Habsi Sultan Shams uddin Mozaffar Shah was killed by his Amirs and vizirs Syed Hossain was made the Sultan of Bengal by them in 1493. He was Turkish in origin. He was a very efficient ruler. Taking power he fought against lawlessness and anarchism. He brought back peace in Bengal. Then planned for invasion, established a disciplined army. He conquered Kamrup and Kamta, he also occupied parts of Orissa, Tripura and Bihar. He captured Chittagong pushing back Arkan invaders. He sent an unsuccessful venture to Assam, too. This great Sultan of Bengal died in 1519. Then his son Abul Mozaffer Nasiruddin Nasrat Shah became Sultan of Bengal. His military achievement was also great. He has expanded the border of Bengal up-to Azamgarh of Bihar. He had to fight against Babur to save Bengal from him in 1529. It is worth mentioning here that Ibrahim Ludhi was defeated by Babur in 1526 in the first battle of Panipath and Babur established the Mugal Empire in India. Defeated few generals of Ibrahim Ludhi took shelter in the court of Nusrat Shah. For this and other reasons Babur wanted to conquer Bengal and he attacked Nusrat Shah.  His army was defeated by Babur’s army. However, both of them signed a treaty. Babur captured eastern side of Gogra river. This time Bengal was saved by a treaty. Other condition of this friendship treaty was that both parties would not show enemity to each other. During Nusrat Shah’s time the Portuguese Pirates tried to make their station in Bengal. Nusrat Shah bid their effort failed.  In 1538 Nusrat Shah was assassinated. After him his son Alauddin Firoz became Sultan. Then his uncle Ghiusuddin Mahmood Shah killed him and became the Sultan. Afghan General Sher Khan attacked him and captured Gaura from him. He also permitted Portuguese to establish few stations in Bengal. Mahmood Shah took shelter under the rule of  Moghul Empire Humayun and died in his camp in the year 1538. The 200 years independence of Bengal was ended.

Humayun tried to capture Bengal from Sher Khan. In 1538 Sher Khan captured Gaura and Rohtas fort. In the same year Humayun attacked Gaura and occupied it. It was named Zannatabad. Gaura was under his control for about 8 months. In 1539 Humayun was fatally defeated by Sher Khan in the battlefield of Chausa and hence Bengal came again to Sher Khan. From 1540 to 1553 the Sultan of Delhi was Sher Shah and his son Islam Shah. At that time Bengal was also under them. After the death of Islam Shahin 1553 there were civil war among the Afgan leaders. Then Muhammad Shah Shur became sultan of Bengal and Arakan’s king Meng Beng captured Chittagong who was defeated by Muhammad Shah Shur later. In 1555 he was killed. Upto 1560 his son Bahadur Shah was the Sultan of Bengal who was killed by Ghius uddin in 1564 who became Sultan of Bengal later on.

In 1564 ruler of Southern Bihar Sulaiman Karrani occupied Gaura. Till his death he showed his obedience to Akber. But his younger son Daud Khan denied his obedience and captured Zamania fort at the eastern border. In 1574 Akber himself faced Daud and pushed him back to Patna and sent Munim Khan to capture Bengal. Daud was defeated by that old General but due to his death Daud could save Bengal from Mogul that time. In 1576 Todermal was sent against Daud. In the month of July of 1576 in a battle field near Rajmahal Daud was defeated and killed by the Mogul army. Thus after 240 years the independant Sultanate of Bengal fallen to Akber. After that it was ruled by Mogul Subaders. Still there were 12 independent Bhuyans ruling various areas of Bengal. They were Isha Khan. of Sonargaon, Kedar Roy of Vikrampur, Kandrpa Narayan of Chandradip (Barisal), Mukanda Ram of Bhosna (Faridpur), Lakhman Manikka of Noakhali( Bhulsa), Kongso Narayan of Natore, Chad Gazi of Chand Protap (Manikgonj), Pitamber Roy of Putia 5/(Rajshahi) and Promoth Roy of Dinajpur. Fazal Gazi of Bhawal, Mazlis Protab and Mazlis Kutub of Mymensing, Karim Musa Zai of Sylhet, Ibrahim Mural of Kishoregonj, Anwar Khan of Banier Chong were also famous landlords.

After Daud in 1580 Khan-e-Jahan became the ruler of Bengal and after his death Mujaffer Khan Tirbati was sent to rule Bengal. He was a rough and tough ruler. For this and other civil and military reasons there was muting in Bengal under the leadership of Chagtai tribal leader Bacha Khan. Akber again sent Todermal and Aziz Koka in Bengal. They uprooted the muting. As Akber was the Successful Mogul Empire to take Bengal under Delhi, so his military administration must also be discussed. In his military force there were Infantry, Cavalry, Artillery and Navy. His Infantry had Gunners (Bandok chiss), Sword Warriors (Shamser Baj), Bowman, Gate keeper of the Palace (Darwan), Sentry of the Palace (Khidmatia), Palwan and Kaher (Palki carrier). In the military history of India Babur first introduced Artillery. During Akber light canons were built for easy transportation and other types of guns and ammunitions were also made. In his Artillery(Toop Khana) Turks (Romy) were employed. The title of its chief was ‘Mir Atis’. Cavalry was kept by Masnabders, which played very important role for the security and discipline of the Country. Akber himself was very interested about cavalry would now and again inspect to judge its skill, professionalism of soldiers and conditions of horses. Majority of its soldiers were from Pathan and Rajput.Akber first thought about Navy when his force faced Portuguese. He has built big ships capable to transport even elephants for his Navy. He employed in his Navy expert mariners and navigators. In the Mogul arts and painting canon carrying and elephant carrying boats are seen. One of the major force of his army was the elephant force. However, Portuguese Navy was more powerful at that time.

Elephants, which were used by Akber were named ‘Khasa’. Section of 10,20 and 30 elephants was named ‘Halaka’. For war purposes Akber had to maintain a big military force. Small portion of it invaded Bengal in various battles. In 1565, Akber made Bengal a part of his Empire. After that there were many battles which Moghul fought against various ruling leaders of Bengal, such as battles of Patna and Bihar, battle of Tokair to capture Saptagram(1575) headed by Munim Khan Khan E Khanan, battle of Raj-Mohal headed by Hossain Koli Khan Khan E Khanan and Todermal etc. But during Zahangir Afghan leaders became rebels. Then ruler of Bengal was Islam Khan. He had to fight against rebels headed by Osman Khan in 1612. Dhaka was made provincial capital. Osman Khan the son of Isha Khan died in that conflict.

Here military activities of 12 Bhuyans must be discussed. Because many historians termed Bengal as the land of Bhuiyans . But about their war fronts and dates of their various battles are not written clearly in the history. But it is clear that all of them are not ruling their areas at the same time. In the book of ‘Baharestan-E-Gaebea’, Mirza Nathon written about many battles of Pratapaditta of Jessore against Moguls. He, however, failed to win any war. In the battle of Holdighat he faced Mogul General Rana Protab.  Kedar Roy of Bikrampur had a powerful army. Burmese pirates were his supporters and he employed many Portuguese pirates in his Navy. This great hero and military organizer was attacked by Mogul General Man Singh in 1604. He lost the battle and he was made captive. Kandarpa Narayan of Chandra div was also a powerful Bhuiyan. After his death his son Ramchandra was ruling the area. He was a son in law of Raja Pratabaditta of Jessore. Ramchandra was also defeated by Moguls. Bhuyan of Bhosaha Mokanda Ram was a powerful leader. His heir king Roghunath and landlord of Bhosaha Satyajit became allies of Moguls and helped Mogul Army in various battles against other landlords. During Akber Regime in Bholua Lakhman Manikka and after him his son Ananta Manikka were powerful Bhuiyans. However, Bholua was also captured by Moguls.  From here they sent missions against Mogh (Burmese) and firingi (Portuguese) pirates. Kangsa Narayan of Natore, Bir Hammir of Bakura, Pitamber Roy of Rajshahi, Promoth Roy of Dinajpur were friends of Musa Khan, the son of Isha Khan. However, They all had to fallen to Mogul Army one after another.

Fazal Gazi of Bhawal and Chad Gazi of Chad Protab were powerful Bhuiyans. They ruled their areas independently. Later on Bahadur Gazi of Bhawal also became powerful. He had a big and powerful navy. He helped Musa Khan, the son of Isa Khan against Mogul. But after the fall of Musa Khan his nephew Anwar Gazi and landlord of Sorail Sona Gazi accepted the rule of Mugal. Chad Gazi of Chad Protap was also famous for his heroic military activities. Betin Rose, the western writer written about Juna Gazi of Chad Protab. Most probably Chad Gazi and Juna Gazi was the same person. Among the Bhuiyans Isha Khan was the most powerful.  His father Kalidasa Tajdani was a hindu(Rajput) who embraced Islam and became the landlord of Bhati (Lower) area. His Muslim name was Suleman. After his death his son Isha Khan became his heir and made his capital in Katrab. His area was in present Dhaka, Comilla and Mymensingh. He made the fort of Khizirpur, Agaro Shindhu and Jangolbari. After the defeat and death of Daud Karrani  became the leader of Bhuiyans. He fought many battles against Moguls. Raza Man Singh was also failed to win in duel with him. Son of Man Singh Dorzan Singh with his Mogul force defeated by Isha Khan and later he died in a battle near Vikrampur. For his heroic battles Empire Akber gave him the title ‘Masnad-E-Ala’ and ‘Marzobane Bangla’. In 1599 Isha Khan died and his son Musa Khan became his heir. But unfortunately he was defeated by the Subader Islam Khan in 1610.

During Jahangir regime Subader Raj Man Singh (1605-6),  Subader Kotub Uddin Koka (1606-7), Subader Jahangir Kuli Khan (1607-7), Subader Islam Khan (1608-13), Subader Kashim Khan (1613-18), Subader Ibrahim Khan (1618-22), Subader Shahjadi Shahjahan (1622-25), Subader Khanjed Khan (1625-25), Subader Mukaram Khan (1626-27), Subader Fidai Khan (1627-28) seen the military interest of Moguls in Bengal.

In the military history of Bengal, Jahangir was very important Mogul Emperor. By the effort of his two rulers Subader Islam Khan and Subader Ibrahim Khan everywhere Mogul flag hoisted. It was expanded up-to Ahom and Arakan border.

During Shahjahan regime there were four Subaders who ruled Bengal. They were Kasim Khan Khorasani (1628-1632), Azim Khan (1632-37), Islam Khan Mosahadi (1637-39), and Shahjada Mohammad Suja (1639-60). They were also took part in various battles. Among them Subader Islam Khan Mosahadi was very successful in military activities. During his time Ahoms attacked Bengal and captured a portion of it. Islam Khan Mosahadi faced them. They were defeated. He followed the fleeing Ahoms and then he occupied Kutch Bihar. During that time Burmese pirates were helped by the Portuguese pirates. They were loading fresh attack one after the other over Noakhali and Dhaka. Islam Khan Mosahadi attacked them by his powerful Navy. They were made bound to retreat.

Great Mugal Emperor Aurangojeb also ruled Bengal by 9 Subaders. They were Shahjada Suja (up-to 1660), Mir Zumla (1660-63), Shaesta Khan (1663-77,1679-88), Fedai Khan (1678), Sultan Mohammad Azim (1978-79), Khan-E-Zahan (1988-89), Ibrahim Khan (1689-97), Azim-us-Shan (1697-1707) and Murshid Kuli Khan (1704-1727). They also looked after the military interest of  the Moguls in Bengal. Few examples are given below. By the help of Mir Zumla Aurangojeb own over Shahjada Suja. Aurongojeb gave him title Khane-Khanan and Sipah-Salar. He leaded the great military force of 12000 Cavalry, 30000 Infantry, and a big Navy against King of Kutch Bihar Pran Narayan. He ran away from Kuch Bihar and it came under the Mogul rule. It was named Alamnagor. Then he captured the capital of Assam, Baorogram. He also planned to invade Tibet but before that he died (16.03.1663). After his death King of Arakan captured Chittagong. Subader Shaesta Khan sent Ibne Hossain as the Commander of his Navy and his son Boujorg Omid Khan as the commander of his Infantry to recapture Chittagong. In 1666 they captured it. Burmese and Portuguese ran for life. Chittagong was named Islamabad. In his second duration he had to fight against English Traders. They attacked Hizli (1686-87). But they were defeated by Shaesta Khan. Captain Heath also bound to leave Balashore. During the time of Subader Ibrahim Khan Rahim Shah’ of Morshidabad, by his 10000 cavalry and 60000 infantry he captured Morshidabad and Kashimbazar. By the end of 1696 he occupied Rajmahal and Maldhah. In this situation Aurongozeb ported Azim-us-Shan in place of Ibrahim Khan. By this time vizir Khawza Anwar was killed by Rahim Shah. So, Azim-us-Shan sent a powerful army against him. In 1698, in a battle near Chandravone Rahim Shah was defeated and made captive and punished to death.

From Murshid Kuli Khan in Bengal new chapter of history opened. He started Nabab’s regime in Bengal. Names of Nobabs are Murshid Kuli Khan (1704-1727), his daughter and Sujauddin (1727-39), Sharfaraz Khan (1739-40), Alibordi Khan (1740-56), his daughter Amina Begum(1756), Siraz-ud-Daula (1756-57), Mir Zafar (1757-60,1763-65), His Daughter and Mir Kashem (1760-1763), Nazim-Ud-Daulah (1765-66) and Sahikh-Ud-Daulah (1766-70).

During this period there were many military invasions. Maratha invaded Bengal in April 1742, March 1743, March 1744, end of 1745, November 1747. In May 1751 Maratha and Nobab both were tired of battles. So, they signed a treaty.

Virtually Nobab Siraz-Ud-Daula was the last Nobab of Bengal. In 1757, before his fall he had to face several time against East India Company. In 3rd June 1757, Lord Clive attacked 50000 soldiers of Nobab with only 3000 soldiers in the mango groove of Pallassy. For betrayal of Mir Zafar, Jagat Shett, Raj Ballobh, Roy Dorlav, , Umi Chad, Yar Latif Nobab lost the battle. Although Mir Modan, Mohan Lal fought bravely, majority of the Nobab’s soldiers remained inactive. His 500 soldiers were killed against 23 of East India Company.

Seraj returned to Morshidabad but failed to build a new Army and tried to reach Patna. In the way he was apprehended in the Rajmahal. He was killed by the order of Miron (the son of Mir Zafar). Mohammadi Beg Killed him. The last fateful battle before loosing power to British was the battle of Boxer in 1764. In that war Mir Kashem fought bravely against East India Company but he lost the battle. After him there was no powerful Nobab who could dare to face the company bravely. Ultimately British came in the power.

Military history of Bangladesh

    Introduction: Military refers to security forces of a country. It’s lexical meaning is of soldier or armies or warfare’. Bangladesh is a new country in the history of the world. It is the same land which changed its name time to time with variable area. Its evolution started from the Ajoy river civilization the known oldest civilization of Bengal. After that Nishad, Pundra and Banga civilizations flourished. Then  Aryan invaded Bengal. They reached upto locality of Bhawal (gazipur). Brave chandals (dravids) fought against them.The first famous king of Bengal was Sasanka. Then there were many kings. Bengal came under Muslim rule in 1203/1204. In the previous article history upto mediaval time is written. After long struggle of 200 years British was made bound to quit this sub-continent. Before independence in 1971 this land was known as the East Pakistan which was a part of Pakistan. Pakistan got freedom from the British rule in August 14, 1947. Now Bangladesh is a reality.

    Presently Bangladesh has a powerful Military forces. It consists of Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Airforce (See Bangladesh Navy and Bangladesh Airforce). Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), Police and Ansar/ Village Defense party are Para-Military Forces. During the War of Independence in 1971, military personnel posted in erstwhile East Pakistan gone rebellion and took the leadership of Liberation War. Although their number was not enough, yet they have guided a great number of freedom fighters. They are the pioneer or present military forces of Bangladesh. They were about 3000 members of the East Bengal Regiment, 10000 members of East Pakistan Rifles and 13000 members of Police. At that time in erstwhile East Pakistan there were four Divisions of Pakistani Military Forces. It included 42 Battalions. To replace rebel soldiers of EPR 20000 rangers from West Pakistan were posted in East Pakistan. About 40000 Rajakar and other local Para-Military forces were helping them. However, Pakistani Air and Naval forces were very minor here. From 3 December their Military forces faced both Indian Military Forces and freedom fighters. Ultimately they lost the battle and surrendered unconditionally. Military forces of free Bangladesh took permanent shape, later by December 1973 repatriated Bengali soldiers stranded in various Cantonments of Pakistan strengthen Military forces of Bangladesh. JRB (Jatiyo Rakhi Bahini) also merged into Bangladesh Army. After the independence JRB was established with the members of suitable Mukti Joudha (freedom fighters) and also from other youths. Soon recruitment in the Bangladesh Army, Bangladesh navy and Bangladesh Airforce started. Training facilities were also established. Now members of this forces are ready to keep the sovereignity of the land. Our soldiers are working in the peace keeping missions of the United Nations. After the tragedy of Washington and Newyork (Sept. 11, 2001) our soldiers are also ready to shouldier any responsibility according Government policy.

           Our defence forces are also doing well in other sectors such as public education, games and sports etc. In the various cantonments there are many famous schools and colleges. In the field of games and sports their teams are also playing in the national level. Their athlets, swimmers, boxers, football and hocky teams are also earning fame from the international arena also.

Present Military Status: Military forces are disciplined organizations. It is established according to Military Law. Bangladesh Army, Navy and Airforce are fighting Military forces. They have separate organizational rules.

    Bangladesh Army is a big and complex organization. Though it was established during liberation war yet its evolution began from British period. Then in almost every arms of British Army there were Bengali soldiers of both East and West Bengal. There were few officers, too. In the British Army it was a rumor on the air, “Bengali is not a fighting nation. Bangalis do not know how to fight.” It shocked some of the officers. Bengali officer Captain Abdul Gani proposed touring erstwhile Chief of British Army to establish a regiment naming “Bengal Regiment”. During Pakistan Period in 15th February 1948 first East Bengal Regiment (Senior Tiger) was established which included two pioneer companies. Captain Gani and Captain Sami Ullah Khan’s name will remain forever in the history of Bengal Regiment for their such glorious efforts. Captain Gani was given responsibility to recruit soldiers for Bengal Regiment. Second Bengal Regiment (Junior Tiger) was established in February 7, 1949. In June 1950 East Bengal Regimental center was established where soldiers of the Bengal Regiment were given training. Third Bengal (Minor Tiger) was established in the year 1962. Fourth Bengal (Baby Tiger) was established in the year 1964. In 1965 before the India and Pakistan War Fifth Bengal (Victory Tiger) and after the war Sixth Bengal rose. Gradually before the Liberation War of 1971 8th, 9th and 10th Bengal was established. After the independence full-fledged Army was established with the Bengali members of Pakistani Army. Now it has Corps, Division, Brigades and their units. Units are Infantry Unit, Artillery Unit, Armored Battalion,  Engineers Battalion, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Signal Battalion, Army service corps, Army Medical corps/Army Dental corps/ Ambulance, Army Education corps, Remount Veterinary and Farm corps etc. In the Army soldiers/NCO/JCO and Officers categories personnel are identified with ranks. After the independence ex- soldiers of the Pakistan Army joined the Bangladesh Army with their rank and status. The ranks of Non commissioned and Junior commissioned servicemen were Recruit, Sepoy, Lance Naek, Naek, Havilder, Naeb Subader, Subader, Subader Major, Lieutenant (honorary), Captain (honorary). Ranks of the officer cadre service are Second Lieutenant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Lieutenant Colonel, Colonel, Brigadier, Major General, Lieutenant General, General, and Field Marshall (For the ranks of the Bangladesh Air Force, Bangladesh Navy and new ranks of the Bangladesh Army (for OR only) please see Rank equivalence).

In the 1965 war between India and Pakistan Bengali Military Personnel proved their worth. In fact they saved Lahore from Indian land attack. Soldiers of East Bengal Regiment tied anti-tank mines in their chests in the Sialkot sector and jumped before advancing Indian tanks. Their such suicidal bravery stopped Indians. The first Bengal Regiment was deployed in the Badian and Kasore war sectors. The Indian attackers were made bound to retreat. In that war soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment fought very bravely under the leadership Commanding Officer Lt. Col. ATK. Huq and Sub. Maj. Khurshed Ahmed and brought laurels for Bengali nation in front of the world. Pakistani Military Planners changed their attitude towards East Pakistani soldiers. Some were rewarded with Khitabs. Many of them got Pakistani gallantry awards like Taghma-e- Jurat, Sitara-e-Harb, Sitara-e-Jung etc. More and more Bengali youths got chance to join Military Services of Pakistan. In 1971 they fought against Pakistanis for a free and sovereign Bangladesh. After the nine months the fierce battle they won over Pakistanis. Bengali Military Personnel and all other freedom fighters established the truth that Bengali is also a very good fighting nation. In that War Bengali Military Personnel became Shahid with laughing-face for Bangladesh. They fought against tyrant Pakistanis and their heinous activities. Arms-wise number of shahids are given below:

Arms	Shahids	Arms	Shahids
Armored Corps	59	AMC	137
Artillery	117	Ordnance	38
Engineers	95	EME	162
Signal	86	CMP	17
Infantry	934	AEC	02
ASC	86	Navy	21
Airforce	47

(Courtesy: From the exhibits of the entrance gate (‘Samonnata Swadhinota’) of  the Dhaka Cantt.)

In this entry names of the Artillery and AEC shahids are given below:

1.Major Nazmul Huq 2. Major M.A. Khaleque 3. Capt. Shmsul Huda 4. Capt. Nurul Huda Khandoker 5. Capt. AKM Nurul Islam 6. Capt. S. M. Alauddin Ahmed 7. Capt.Md. Aftabul Kader Bir Bikram 8. Lt. Nurul Alam Mollick 9. Hav. Izahar Miah 10. Hav. Abul Kalam 11. Hav.Abul Hashem 12. Hav. Moslem Miah 12. Hav. Abdur Razzak 13. Hav. Nasir Uddin Bir Bikram 14. Hav. A. Barek Hawlader 15. Naek Sona Mian 16. Naek Nurul Huq 18. Naek Abdur Rafique 19. Naek A. Rauf 20. Naek Shafiullah 21. Naek Ali Akber 22. Naek Abdul Hakim 23. Naek Fazlur Rahman 24. Naek Md. Usman Gani 25. Naek Syed Ali Fakir 26. Naek Md. Abdul Khaleque 27. Naek Shahidul Islam 28. Naek Abu Bakar Siddique 29. Naek Tosaddeq Hossain 30. Naek Mohd. Akrataruzaman 31. Naek Mohd. Sajedur Rahman 32. Naek Kabir Udiin Ahmed 33. Naek Mohd. Golam Hossain 34. Mohd.Abdul Awal 35. Naek Mohd. Afzal Hossain 36. Naek Zoynal Abedin Hawlader 37. L/Nk Abdus Shahid 38. L/Nk Abdul Matin 39. L/Nk. Abdul Miah 40. L/Nk Abdul Ali 41. L/Nk Farid Uddin 42. L/Nk Syed Ahmed 43. L/Nk Md. Ibrahim 44. L/Nk Sharafat Ali 45. L/Nk Anwar Hossain 46. L/Nk Abdul Bari Bhuyan 47. L/Nk Taufiq Uddin 48. L/Nk Mofazzal Hossain 49. L/Nk Syed Habibur Rahman 50. L/Nk Asgar Ali Sarkar 51.Khandoker Shafiul Islam 52. L/Nk Syed Ahmed Sarkar 52. L/Nk Abdul Motaleb Bhuyan 54. L/Nk A.B.M. Rafiqul Islam 55. TA Mohd. Shahjahan 56.  OCU Abdur Rab 57. OCU Noor Hossain 58. OCU NurulHuq 59. OCU Abul Khair  60. OCU Helal Uddin 61. OCU Sheikh Shabab Uddin 62.OCU  Shariful Islam 63. OCU Anwarul Huq 64. OCU M. Azhar uddin 65. DMT Abdul Huq 66. DMT Nozib Ullah 67. DMT Abdul Mazid 68. DMT Amirul Huq 69. DMT Zahirul Huq 70. DMT Kamal dar Khan 71. DMT Abul Kashem 72. DMT Abdul Maleque 73. DMT Shawkat Ali 74. DMT Abdul Khaleque 75. DMT Golam Hafiz 76. DMT Siddique Ullah 77. DMT Motkadir Ali 78. DMT Moktar Hossain 79. DMT Mokhlesur Rahman 80. DMT Abdul Matin 81. DMT M Yasin Uddin 82. DMT Md. Mozibur Rahman 83. DMT Israil Biswas 84. DMT . Nazibur Rahman 85. DMT Bashir Ahmed Biswas 86. DMT AKM Batesh Mollah 87. Gunner A. Rob 88. Gunner A. Karim 89. Gunner Abu Syeed 90. Gunner Shah Alam 91. Gunner Abu Syeed 92.Gunner Sadeque Khan 93. Gunner Kanchan Ali 94. Gunner Abdus Salam 95. Gunner Abdus Sattar 96. Sep. Mohd. Islam 97. Gunner Habibur Rahman 98.Gunner Abdul Khaleque 99. Gunner Shamsuddin 100. Gunner Abdul Kader 101. Gunner Abu Bakar Sheikh 102. Gunner Abdul Khaleque 103. Fitter Mozammel Huq  104. Gunner Md. Aziz Uddin 105. Gunner Md. Ala-Uddin 106. Sep.  Masiur Rahman 107. Sep. Wahidur Rahman 108. Gunner Sohrab Hossain 109. Sep. Sikandar Ali 110. Gunner M. Norul Alam 111. Clk Nazrul Islam 112. Gunner A Maleque Miah 113. Gunner Norul Islam 114. Clk Shamsul Huq 115. Gunner M. Mosarraf Hossain 116. Gunner Enamul Hoque 117. Cook (u) Abdul Bari. AEC shahids are Lt. Col. M.M. Rahman and Capt. Maqbul Ahmed.( To know the identity of the other Shahids, please visit the above gate and also see my next book titled ‘Military Science’).

Conclusion:  Our Military history is written clearly but the military history of ancient time is very less known. Before Sasanka there were  complete indiscipline. Harsha Bardhan ruled upto West Bengal.After Sasanka Gopal established Pal dynasty. Then Dev, Chandra and Sen rulers ruled Bengal. Ikhtiar Uddin Mohammad bin Bakhtiar Khilji introduced muslim rule in Bengal defeating Lakhman Sen. During this long period and also after that upto British rule there were many battles. British Empire had to quit this sub-continent in 1947. To rule Bengal time to time British Military Power had to face mutineers. Although according to British  rulers mutineers were unruly elements yet as a matter of fact following the heroic path of those mutineers India and Pakistan got freedom from the British rule and we also rose arms against tyrant Pakistani rulers. So they were the pioneers of our Military Forces. Those were actually not   mutinies battles against the invaders by freedom loving Bengalies. Those efforts of liberation from British and Later Pakistani Junta were Fakir-Sannashi Mutiny in 1763-1800, Garu Movement in 1775, Medinipur Mutiny of 1763-83, Shamsher Gazi’s Mutiny (Comilla)in 1767- 68, Sandvips’s Mutiny in 1769, Farmer and Weaver Movement in 1770-80, Mutiny of Barisal (Subandia) 1792,Chakma Mutiny in the Hill Tracts 1776-1804, Seri-culturist Movement in 1780-1800, Rangpur’s Mutiny in 1783, Mutiny of Jessore and Khulna in 1784-96, Mutiny of Birbhum in 1785-86, Choar Mutiny (second) in 1798-99, Bakura (Birbhum) Paharia Mutiny of 1789-91, Naek Mutiny of Medinipur in 1806-16, Mymensing’s  Farmer Mutiny in 1812, Mutiny of Sandwip in 1819,Hai Kheda and Pagla Ponthi Mutiny of Mymensing in 1825-27, Neel Mutiny in 1830-48, Farmer Mutiny of Tripura in 1844-90, Saotal Mutiny of 1855-57, Neel Mutiny of  1859-61, Shundarban’s Mutiny in 1861,Fourth Mutiny of Sandwip in 1870, Mutiny of Sirajgonj in 1872-73, Neel Mutiny of Jessore 1889, various armed movement from 1900 till the independence of 1947, finally various movement from 1952 till liberation of 1971 against West Pakistani ruling Junta etc. are the Military spirit of our people . Naturally our people do not accept any illegal authority.   Our present military forces are properly trained to safe guard the sovereignty of Bangladesh.

      Reference(For above two articles) :

              1. Various exhibits of the Defense Forces Museum.

               2.Various exhibits of the Bijoy Keton Museum.

               3.Various exhibits of the Bangladesh Air Force Museum.

           4.Personal contact with few Junior Commissioned Officers who took part in the 1965 war and 1971 liberation war.

          5.Various HISTORY BOOKS of Degree and Intermediate level

    6.Unpublished research work of the writer completed and submitted Publish to the Asiatic Society Scientific Magazine.

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Bangladesh Rifles

    Bangladesh Rifles is the biggest force after Bangladesh Army who is working for sovereignty of the land. This Para-military force is ever vigilant in the frontier. After the independence this force resisted many thrust of invaders to safe guard our land and many of them died for this noble cause. There were many border conflicts in connections with Bangladeshi corridors, Talpatti island, making wall in the Hilly border, capturing Padua (in Sylhet) corridor, Raumari of Kurigram by BSF from Assam area, Burmese Nasaka force attack etc. In the month of April  2001 after Raumari border conflict Mohurirchar, Panch Bibi, Sagol Niea, Sharifpur, Ramgarh and other frontier area of North Bengal, Sylhet and the greater Hilly Chittagong were in the face of threat by BSF. Now and again BSF enter Bangladeshi area, burns houses of Bangladeshi inhabitants and also fires at BDR. BDR also patiently but bravely facing this problem. Although BDR is the Para-military force of the country yet its importance is not less than the regular fighting forces . Its other duties are maintaining discipline in the frontiers, stopping black-marketing, resisting other illegal activities in the border and even helping Government to bring back inland peace during unrest in the country.

    Although Bangladesh Rifles officially established in 1972 yet it had a glorious past. Its evolution started from East India Company Period of British India. To guard the border of the area of East India Company, they established Ramgarh Local Battalion in 1795. After that frontier guards was established in the year 1861. Then Bengal Military Police was established in 1891. They were deployed in various vulnerable border Posts to protect their frontier from illegal elements, from the initial attack if invaders etc.

    In the above forces personnel from Bengal and also from various ethnic nationalities of India served to defend the interest of the Company and British Empire. In the year 1920 Eastern Frontier Rifles replaced Bengal Military Police. They served the empire till the independence of 1947 honorably. Then with the members who were interested and  optioned to be Pakistani nationals East Pakistan Rifles was established in the year 1947. Later on both East and West Pakistanies served in this Para-military force. Officers from the Pakistani Army were posted there. There were few Bengali officers but most of them were West Pakistani. After Pakistani action at the night of 25th March Bengali members of EPR tried to resist and some were successful in fleeing from Peel Khana. From Jingira they tried to resist Pakistani Army. Later on they and other defected EPR members went to India and joined Mukti Bahini. They fought in Chittagong, Rajshahi, Khulna, Jessore, Mymensingh, Dinajpur, Thakoregaon, Rangpur, Sylhet etc. war fronts. 817 of their soldiers became martyr for this cause.  Many of them were awarded gallantry Awards.

    During Pakistan Period The East Pakistan Rifles was included both Bengali and West Pakistani non-Bengalis. Their major duty was maintaining security in the border area. Their other duties were resisting initial attack of foreign invaders, smugglers, guarding frontier from unwanted elements. They are also one of the Pioneer force of liberation who revolted against Pakistani rule. When ‘Operation Search light’ of Pakistani Army started at about 2330 hours of March 25, 1971 this force came forward to make highest sacrifice for the liberation of Bangladesh. Bangabandhu’s first announcement of freedom was transmitted by the transmitter of the EPR to the nation before he was apprehended.

    The non-Bengali elements of the East Pakistan Rifles were used by the Pakistani junta before and in the liberation war.They were used in 1952 and in allmost all movements Bangalees. In 1969,1970 and 1971 they were used in allmost all unrest. In the beginning of March, 1971 with intention of controlling Tongi Industrial Area EPR force camped in the Meghna Textile Mills of Tongi. In March 5, 1971 there was clash between employees of Tongi Telephone exchange and EPR. In March 27, 1971 non-Bengali members of the EPR attacked over a detachment of the Second East Bengal Regiment in Mymensingh. However, 10,000 of its Bengali soldiers joined the war of liberation. They dared to hoist the flag of free Bangladesh in the Parade ground of Peel Khana in 23rd March but in 24th March they were disarmed and they were bound to surrender in 25th March at night by 0400 hrs. In 26th March Flag of free Bangladesh was hoisted by the EPR. In Barishal EPR took leading part to control it under Major Zalil of Armored Corps. As a matter of fact EPR’s Bengali members were very essential part of Freedom fighters with other members of Armed forces. Without their Participation history of our liberation would be lengthier.

    The soldiers of the East Pakistan Rifles fought and gave leadership in different war fronts. For their courage and battle tactics freedom fighters won over Pakistani forces in many arm clashes against them were honored as martyrs of our independence. Bangladesh Government has awarded two Bir Shresto, nine Bir Uttam, forty Bir Bikram and ninety-one Bir Protic gallantry-awards to the ex-soldiers of the East Pakistan Rifles (EPR)in recognition of their heroic deeds for the Liberation of Bangladesh.After the war was over EPR soldiers Joined the Bangladesh Rifles(Few also joined the Jatio Rakhi Bahini (JRB). The JRB merged with the Bangledesh Army after the political change of 15 August 1975)

    At present Bangladesh Rifles for its traditional duties as well as for its extra-curricular activities drawing attention of the nation. In the BDR there is Rifles Sport Board to develop games and sports of the BDR. There is also a Rifles Paribar Kalyan Samitee for the welfare of the family of the Rifles staffs. In the national and international sports arena participation of Rifles sportsmen are increasing. In the field of Volley Ball, Basket Ball, Hand Ball, Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, Kabadi, Athletics, Cycling etc. field BDR is doing well.

    In the field of Public education Rifles Public School and College and also Bangladesh Rifles School and College are very famous. Former one started as Junior School in 1977, in 1978 it became a high school and in 1981 it became college. The later one is a Degree College now. It was established in 1984 as a Junior School. In 1985 it became high school and in 1994 it became Intermediate College. In 1998 by the inspiration of DG Bangladesh Rifles Major General Azizur Rahman it became a Degree College.

Reference:

• Mural ,BDR  Gate,Peel Khana, Dhaka.

• Bijoy Keton Museum. Dhaka Cantonment.

• BDR soranika-2000

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The National Memorial

    The national Memorial is a wonderful design of architect Moinul Hossain. The foundation stone of this memorial was laid on a Bijoy devos to symbolize the unity, sacrifice and heroism of the Bengali Nation for the liberation of Bangladesh. Its foundation stone was laid by  Bango Bandhu Shaikh Mujibur Rahman on Dec 16, 1971. It is at Savar in the district of Dhaka near Savar (Nabi Nogor) Cantonment. The reasons of constructing National Memorial there were many. Such as the last battle of the liberation war fought around this place and  many freedom fighters were killed there etc. However, Pakistani Army lost the battle. They surrendered. At about 1000 hrs. of the 16th December, 1971. Pakistani 14th division Commander Major General Zamshad with his force laid their arms before Indian General Nagra. At about 1040 hrs. allied forces and Kader Siddiqui entered Dhaka City. At about 1641 hrs. of that day Pakistani Commander of the Eastern Command and also Marshall law administrator Lt. Gen. Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi surrendered to Commander of allies of the Eastern Command Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora. The representative of Bangladesh exile government was Group Captain A. K. Khandokar. This was the final moment of the freedom of Bangladesh. To commemorate this day also the National Memorial was established.

    The National Memorial is also a unique creation of modern architecture. From the distance it seems to be a high tower. In fact this memorial consist of seven towers of various heights from the base 130ft to 150ft. The highest tower is the center one. Both left and right of it, there are three towers in the each side, which rise step by step equally in the both sides up-to the peak height. Each of them is constructed keeping equal gap but even from the nearest place from a certain angle this gap is not visible. However, from the front it is quite clear. This is seven in one or one in seven towers which is the inspiration and symbol of different areas and ethnic nationalities of Bangladesh under one flag.

    Around this concrete-made memorial there are graves of the slained Bengali nationals by the brutal Pakistani. There are other establishments  also around it. Among them there is a library and a museum. In the library books relating to Bangladesh and liberation

war are kept. In the museum there are frightful proofs of atrocious and barbarous activities of the Pakistani Army.  This museum also attracts visitors of all ages.  There is also a mosque at one side of the area adjacent to Dhaka Aricha highway.

    The entire area of the National Memorial is about 126 acres. The front of it is decorated with water tank pond(spring), roads constructed in various geometrical designs etc. There are various seasonal flower plants in the lawn. When flowers bloom, this area becomes more lively and beautiful to admire the souls of the martyrs. There are also many decorative local and foreign trees also. Distinguished guests from home and abroad get chance to plant such trees when they come to visit to show honor to our martyrs. This memorial will remain as inspiration to our present and future generations. We hope this symbol of our independence, existence, dream and glorious past will remain till the longest day as our pride.

               Many literateurs have wrtten about it. Perhaps you have read the poem ‘Smrity Saudha’ (Monument) written by Faiz Ahmed. Few lines of the poem are here.

         “Did you visit Savar near the Monument

           where memory of thirty lakhs martyrs are alive

           …………………………………………………………………

           …………………………………………………………………

           all the particles of the monument are constructed

           by the sacrificial blood of the freedom fighters.”

Other famous memorials are Mujib Nogor Smrity Saudha (inaugrated: Nov 14, 1983, architect: Tanvir Kabir), Shahid Boudhijibi Smrity Saudha (architect: Mustafa Haroon Kuddus), Rajarbagh smrity Saudha, Jagrata Chaurangi Smrity Saudha(established:1971,architect:AbdurRazzak),Shikha Chirantan and Shikha Anirban etc.These are symbols of our liberation of 1971. In the due occassions the whole nation show homage at the peak to the national martyrs at above memorials. Shahid minar is also a famous memorial where homage to the language martyrs is shown. It is erected at the place where Barkat was killed on Feb 21, 1952. Many brave people of Bangladesh like Rafique, Salam, Barkat and Jabber sacrificed their lives on that day. On the 21 february every Bangladeshies pay respect to the language martyrs in the central and other Shahid minars of the country.

Present ranks of the Defence Forces and rank equivalence

Bangladesh Army	Bangladesh Air Force	Bangladesh Navy
Field Marshall	Marshall of the Airforce	Admiral of the Fleet
General	Air Chief Marshall	Admiral
Lt. General	Air Marshall	Vice Admiral
Major General	Air Vice Marshall	Rear Admiral
Brigadiare	Air Commodore	Commodore
Colonel	Group Captain	Captain
Lt. Colonel	Wing Commandar	Commander
Major	Squadron Leader	Lt. Commander
Captain	Flight Lieutenant	Lieutenant
Lieutenant	Flying Officer	Sub Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant	Pilot Officer	Acting Sub Lieutenant=
Master warrant officer(SM)	Master warrant officer	Master chief petty officer
Senior warrant officer(Sub)	Warrant officer
Warrant officer(Naeb sub)	Warrant officer	Chief petty officer
Sergeant(Hav)	Sergeant/Flt. Sgt.	Petty officer
Corporal(Naek)	Corporal	Leading seaman
Lance corporal(L. Nk)	Leading aircraftman	Able seaman
Sainik(Sepoy)	Aircraftman-1	Ordinary seaman
Nobin Sainik(Rects)	Aircraftman-2i(Rects)	Sailor(UT)/Rects