Anwarul Azim

North Bengal Sugar Mills will observe “Shaheed Day” today in memory of those who embraced martyrdom on this day (May 5) during the 1971 Liberation War.

The Pakistan occupation forces killed Language Movement veteran and freedom fighter Shaheed Lt Md Anwarul Azim, the then administrator of the sugar mill in Gopalpur of Lalpur in Natore, and over 150 officers and employees of the mill, says a press release.

Azim tried desperately to save others’ lives. He even urged Pakistan army to kill him and spare the lives of mill employees.

The Pakistan forces took revenge on Azim and his fellow freedom fighters as they defeated Pakistani troops in a battle near Gopalpur railway station and blew up the Ishwardi airport.

In recognition of his role in the Liberation War, Gopalpur railway station was named “Azim Nagar” as per the direct instruction of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1974. A “commemorative stamp” was also published in 1994. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year bestowed upon Shaheed Azim the “Swadhinata Padak” (Independence Award) to honour his sacrifice.