At least 25 freedom fighters were killed in a tragic mine explosion in Moulvibazar on this day in 1971.

The incident happened on the premises of Moulvibazar Government High School, where a transit camp was set up to store the arms, ammunitions and explosives recovered from the defeated Pakistani forces.

The residents and local administration in Moulvibazar have since then observed December 20 as "Local Shaheed Day", said Mishbaur Rahman, chairman of Moulvibazar Zila Parishad.

Different government, non-government, socio-cultural and political organisations have taken up day-long programmes to observe the day, including placing floral wreaths at the martyrs' memorial, holding dua mahfil, and discussions.

"On December 20 morning, we were unloading a truckload of explosives seized from Pakistani forces to a warehouse set up at the transit camp, when a mine exploded, leaving many freedom fighters dead," said Poni Chandra Sheel, a freedom fighter and an eye witness of the explosion

Recounting the event, Jamal Uddin, former commander of Muktijoddha Sangsad's Moulvibazar district unit, said while unloading the explosives, a freedom fighter accidentally dropped a mine, which exploded and caused several other mines to explode as well.

"Bodies of at least 25 freedom fighters were recovered from the site. They were later buried in the south-eastern corner of the school's playground with due honours," he also said.

A martyrs' memorial was built there later, which eventually came to known as the Central Shaheed Minar in Moulvibazar district, while another monument was later constructed which bears an inscription with the names of the 25 freedom fighters, who died in the tragic incident, Jamal Uddin added.