HINDUSTAN TIMES, APRIL 9, 1971
MUJIB MEN RECAPTURE RAJSHAHI
Agartala, April 8 (UNI, PTI)-Even as Bangladesh freedom fighters liberated Rajshahi and moved on to challenge the West Pakistani troops in encampments elsewhere, Pakistani planes today rained napalm bombs in the northern parts of the land to spread more destruction.
The liberation forces triumphed at Rajshahi after a week-long battle. They also drove out the Pakistani troops from Saidpur after a fierce struggle.
The troops in Jessore were in a precarious position with the liberation forces stepping up the tempo of the battle there. A major battle was in progress in Comilla, which, contrary to some reports of yesterday, was still ill the hands of the Pakistani Army.
In the Sylhet area, the freedom fighters captured the Khadimnagar cantonment, where retreating troops from the main town had taken refuge two days ago. The Pakistanis withdrew to the Salutikar airfield and the -hilly area of a tea estate, about 10 kilometres from the town.
Awami League sources reported that an unpublicised battle was going on for the control of the Khulna industrial belt. They said that after several days of effort, the tide in this area had turned in favor of the freedom-fighters, under the command of Sheikh Nasiruddin, Banga. bandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s younger brother, who was providing able leadership despite being physically handicapped.
Reports from Rajshahi said a crushing defeat was inflicted on the Pakistani troops there. Nineteen Army personnel were killed in the fighting and about 200 others had been taken prisoner.
Freedom fighters were engaged in repairing the equipment of the Rajshahi radio station.