BANGLADESH NAVY IN LIBERATION WAR
 

1.     Bangladesh Navy had a glorious contribution in  he liberation war of Bangladesh. Many members of Bangladesh Navy actively took part in the liberation war of 1971. The participation included all the operations from traditional naval operation to unconventional commando operation including guerilla warfare.

2.     At the first leg of war, defected Bengali sailors joined the guerrilla forces. It was the 8 valiant sailors who defected Pakistan Navy sub-marine PNS MANGRO, under construction in France, pioneered the formation of naval element of Liberation War. Later many other naval freedom fighters joined and actively participated till the last date of liberation war. So far the information could be known, there are 334 naval freedom fighters; out of which 22 are martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice of their lives for the greatest cause of liberation war.     

3.     Due to the essence, naval operation prevailed in sea, air and land. In order to avoid misunderstanding and to get necessary assistance naval planners used to coordinate in the planning phase with other sector commanders to carry out operation in their respective sectors. During the Liberation War East Pakistan was divided into 11 sectors. Each sector had a Commander and demarcated area of responsibility except sector 10.

It is said that the area of responsibility of sector 10 was the coastal belt but in reality its operation was spread all over the country.
 

4.     In 1971, it was imperative for the occupation force to keep ports, harbours operative and the sea lines of communication open. To block the sea lines of communication as well as to make the sea and river ports inoperative, members of Bangladesh Navy did fight valiantly. They attacked all the seaports including many river ports. Operation Jackpot is one of the most known successful operations. They carried out mining in Passur River Channel by Patrol Craft. Side by side along with other freedom fighters they also carried out attack against Pakistan Army to make the country free form all hostilities. As a result Bangladesh could become an independent state within shortest possible time.

5.    Naval participation was extended to a great extent. The contribution of BN members towards liberation war is remarkable and cited in many articles of renowned writers. Few articles are also attached here.