Police to get Independence Award-11

Bangladesh Police has been nominated for the Independence Award-2011 for its glorious contributions to the country's liberation war in 1971, as they first put up resistance at Rajarbagh Police Lines against the Pakistan occupation forces, reports UNB. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hand over the award at a function at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on March 24. At least 14 police personnel of the Rajarbagh Police Lines were killed during the first resistance against the Pak occupation forces on the fateful night of March 25, 1971. Just after the crackdown had begun, the Police Lines transmitted its first message which read: "Base for all stations of East Pakistan Police. Keep listening, watch, we are already attacked by the Pak Army. Try to save yourselves, over." The message was sent to all districts, sub-divisions and thana headquarters through the wireless of Rajarbagh Police Lines just after the Pak Army began, "Operation Searchlight", after 11:30 pm on March 25. The valiant policemen equipped with rifles put up resistance which eventually turned into a full-scale guerilla warfare continuing for nine months.