People of the district observe December 20 with sadness as more than 25 freedom fighters met their tragic death on this day in 1971 in a mine blast at a transit camp only four days after the victory over the occupying Pakistan army on December 16.

Government, non-government, socio-cultural and political organisations have organised a day-long programme to mark the day, including placing of wreaths and bouquets at the graves of the martyrs.

District commander of the Moulvibazar unit of Bangladesh Muktijoddha Sangsad Md Jamal Uddin said local freedom fighters joined the transit camp after December 16, and arms, ammunition, mines and other explosives were stored there.

He said an accidental explosion of a mine set-off a series of explosions on the morning of December 20. Hearing the sound of the explosions, locals and some personnel of the Indian army rushed to the spot and recovered the bodies of over 25 freedom fighters.

They were buried with due honour in the south-eastern corner of the playground of Moulvibazar Government High School. A martyrs' memorial, built in front of the burial ground, came to be known as the Central Shaheed Minar of the district.