Mohammad Ashraf Ali Khan (soldier)
Naik Subedar Mohammad Ashraf Ali Khan | |
|---|---|
| Born | Faridpur District, Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Died | December 1971 Comilla District, East Pakistan, Pakistan |
| Allegiance | Bangladesh |
| Branch | Bangladesh Army |
| Years of service | 1956–1971 |
| Rank | Naik Subedar |
| Unit | 2nd East Bengal Regiment |
| Battles / wars | Bangladesh Liberation War |
| Awards | Bir Bikrom |
Mohammad Ashraf Ali Khan (died 3 December 1971) was a Bangladeshi military personnel who served as a Naik Subedar in the 2nd East Bengal Regiment during the Bangladesh Liberation War. He was posthumously awarded Bir Bikrom for his actions during the conflict.[1] Bir Bikrom is the second-highest gallantry award, and he is one of 175 people to receive the award.[2]
Early life
Khan was born in the village of West Nijra in Ulpur Union, Gopalganj Sadar Upazila, Gopalganj District.[3] His father was Abdus Sobahan Khan, and his mother was Mosammat Sakhina Begum.[3]
Career
Khan joined the Pakistan Army in 1956 and served in various roles leading up to the Liberation War in 1971.[3] In 1971, he was posted at Joydebpur Cantonment as a Naik Subedar in the 2nd East Bengal Regiment.[3] Following the mutiny at the cantonment, he left the post on 27 April and moved to Gopalganj.[3] From there, he crossed into India and joined the war effort under Sector 2, commanded by Khaled Mosharraf.[3]
On 3 December 1971, Khan was stationed with a platoon near Azampur, close to Akhaura Rail Junction, along the Dhaka–Chattogram–Sylhet railway line.[3] The area was of strategic importance and frequently patrolled by Pakistan military.[3] In the early hours of the morning, Pakistan Army launched a surprise attack on the Mukti Bahini position.[3] A heavy battle ensued, with continuous shelling and increasing casualties among the fighters.[3] Despite the intensity of the conflict, Khan and his commanding officer, Lieutenant Ibne Fazal Badiuzzaman, coordinated a counterattack.[3] The Pakistani troops were eventually forced to retreat towards Brahmanbaria.[3]
During the engagement, Khan was fatally wounded by enemy gunfire.[3] He died on the battlefield before medical assistance could reach him. He was buried near Azampur Railway Station.[3] In the same battle, eight other freedom fighters, including Lieutenant Ibne Fazal Badiuzzaman, were also killed.[3] The battle resulted in the liberation of the Azampur railway area and its surroundings.[3] Three days later, Akhaura was liberated under the command of Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury.[4]
Personal life
Khan was married to Nurun Nahar Khanam.[5] They had two daughters.[5]
References
- ^ "মো. আশরাফ আলী খান, বীর বিক্রম". Prothomalo (in Bengali). Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ Haque, Muhammad Lutful (28 August 2021). "Gallantry Awards". Banglapedia. Retrieved 25 April 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p বিশ্বাস, রঞ্জনা (2024-03-25). "গোপালগঞ্জের খেতাবপ্রাপ্ত কয়েকজন মুক্তিযোদ্ধার বীরত্বগাথা". songbadprokash.com. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ "একাত্তরের এই দিনে শত্রুমুক্ত হয় আখাউড়া". The Daily Star Bangla. 2022-12-06. Archived from the original on 2023-02-02. Retrieved 2025-04-25.
- ^ a b "বীর বিক্রম মো. আশরাফ আলী খান | সংগ্রামের নোটবুক". Retrieved 2025-04-25.