Staff Correspondent : Teroshree—a small village in Ghior upazila of Manikganj—carries within its soil one of the most horrific chapters of the 1971 Liberation War. Every year on 22 November, as the first light of dawn quietly spreads across the village, people gather at the memorial monument to mourn, to reflect, and to protest. This year too, Teroshree Massacre Day was observed with solemn tributes and a series of commemorative events.
The day’s observance began at dawn with the laying of wreaths at the Teroshree Memorial. Freedom fighters, families of martyrs, government officials, political leaders, teachers, students, and people from all walks of life formed a long, emotional procession at the memorial site—turning it into a space of grief, remembrance, and resolve.
A memorial discussion followed, where speakers revisited the painful memories of history—the flames, the gunfire, the desperate attempts to flee, and the dark day when 43 innocent people were brutally killed.
According to historical accounts, on 22 November 1971, the Pakistani occupation forces and their local collaborators brutally killed 43 pro-independence civilians, including the then zamindar Siddheshwar Roy Prasad Chowdhury and the principal of Teroshree College, Atiar Rahman, by setting homes ablaze, by shooting them, and by burning them alive.
That day, the entire village of Teroshree was torched—homesteads, granaries, educational institutions, and shelters—nothing was spared.
Researchers consider this massacre one of the most heinous crimes against humanity in Manikganj and a horrifying episode in the history of the Liberation War.
Political leaders from various parties in Ghior collectively emphasized a crucial point—the need for official national recognition of the Teroshree massacre.
Given the current political tension, renewed youth interest in history, and the resurgence of democratic movements in the country, speakers said that this demand has become more relevant and urgent than ever.
Their speeches highlighted the deep connection between past and present—
the sacrifices of the martyrs of the Liberation War continue to form the moral foundation of today’s political reality.
Speaking as the chief guest, Manikganj Deputy Commissioner Nazmun Ara Sultana said:
“The Teroshree massacre is not only a dark chapter for Manikganj but for the entire nation’s Liberation War history. The martyrs’ sacrifices are the pillars of our existence. Their memory must inspire the new generation to embrace true patriotism and the spirit of humanity.”
She also announced that new initiatives are being planned at the district administration level for research, preservation, and public education on the Liberation War and genocide heritage.
The memorial discussion, presided over by Upazila Nirbahi Officer Nashita Tul Islam, featured speeches from:
Freedom Fighter and District Muktijoddha Command Convener Abdul Mannan,
District BNP Convening Committee Member Dr. Khondaker Akbar Hossain Bablu,
Assistant Commissioner (Land) Tanvir Islam,
OC Mohammad Kohinur Mia,
Upazila Engineer Shahinuzzaman,
Upazila BNP President Mir Manikuzzaman Manik,
General Secretary Kazi Wazed Ali Mister,
Paila Union BNP President Mosharraf Hossain Manik,
and leaders from various political parties.
Their unified demand was clear:
“From the Language Movement to the Liberation War—Teroshree has played a crucial role in every democratic uprising. Yet the demand for state recognition of the 43 martyrs of the Teroshree massacre remains unfulfilled.”
Speakers called for permanent preservation initiatives, national recognition of Teroshree Massacre Day, and the establishment of a dedicated Teroshree corner in the Liberation War Museum.
At a time when the nation is debating political instability, social division, and democratic rights, Teroshree Massacre Day serves not only as a remembrance—but as a call to reclaim the values of the Liberation War.
Local youths expressed that the wounds of history reaffirm a timeless truth:
resistance against injustice is the identity of the Bengali nation.
