Bangladesh today commemorates the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Sreshtho Mohammad Ruhul Amin, one of the seven greatest heroes of the 1971 Liberation War. On December 10, 1971, Amin was killed in a fierce naval battle against Pakistani forces near the Rupsha River in Khulna. Born in 1934 in Noakhali, he joined the Navy after working briefly in journalism and rose to the rank of Junior Commissioned Officer through merit and dedication.

During the Liberation War, Ruhul Amin played a crucial role in forming the nascent Bangladesh Navy. He helped convert Indian-donated tugboats into gunboats named ‘Padma’ and ‘Palash’, serving as the chief engineer of the latter. Despite orders to abandon ship during an air attack at Hiron Point, Amin continued fighting until his vessel was destroyed. Captured and tortured by collaborators, he was martyred, and his body was never recovered.

His sacrifice remains a symbol of courage and patriotism. Each year, the nation pays tribute to his memory through military honors and public remembrance ceremonies.