Chhatak Operation: Daring frontal battle, glorious victory

During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, freedom fighters carried out a number of daring operations to weaken the occupying Pakistani forces significantly. 

Among them, the Chhatak Operation stands out as one of the notable offensives in the Sylhet region, where Mukti Bahini fighters on 14 October launched a bold raid on the strategic town of Chhatak, an important industrial and communication hub and killed over 200 members of the enemy forces. Some 70-80 freedom fighters also martyred in the battle.

The account of this significant battle has been documented in several books, including “Muktijuddhe Samarik Abhijan” (Military Operations in the Liberation War), Volume II published by the Bangladesh Army, “Sammukhjuddho 1971: Muktijoddhader Kolome” (Frontal War 1971: In the Pens of Freedom Fighters) published by Prothoma Prokashan; and “Bangladesher Swadhinatajuddho: Sectorbhittik Itihash” (The Independence War of Bangladesh: Sector-wise History), Volume IV published by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs.

Chhatak, located about 35 kilometres northwest of Sylhet, lies along the Surma River and hosts the Chhatak Cement Factory and an important river port. The Pakistani military had fortified the town and surrounding areas with one company of the 31 Punjab Regiment, reinforced by manpower equivalent to two companies from the 12 Azad Kashmir Force, East Pakistan Civil Armed Forces, and Razakars.

The Mukti Bahini’s Z Force, particularly the 3rd East Bengal Regiment, moved from Teldhala Camp in the Garo Hills on 11 October to Banshtala, near Chhatak’s northwest border, to launch the attack. 

Under the command of Shafayat Jamil, Alpha and Bravo companies were tasked with attacking the main Pakistani defences near the cement factory. They were supported by Sector 5’s Gana Bahini fighters as guides and the Roumari-trained Student Company, which provided reinforcement and rear protection. Charlie and Delta companies were deployed as blocking forces. Charlie Company held positions at Dowarabazar to prevent Pakistani reinforcements from Sylhet or Dowarabazar, while Delta Company blocked key roads and railway lines near Madhabpur and Hasnabad.

The assault began on the morning of 14 October, with Alpha and Bravo companies, along with an FF company, engaging in intense combat. By evening, Alpha Company had entered the cement factory area after destroying several Pakistani bunkers with recoilless rifle fire, while Bravo Company advanced nearby. The Pakistani troops retreated across the Surma River into Chhatak town.

Meanwhile, the 33 Baloch Regiment tried to encircle the Mukti Bahini forces via Dowarabazar, leading to a fierce battle that continued late into the night. Earlier, Delta Company, led by SIM Nurunnabi Khan, had reached Parkul on the Surma’s northern bank, blocking key routes. Pakistani counterattacks failed to dislodge them, though facing a three-pronged assault. Delta Company eventually withdrew to defensive positions at Parkul. Pakistani shelling heavily damaged the village. Fighting continued until 16 October, with Pakistani forces employing helicopters from 15 October to strafe freedom fighters’ positions. The battle inflicted heavy casualties on both sides, though losses were heavier for the Pakistani army.  Many soldiers, including a colonel, along with members of the Azad Kashmir Force, Civil Armed Forces, and Razakars, were killed or wounded. On the Mukti Bahini side, 40-45 fighters were martyred, with many more injured.

The Chhatak Operation remains a testament to the courage and tactical skill of the Mukti Bahini, highlighting their ability to strike critical enemy positions despite limited resources.

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