On December 16, 1971, as Pakistani forces formally surrendered in Dhaka, the city’s residents were largely unaware of the historic moment unfolding inside the cantonment. While Indian troops entered the capital around 10:40 a.m., and the unconditional surrender was signed at the Racecourse Ground at 5 p.m., most civilians learned of Bangladesh’s liberation only later through radio broadcasts. Outside, freedom fighters emerged from hiding, and crowds shouted slogans of victory, even as sporadic gunfire echoed across the city.
Researchers and eyewitnesses describe a day marked by confusion and anticipation. Meetings between Indian Major General Gandharv Singh Nagra and Pakistan’s Major General Jamshed finalized the surrender terms, while inside the cantonment, tension persisted. Historian Mofidul Hoque and journalist Afsan Chowdhury recall that many Dhaka residents could not grasp the full scale of events until evening.
The surrender, signed by Lt. Gen. A.A.K. Niazi and Lt. Gen. Jagjit Singh Aurora, ended nine months of brutal conflict and marked the birth of Bangladesh. Yet, fear and disbelief lingered in the streets, reflecting the trauma of a nation emerging from war.
আমার দেশ অনলাইন প্রকাশ : ১৬ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৫, ১৩: ৩৯আপডেট : ১৬ ডিসেম্বর ২০২৫, ১৫: ৩৮ আমার দেশ অনলাইন উনিশশো একাত্তর সালের ষোলই ডিসেম্বর পাকিস্তান বাহিনী ঢাকায় আত্মসমর্পণ করলেও সর্বস্তরের সাধারণ মানুষ সে খবর জেনেছিল আরো পরে রেডিওর মাধ্যমে। যদিও বেশ কিছু
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