Nur Mohammad Sheikh's 90th birth anniversary tomorrow

The 90th birth anniversary of Bir Shreshtho Nur Mohammad Sheikh will be observed tomorrow (Thursday) with due respect and solemnity in Narail. Nur Mohammad Sheikh was born on February 26, 1936, in Mahishkhola village, now known as Nur Mohammadnagar, under Chandibarpur Union in Narail Sadar upazila.  His father was Mohammad Amanat Sheikh and mother was Jennatunnesa. He lost both of his parents during his childhood and studied up to the seventh grade. In recognition of his sacrifice, Mahishkhola village was officially renamed Nur Mohammadnagar on March 18, 2008.

According to his service record, Nur Mohammad Sheikh joined the then East Pakistan Rifles (EPR) on March 14, 1959, which is now known as the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). After serving for a long time at the Dinajpur border, he was transferred to the Jashore sector on July 10, 1970, and was later promoted to the rank of Lance Naik. In 1971, he actively participated in the Liberation War under Sector No-8, covering the Jashore region. Under the leadership of Captain Nazmul Huda, he fought bravely against the Pakistani occupation forces in the Boyra area of  the Kashipur border in Sharsha upazila.

On September 5, 1971, during a fierce gunfight with Pakistani forces in Goalhati and Chutipur of Jashore, his fellow fighter Nannu Mia was seriously injured. Displaying extraordinary courage, Nur Mohammad advanced toward the enemy with a light machine gun (LMG) while carrying his wounded comrade on his shoulder and continued firing. He was critically wounded by a mortar shell during the battle. Despite his grave injuries, he continued fighting to protect his fellow soldiers and their weapons. At one stage, he succumbed to his injuries on the battlefield.

Nur Mohammad Sheikh was buried in Kashipur of Sharsha upazila, Jashore. In recognition of his supreme sacrifice and valiant contribution to the Liberation War, he was posthumously awarded the country's highest gallantry award 'Bir Shreshtho'. On the occasion of his birth anniversary, the Bir Shreshtho Nur Mohammad Trust and the district administration have chalked out various programmes, including Quran recitation at Nur Mohammadnagar, wreath-laying and a guard of honor at his memorial, a discussion meeting, and a prayer mahfil at the Bir Shreshtho Shaheed Lance Nayek Nur Mohammad Sheikh Library and Memorial Museum auditorium. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mohammad Abdul Salam is expected to attend the programme as the chief guest.