The country was just three days away from final victory. On this day on December 13 in 1971 the allied force reached near Dhaka, only five to six miles away, crossing the Balu and Shitalakkhya rivers. Pakistan troops took firm defense on the eastern bank of Balu River.
Khilgaon and Basabo were rigid field defense areas for the Pakistani Army. The allied force changed their tactics to prompt Dhaka’s fall.
Two brigades of 57th division advanced from the east. Another brigade led by General Gandharv Nagra and the paratroopers in Tangail moved forward from the Northern side. And the 4th division crossed Madhumati River and reached on the bank of Padma River.
General Nagra reached Tangail around 9:00pm. He met two Brigadiers -- Kler and San Singh-- at Wapda rest house to discuss next course of action.
He praised the Muktibahini, “If they did not help us coming all the way till here without facing any battles, then we would be tired on the road due to the fighting and skirmishes.”
The allied force in the northern region started advancing towards Bogra from Govindaganj.
A Pakistan regiment with cannons and tanks waiting in Bogra created a heavy defensive resistance.
In the night, the allied force cordoned Bogra town. In midnight, three battalions attacked from northern, southern and north-eastern part of the town.
On this day in 1971, Manikganj was liberated from the clutches of Pakistan occupation forces on December 13.
On the day, freedom fighters first hoisted the National flag atop the Primary Training Institute (PTI) in bus stand area of the district as people from all walks of life took to streets to celebrate the happiness of freedom, agency reports.
On December 13, 1971, Pakistan occupation forces retreated from Manikganj in the face of fierce attack by the valiant Freedom Fighters near Manora bridge on Dhaka-Aricha High Way.