On December 17, 1971, one day after the formal surrender was signed by the Pakistan Army, fighting raged on in some areas of the city. The home of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Dhanmondi was guarded by around a dozen Pakistani soldiers and to ensure the safety of Bangabandhu’s family, an Indian army officer, Major Ashok Tara, went to the Dhanmondi home accompanied by three jawans.

In a psychological war, Tara persuaded the Pakistani soldiers to lay down their weapons. Recalling the day’s events, Lt. Col (retd) Ashok Tara, told Bangla Tribune, “After the Pakistani soldiers left, wife of Bangabandhu came towards me and putting hands on my head blessed me.”

At that time, the Pakistani flag was still flying over the home.

“I took down the flag and threw it down on the ground and Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib trampled on it with uncontrolled revulsion.”

On that day, I witnessed the expression of pent up hatred towards Pakistan for the genocide and persecution, added Tara.

In 2012, Tara was awarded ‘Friends of Bangladesh’ for his extraordinary contribution to the freedom struggle and was also given acknowledgement when PM Sheikh Hasina went to India last year.