East Bengal Regiment: From Birth to Bravery (1948–Present)
East Bengal Regiment: From Birth to Bravery (1948–Present)
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| Logo of East Bengal Regiment call sign (Tigers) |
When the world was still adjusting to the realities of post-colonial power shifts in South Asia, a regiment quietly rose from the ashes of partition — born not of politics, but of pure patriotism. That regiment was none other than the East Bengal Regiment (EBR), the first infantry unit formed with soldiers from East Pakistan, now our beloved Bangladesh. Established in 1948, this was not just a military formation, but the beating heart of Bengali identity in uniform.
Today, as we honor more than 75 years of history, the East Bengal Regiment remains not just the oldest but arguably the bravest fighting force of the Bangladesh Army. Their journey from being second-class soldiers under Pakistani army command to becoming the first heroes to combat the autocracy of West Pakistan in 1971 is a story stamped in blood, sweat, sacrifice, and above all, honor.
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| Major Abdul Ghani founding father of East Bengal Regiments |
Chapter 1: The Birth of a Bengali Regiment (1948)
At the time of the Partition of British India in 1947, the Pakistan military was almost entirely made up of West Pakistanis especially Punjabis and Pathans. Bengalis, despite making up more than 50% of Pakistan’s population, were viewed as "physically weak and unsuitable for soldiering."
Yet, defying all colonial ''stereotypes'' the 1st Battalion of East Bengal Regiment was born in February 1948 at Kurmitola, Dhaka marking the beginning of what would become a massive turning point in South Asian military history.
First Commanders
The first commanding officer: Lt Col VJ Eykyn (British)
The first Bengali officer: Major Abdul Waheed Chowdhury
Among the earliest Bengali NCOs were heroes like Major Abdul Gani, who would go on to inspire future generations.
The motto “Grace, Strength, Speed” lived their vision: smart on parade, strong in battle, and swift in action.
Chapter 2: Building Strength in Silence (1950s–1960s)
In the early years, EBR had to fight more discrimination than actual enemies. Bengali soldiers received limited promotions, fewer resources, and were assigned mostly non-combat roles. But the regiment grew steadily, with 2 EBR, 3 EBR, and more battalions added over time.
Though seen as "underdog" in the Pakistani military chain of command, these warriors trained relentlessly — their loyalty to their homeland, not to the central command in Rawalpindi.
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, East Bengal Regiment soldiers served in UN peacekeeping, internal security operations, and even external deployments, building a reputation for unmatched discipline and resilience.
Read More: Understanding the Roles and Responsibilities of the Bangladesh Army
Chapter 3: Battle for Lahore – When Bengali Soldiers Saved the City (1965)
Before the East Bengal Regiment rose as heroes of Bangladesh’s independence, they had already proven their courage in the 1965 Indo-Pak war.
In that conflict, the city of Lahore stood dangerously exposed on the frontline. As the Indian military launched an intense armored and infantry assault toward Wagah and Batapur, the fate of Pakistan’s cultural capital hung in the balance.
When the might of Indian firepower threatened to break through, it wasn’t the elite West Pakistani units that held the line first it was the 1st Battalion of the East Bengal Regiment. Yes, Bengali boys often mocked as weak or unfit by West Pakistani generals stood firm, rifles locked, hearts roaring, ready to defend a land that barely respected them.
Positioned in the Batapur–Wagah sector, these soldiers faced relentless attacks—tanks, artillery, and air raids—but they refused to yield. Against overwhelming odds and limited resources, they turned rice paddies and factory lines into trenches of resistance, holding back the enemy and buying crucial time for reinforcements to secure Lahore.
Batapur Front: The Bengali Stand
Positioned in the Batapur–Wagah sector, the 1st East Bengal Regiment faced the brunt of India’s offensive. Tanks, artillery, air raids — nothing deterred them. Against overwhelming odds and limited logistical support, they turned rice paddies and factory lines into trenches of defiance.
These men weren’t just holding territory — they were holding the reputation of Bengalis in the army on their shoulders.
They fought not for the applause of generals, but for the honor of their regiment, and the pride of their people.
In doing so, they delayed the Indian advance, inflicted serious casualties, and gave time for reinforcements to protect Lahore.
Named Heroes of 1 EBR – The Lions of Batapur
Among those who stood out in the firestorm were:
Captain Aftabuddin Ahmed led a daring counter-attack under heavy fire
Lieutenant Anwar Hossain – organized critical flanking defense at the Batapur bridge
Subedar Abdul Haq – held his platoon together despite losing communication with HQ
Naik Rafiqul Islam – manned an LMG position for hours, covering his comrades' retreat
Sepoy Abdul Khalek – posthumously remembered for charging an Indian machine gun nest to save his team
These weren’t just soldiers — they were legends in the making.
Colonels and commanders who once doubted their worth watched in awe as the Bengali lions of 1 EBR proved their mettle.
A Victory Denied by Politics and Prejudice
Let history be rewritten with justice.
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| General Ziaur Rahman |
Chapter 4: The Night That Changed Everything – March 25, 1971
The soldiers of the East Bengal Regiment stood up. They picked up their rifles. They made a choice: to defend their people.
1 EBR and 8 EBR at the Front
Major Ziaur Rahman, second-in-command of 8 EBR in Chittagong, was among the first officers to openly revolt against Pakistan.
On March 27, he famously broadcast from Swadhin Bangla Betar:
"Ami Major Zia bolchi. Ami Bangladesh-er pokkhe juddho korchi."
("This is Major Zia speaking. I am fighting for Bangladesh.")
In Jashore, Lt Hafizuddin Ahmed of 1 EBR led fierce resistance.
Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir, Major Moinul Hossain Chowdhury, and many others turned their barracks into bunkers of revolution.
Chapter 5: East Bengal Regiment in the Liberation War
Sector 1: Major Ziaur Rahman (later K M Shafiullah)
Sector 2: Major Khaled Mosharraf
Sector 4: Major Chitta Ranjan Dutta
Sector 5: Major Mir Shawkat Ali
Sector 11: Major Abu Taher
They reorganized into:
Z Force – led by Ziaur Rahman
K Force – led by Khaled Mosharraf
S Force – led by K M Shafiullah
These were the first professional military formations of the future Bangladesh Army.
Victories and Valor
Sylhet, Kushtia, Jamalpur, and Jessore became battlegrounds of glory, where the East Bengal Regiment fought side by side with local freedom fighters.
Their discipline, tactics, and training proved vital in confronting the better-armed Pakistani Army.
When Dhaka finally fell on December 16, 1971, it was not politicians, but East Bengal warriors who had carried the nation on their shoulders through blood and fire.
Chapter 6: Post-Independence – From Glory to Guardianship
After 1971, the EBR was reorganized into the regular Bangladesh Army Infantry Core, becoming its largest and most prestigious formation.
Honors and Recognition
Many EBR members were awarded Bir Sreshtho, Bir Uttom, Bir Bikrom, and Bir Protik — Bangladesh’s highest gallantry awards.
Shaheed Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir of 1 EBR was posthumously awarded the Bir Sreshtho for his supreme sacrifice in Chapai Nawabganj.
Chapter 7: Evolving Through the Modern Era (1975–2025)
From stabilizing the new nation to peacekeeping across the globe, the East Bengal Regiment evolved into a force of global standard.
Peacekeeping Missions
East Bengal battalions have proudly served in Congo, Ivory Coast, Sudan, Lebanon, and Mali.
Their discipline and humanitarian conduct have earned global praise.
Domestic Operations
From tackling natural disasters to aiding civil administration and defending borders, EBR units remain at the frontline of national service.
Expansion
Today, there are over 50+ battalions of the East Bengal Regiment.
They form the core strike force of infantry divisions across the country.
They maintain ceremonial prestige, including guarding the Bangabhaban and National Parade Grounds.
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Chapter 8: Platinum Jubilee and New Leadership (2025)
With thousands of soldiers and officers serving under its banner, East Bengal Regiment remains not just a name, but a legacy that shaped a nation.
The End: The Heartbeat of Bangladesh’s Army
From Kurmitola to Kargil, from Chittagong Hill Tracts to Congo, their footsteps combat echo the bravery that built a nation.
Faq
1. When was the East Bengal Regiment founded?
The East Bengal Regiment was officially raised on 15 February 1948 in Kurmitola, Dhaka (then East Pakistan). It was the first infantry regiment of Bengali soldiers in the Pakistan Army.
2. Why is the East Bengal Regiment historically significant?
It holds a special place in Bangladesh’s military history as the first Bengali regiment, and during the 1971 Liberation War, its soldiers and officers played a pivotal role in revolting against the Pakistan Army to fight for independence.
3. How many battalions does the East Bengal Regiment have today?
Currently, the East Bengal Regiment is the largest combat regiment of the Bangladesh Army, with 50+ active battalions serving in different formations and UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
4. What role did the regiment play in the 1971 Liberation War?
East Bengal Regiment battalions were among the first to mutiny against the Pakistan Army in March 1971. They formed the backbone of the Mukti Bahini’s regular forces, leading major operations in Sylhet, Comilla, Jessore, Chattogram, and other sectors.
5. Who is considered the founding father of the East Bengal Regiment?
Major Abdul Waheed Chowdhury is credited as the founding father, as he was instrumental in raising and organizing the first battalion (1st East Bengal Regiment, also known as the “Senior Tigers”).
6. Why are they nicknamed the “Tigers”?
The regiment is nicknamed the “Bengal Tigers” because of their courage, aggressiveness, and fighting spirit on the battlefield, symbolizing the Royal Bengal Tiger of Bengal.
7. What is the motto of the East Bengal Regiment?
8. What are some major operations the regiment has participated in after 1971?
9. How has the regiment contributed internationally?
The East Bengal Regiment is among the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping Operations, with thousands of officers and soldiers serving in Sierra Leone, Congo, South Sudan, Lebanon, Mali, and Haiti.
10. What makes the regiment a source of national pride?
From being a symbol of Bengali representation in 1948, to fighting bravely in 1971, and now standing as the largest and most decorated regiment of the Bangladesh Army, the East Bengal Regiment embodies the patriotism, sacrifice, and bravery of Bangladesh’s soldiers.
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