MILITARY BATTLES - BATTLES OF AXIS BRAHMANBARIA-BHAIRAB-DHAKA (LIBERATION WAR OF BANGLADESH)

General

1.         The battles along Axis Brahmanbaria- Bhairab-Dhaka were very spectacular and crucial. This shows that no plan of operation can look beyond the initial clash of major forces with certainty and rigidity. 57 Mountain Division along with S Force and Mukti Bahini of Sec 3 operated in this axis.

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Pakistani Defense Plan

2.         14 Pakistani Division was responsible for defense of this area. Division HQ was at Ashugonj. 27 Infantry Brigade was holding the area Akhaura and Brahmanbaria. Brigade HQ was located at Brahmanbaria which was occupied as a depth position by an adhoc force consisting of one company of 21 Azad Kashmir and one company of Baluch along with a company of EPCAF. It was supported by a field battery.

3.         27 Infantry Brigade was also holding the shortest route to Dhaka Bowl from the east. It was earmarked to participate in the Dhaka Bowl defense and hoped that 27 Brigade would fall back on Norsingdi after Bhairab Bazar battle.

Allied Offensive Plan

4.         The task originally given to 57 Mountain Division was as follows:

a.         In Phase-1, capture Akhaura and build up in the Maynamoti area by D plus 5.

b.         In Phase-2, capture Daudkandi by D plus 8 while 311 Mountain Brigade was to contain enemy at Brahmanbaria.

c.         In Phase-3, the division less 311 Brigade but with K Force to capture Chittagong.

5.         However, the original plan was changed to exploit the success gained at Akhaura. Modified plan was as under:

a.         Capture Brahmanbaria instead of Daudkandi.

b.         Secure the eastern bank of Meghna and capture Ashugonj which subsequently led to crossing the Meghna and ultimately march to Dhaka.

The Battle in Brief

6.         After neutralizing Pakistani defense at Akhaura on 05 November, the division advance towards Ashuganj pursuing Pakistani 27 Brigade and other elements of 14 Division. Brahamanbaria fell on 08 November.

7.         After the brief battle of Ashuganj, part of Pakistani 14 Division along with Division HQ withdraw towards Bhairab-Bazar across the Meghna. Bhairab Bazar Bridge was demolished by the withdrawing Pakistani forces.

8.         Leaving a force to contain the Pakistani position at Bhairab Bazar, leading elements of 57 Mountain Division along with 2 East Bengal crossed the river Meghna and proceeded to Norshingdi. Massive heli lifting was also carried out to concentrate force at the rear of the enemy for speedy advance to Dhaka.

9.         By 12 December, 311 Mountain Brigade and part of 73 Mountain Brigade and S Force got across the Meghna. Narshingdi was captured intact.

10.       There after 311 Mountain Brigade headed for Demra while 73 Mountain Brigade advanced towards Tongi via Ghorashal. By 14 December, the leading elements of 57 Mountain Brigade reached the outskirts of Dhaka.

11.       Causes of Pakistani Defeat.

a.         Vital ground ( Dhaka Bowl) was not defended properly.

b.         Growing fear of insecurity.

c.         Low morale.

d.         Classic maneuver of lndo-Bangladesh Joint Forces.

e.         Fortress concept of defense allowed Allied to bypass.

f.          Advantage of natural obstacle was not utilized.

g.         Pakistan army lacked aggressive posture in defensive battle.

12.       Lessons Learnt.

a.         Defense must take the advantage of natural obstacle. (particularly against a superior force).

b.         Line of communication should be maintained to sustain a prolonged war.

c.         Flow of intelligence is of paramount importance.

d.         Continuous logistic support is a must to win over any battle.

e.         Air support is a decisive factor for victory.

f.          Balanced grouping of force plays a vital role.

g.         Bold and imaginative use of helicopter contributes largely in maintaining the momentum in the offensive and specially in negotiating the major water obstacle.

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