২৮ জুন ১৯৭১, বাংলাদেশ বাহিনীর সদর দপ্তর থেকে দেওয়া নির্দেশাবলি TOP SECRET
Copy 22 of 24 Copies IMMEDIATE (BY COURIER) No. 0001 G HQ BANGLADESH FORCES, FIELD C/O GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF BANGLADESH, MUJIB NAGAR.
To:
Commanders All Sectors/Battalions E BENGAL 28 June 71 Subject: COMMAND AND CONTROL OF BANGLA DESH FORCES AND OPERATIONAL LIAISON CO-ORDINATION WITH SUPPORTING FORCES INTRODUCTORY
Some doubts seem to persist on the subject of command and control of the Bangla Desh Forces, and operational liaison and co-ordination with supporting forces. These are clarified in the succeeding paragraphs, for the success of Bangla Desh Forces in the speediest destruction of the occupation forces, the Mission given to the forces by the Government of Bangla Desh. COMPOSITION OF BANGLA DESH FORCES (MUKTI BAHINI)
The term Bangla Desh Forces covers regular soldiers, sailors, airmen of all ranks, personnel of civil armed forces (like EPR), auxiliary forces like ‘Mujahids’ and ‘Ansars’, now embodied and operating with regular forces (in which they are being absorbed on successful completion of further training, where considered necessary, to attain the requisite standard), Civil Police personnel who have been operating with the regular forces, Civilian officers who have been fighting with the forces and other civilians filling specific combatant functions such as drivers, fitters or as NCSE (cooks, sweepers etc), as well as irregular forces such as guerillas and Special Forces operating on the ground, water or air.
The following nomenclature will be used:- a. Regulars (NIYOMITO BAHINI) (1) Army: Regulars of the Infantry, grouped into the East Bengal Regiment (abbreviated E BENGAL), which will include personnel of the EPR, embodied ‘Mujahids’ and ‘Ansars’, and regulars from other Arms/Svcs eg, AC/Arty/Sigs, etc. (2) Navy: Regulars from Navy and Air Force. (3) Air Force: Regulars from Navy and Air Force. b. Irregulars (‘GONO BAHINI’) Comprising of :- (1) Guerillas: Personnel trained in guerilla warfare. (2) Special Forces: Personnel who have received special guerilla or other training.
All personnel of the Bangla Desh Forces come under the relevant services acts, viz, Army, Navy or Air Force Acts and connected regulations made applicable, mutatis mutandis, to Bangla Desh by the President under the Continuance of Laws Order of April 1971. COMMAND AND CONTROL
The Bangla Desh Forces owe allegiance to the Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangla Desh and are under command of the Government exercised through the Commander-in-Chief, appointed by the Government with the status of a Cabinet Minister. The Commander-in-Chief is assisted in the exercise of his command by the HQ Bangla Desh Forces which is a unified command and the appointments to which are made expressly with the approval of the Government.
All matters of policy, relating to Operations, Organisation, Personnel, Administration/Logistics or any other policy matter; control of weapons, equipment, vehicles and tele-communication equipment and appointments and transfers (other than regimental appointments and appointments and transfers within a Sector/Battalion), Commissions and Postings, are matters for the Commander-in-Chief to decide.
Subject to the above, the exercise of command is decentralised to Commanders of Sectors who will be responsible to the Commander-in-Chief for the efficient functioning of their commands and for the correct and speedy implementation of all tasks in conformity with the prescribed policies. OPERATIONAL COORDINATION AND SUPPORT
In view of the geographical situation of Bangla Desh and the communication difficulties, Sector Commanders are authorised to work out details of their operational plans in conformity with the operational policy laid down by the Commander-in-Chief. For current operational policy see Appendix A attached. For the execution of this policy, Sector Commanders will work in close liaison with the Sector Commanders of the Supporting Forces, and will be advised and assisted in their tasks by them. Supporting Forces a. Regular Indian Army Formations
Designated Indian Army Sector Commanders/Formations are providing all support including fire and full logistic support to the Bangla Desh Sectors in their areas of jurisdiction. Indian Army Sector Commanders are responsible for providing all assistance in planning and coordination of activities of Bangla Desh Forces and the BSF under the overall directions of the Indian Formations on the border. Main HQ of Sectors of Bangla Desh Forces should, therefore, be located nearest to HQ of these supporting sector commands to ensure close cooperation and to avail of the communication facilities, both forward to sub sectors HQ and rearward to HQ Bangla Desh Forces.
Sector Commanders will work under these general directions without having to refer to HQ Bangla Desh Forces except on any matter relating to matters mentioned in paragraph 6 above. They should be able to resolve differences, if any, with the supporting forces sector commander. If in exceptional cases these differences cannot be resolved at their level or where any proposed action does NOT conform to the current operational policy, immediate reference will be made to HQ Bangla Desh Forces by Operational Immediate Signal or by a Liaison Officer for the prior approval of the Commander-in-Chief. b. BSF
Under the overall guidance of the Indian Army Sector Commander the local BSF Commander is required to assist in the launching of operations by Bangla Desh Forces on the border. Very close coordination with the BSF is, therefore, a must for operational success. ECHELON OF HQ BANGLA DESH FORCES IN EASTERN AREA
An echelon of HQ Bangla Desh Forces with the Chief of Staff Bangla Desh Forces is located in the Eastern Area, to ensure the closest political and logistic co-operation and also to deal with all matters, within the frame work of the Commander-in-Chief’s policy, without reference to HQ Bangla Desh Forces, to provide speedy assistance to Sector Commanders.
Acknowledge. COMMANDER IN CHIEF Copy to – Chief of Staff, Bangla Desh Forces. Supporting Indian Army HQ through LO (14 copies) IG Operations BSF Distribution 9 Sectors of Bangla Desh Forces – 9 Copies Chief of Staff Bangla Desh Forces – 1 Copy Office Copy – 1 Copy War Diary – 1 Copy IA LO – 11 Copies for distribution to Indian Army Formations and Sectors TOP SECRET
TOP SECRET
Appendix ‘A’ (Attached to HQ Bangla Desh Forces No. 0001 G of 28 June 1971) CURRENT OPERATIONAL POLICY
In view of the current situation, the Operational Policy for the present shall be:- a. To avoid set-piece attacks and conventional operations as these will be costly to own forces. Instead, to destroy the enemy by well-planned and bold raids and ambushes carried out with surprise and concentrated fire power, to inflict the maximum destruction and disruption on the enemy, and then disengage and speedily withdraw to own raid bases and hide-outs which must be frequently changed to avoid detection and enemy air action. While conventional defensive battles will be avoided, effective defensive measures will be taken for the security of patrol bases, hide-outs and bases with particular reference to camouflage, all-round protection and out-posts/look-outs/ambushes covering approaches to such bases. b. Keeping the above policy in view, recce and aggressive fighting patrols combined with ambushes on the enemy’s land and river lines of communication, raids on posts and attacks on posts which are weak, shall be vigorously conducted daily on a planned basis. Plans for these Operations shall be formulated in conjunction with designated Indian Army Sector/Formation Commanders, who are responsible for co-ordinating plans. Particular attention will be given to night operations and all training concentrated on attaining the highest standard in operating by night with the utmost silence, maintaining direction and control. c. In all cases, where fire support is necessary it will be provided by the supporting Indian Army Formation/Sector. d. Control and Co-ordination. Within the above policy and subject to control and coordination by Sector/Battalion Commanders, the day to day conduct of operations shall be decentralised to Sub Sector/Company Commanders, to ensure speedy action and maximum results. The tasks given to various Sub Sectors/Companies must be coordinated at Sector/Battalion level on the basis of a ‘fortnightly tasks’ plan known only to the Sector Commander/Supporting Commander and the Sub Sector/Company Commander concerned. For security reasons, operational orders on a task need only be given in due time and only to those required to know it who should then be segregated at a separate and temporary base till the launching of the operation. In addition, opportunity targets may be attacked/ambushed by the Sub Sector/Company Commander without reference to the Sector/Battalion Commander (if time does NOT permit prior reference) provided the action is within the scope of the Operational Policy given above. The Sector/Battalion Commander must, in such a case, be immediately informed about it.
Guerilla operations are NOT covered by the above. Separate instructions on organisation, launching and operation of guerillas are under issue. TOP SECRET
মুক্তিযোদ্ধা নির্বাচনে এমএনএদের সম্পৃক্ততা বিষয়ে প্রধানমন্ত্রীর কাছে আমার প্রস্তাব NOTE
Since the month of August, we are recruiting a large number of youths for training as guerillas. From a study of the qualities and the performance of guerillas, it appears that enough attention has not been paid in the past in selecting the right type of youths for training. It is mainly because the MNAS/MPAS in charge of recruitment are burdened with various other responsibilities and as such are unable to devote enough time for recruitment. Selection and recruitment of such large number of youths is a full time job. In order to assist the MNAS/MPAS in selecting the best youth for guerilla training, it is proposed that we provide an Assistant Recruiting Officer in each youth camp whose whole time job would be devoted in this particular task only. We have a total of 24 youth camps and as such we need 24 Assistant Recruiting Officers. These Recruiting Officers will have two primary functions namely:- a. Selecting youths from youth Camps for guerilla training. b. Selecting trainees from reception camps and arrange their transportation upto youth camps.
These Assistant Recruiting Officers will live in the youth camps and besides carrying out recruitment will also provide motivation to the youths. They will try out their function in close co-ordination with Local MNAS/MPAS, Bangladesh Forces Headquarters and youth camp organisations. Considering the limited time available at our disposal between each recruitment, it is proposed these appointments be made with effect from 10 Oct. The terms and conditions for the services are to be the same as those of other Class I Civil Officers.
Submitted for your kind approval. Deputy Chief of Staff 1 Oct ‘71
মুজিব বাহিনীসংক্রান্ত একটি বার্তা MESSAGE FORM IMMEDIATE FROM SEC K BDF SECRET TO: EASTCOM GS (X) G – INFORM: DELTA SECTOR (BY HAND) Comds Sector 1 CMM 2 and 3 to C-in-C (.) all operations stopped due to fol reasons (.) ALFA (.) certain organisation inducts large no of Bangladesh boys inside Bangladesh without consulting Sector Comds (.) BRAVO (.) these boys are all armed by this mysterious org with rifles CMM LMG CMM sten and comm set (.) CHARLIE (.) fol alarming report on these groups received from inside Bangladesh (.) ONE (.) these groups are telling Bangladesh citizens that they do not owe allegiance to present mil or civ leadership (.) TWO (.) gen public in the interior are intimidated by these groups being well armed to follow the leadership of Bangla liberation front of which they are the soul representative (.) THREE (.) they also telling population inside to rise against present leadership and follow the BLF of which Fazlul Haque Moni CMM Abdul Rab and Quddus Makhan are the leaders (.) own tps had to face near confrontation (.) clashes narrowly avoided due to restraint by own offrs (.) similar instances happened in the interior (.) some own bases in the interior are badly disrupted due to physical actions by this org (.) case in point Naogaon and Araihazar and Chandpur (.) DELTA (.) gen public in the interior completely confused who are the real MUKTI BAHINI and whom they should support (.) ECHO (.) this org had beaten two own regular Bengal tps and kept them in illegal confinement in Agartala knowing them to be such (.) own offr when approached they declined to hand over the tps inspite of repeated request instead used derogatory remarks against sec comd (.) 01/BDF/GS (ops) dated Sep 71.
মুজিব বাহিনীসংক্রান্ত অপর একটি বার্তা OPS IMMEDIATE DTG FROM EASTCOM GS (X) DELTA 11 1640 TO S CHARLIE SECTOR SECRET G-0002 from C-in-C Bangladesh Forces for his cos and Comds 1 cmm 2 cmm 3 sectors (.) your message of 071230 delivered by Mr. SHAMSUL HAQ 110900 (.) one (.) you have shown commendable restraint and appreciate sober handling of sit by you (.) two (.) taken up matter highest level also spoken to Maj Gen UBAN on undesirability ops by unintegrated forces NOT owing allegiance to Govt of Bangladesh NOR forming part of Bangladesh Forces MUKTI BAHINI (.) three (.) keep ready for conference cos and Comds 1(1) to 4(4) Sector Comds being called earliest (.) others recently returned to sectors (.) four (.) reference our signal G-0002 of 11 sep (.) each sector and Ech HQ to immediately send two trained sig corps signallers to collect sets for link with me (.) ack Case No. 00024 of 11 Sep 71
নৌ-কমান্ডোদের সাফল্য বিষয়ে একটি বার্তা MSG FORM From: HQ No 1 Sector To: HQ Delta Sector Info: Echelon HQ BDF DT 23 CONFD G- 2,4 twenty four 1 of spl group returned (.) now staying at camp (.) rest of the boys safe (.) reaching soon (.) detail info as under (.) alfa (.) seven ships and two barges sunk in CTG post (.) one barge sank in the centre of river KARNAFULY opposite jetty No 13 (.) port approach completely blocked (.) bravo (.) one ship sunk in oil jetty (.) charlie (.) AL ABAS was unloading ammo (.) delta (.) Lt Gen TIKKA KHAN came to CTG on 16 Aug to personally assess the damage and cause (.) senior naval offr in charge of port has been arrested (.) all sentries in the port arrested (.) serious clash between PUNJABIS and BALUCHIS took place over the ship incidence (.) PUNJABIS blamed BALUCHIS for helping MF in blowing the ships (.) hvy exchange of fire between PUNJABIS and BALUCHIS on 16 and 17 Aug in port area cmm CTG Cantt cmm and airport reported (.) in a clash in CTG airport on the ni of 16/17 Aug 3 offrs and 20 other ranks killed (.) a large no of sentries from BALUCH REGT who were on port duty have been shot (.) curfew imposed by Pak army in CTG port and even in KARNAFULY river water (.) no one allowed to port area (.) BOYS ARE IN HIGH SPIRIT= File No 101/1/GS(O) Sector Comd 23 Aug 71
বিমানবাহিনী গঠন বিষয়ে একটি নোটশিট PRAYERS FOR THE PRIME MINISTER OF INDIA Utilization of air and ground crew of Air Force Two proposals were put forward by Air Chief Marshal Dal, Chief of Air Staff:- a. The pilots of Bangladesh Forces should operate with Indian Air Force operational units. These officers will, however, be subjected to rules, regulations and discipline of Indian Air Force. b. Indian Air Force may be able to spare two VAMPIRE aircraft in case a separate unit is to be established with Bangladesh pilots and ground crews. Regarding the first proposal, it is felt that the Bangladesh pilots have been trained on American pattern which is different from the standard operating procedure of Indian Air Craft. This itself will take some time for adopting to the new system of operation. We have experience in having pilots from IRAN, TURKEY who are also trained in American pattern but had taken fairly long time to get adjusted to the PAF for operation effectively as Section Pilot. Besides, some of our pilots are very senior and have been commanding operational wing and squadrons. It will be rather uncomfortable for them to operate under the Section leader of the ranks of a Flt Lieut or Flying Officer. So far as the second proposal is concerned, it is felt that we should at least have some aircraft to operate which will keep us with the time if not ahead of the time. VAMPIRE is an out dated aircraft brought out in 1946 and have very limited capability in term of speed and armament load. It is no match to F-86 aircraft operated by PAF. As conversion to any new aircraft will take almost the same time, it will be more realistic to have an aircraft which is still not outdated. For this, we strongly recommend at least a Hunter aircraft or any other aircraft of similar capabilities.
যৌথ নেতৃত্ব বিষয়ে কর্নেল ওসমানীর পত্র Copy No… of Fourteen TOP SECRET Copies No. 0001G HQ Bangladesh Forces Field C/O Government of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh Mujibnagar 11 Oct 71 To:- Comds All Sectors, ) By Name Comd Z Force Bangladesh Forces Copy to: Chief of Staff, Bangladesh Forces GOC-in-C Supporting Forces Comd through LO Subject: Command and Control of Bangladesh Forces for Operations In continuation of HQ Bangladesh Forces No. 00010 of 28 June 71.
Reproduced below are contents of Appendix ‘A’ to HQ Eastern Comd DO No. 101076/1/0(Ops) of 6 Oct 71 bearing the title – ‘Command and Control of Bangladesh Forces for Operations, As Agreed to By The Acting President and The Prime Minister Bangladesh with GOC-in-C Eastern Command’.
As would be noted from contents of the first para, there was a paper on the subject prepared after discussion between our Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary, India on 28 Sep 71 whilst I was out on tour. Own Defence Secretary and DCOS Bangladesh Forces were present. On return I studied the paper and had some points to raise which were pointed out to the Prime Minister and the Acting President and I left behind alternative drafts for GOC-in-C Eastern Command as I was again going out on tour. The paper reproduced below incorporates the points raised by me which are adequately reflected in sub para (d), that is to say – The a. Whilst the operational responsibility for execution of all tasks will vest in the Indian Army Formation Commander because of his having the infrastructure and fire support and other supporting resources), this in NO way will affect the command of Bangladesh Sector Commander over his forces. b. Operations including induction programme will be carried out under the overall supervision of the senior Indian Army Formation Commanders in the sector in conformity with plans and policy formulated by C-in-C Bangladesh Forces and GOC-in-C Eastern Command. Commander-in-Chief TOP SECRET COMMAND AND CONTROL OF BANGLADESH FORCES FOR OPERATIONS, AS AGREED TO BY THE ACTING PRESIDENT AND THE PRIME MINISTER BANGLADESH WITH GOC-IN-C EASTERN COMMAND
As a sequel to the discussion on command and control of BANGLADESH Forces by the Defence Secretary with the Prime Minister BANGLADESH on 28 Sep 71, further discussion were held by GOC-in-C Eastern Command with the Prime Minister and the Acting President on 5 Oct 71. The Vice Chief of the Army Staff attended the meeting.
It was agreed that the following procedure for command and control of operations undertaken by the Mukti Bahini/ Freedom Fighters and the regular battalions of the EAST BENGAL Regiment would be followed:- (a) Broad tasks sectorwise and time schedule for completion of tasks will be decided by C in C BANGLADESH Forces and GOC in C Eastern Command after mutual consultation. Redeployment of EAST BENGAL Battalions, when necessary, will also be decided at this level only. (b) The task and time schedule for completion decided upon by C in C BANGLADESH Forces and GOC in C Eastern Command will then be communicated to the Indian Army Formation Commanders and the BANGLADESH Sector Commanders responsible for various sectors through respective command channels. No change or modification of tasks etc will be permitted at lower levels. (c) Detailed plans to implement the task given will be drawn up at Indian Army Formation and the BANGLADESH Sector Headquarters level after mutual consultation between Indian Army Formation Commander and the BANGLADESH Sector Commander. They may also decide on additional tasks to be carried out in their respective sectors. (d) Once detailed plans have been drawn up at Formation and BANGLADESH Sector Headquarters level, the operational responsibility for execution of all tasks relating to a sector will vest in the Indian Army Formation Commander. This, however, in no way will affect the power of command of the BANGLADESH Sector Commander over his forces. All operations close to the border as well as deep induction programme will be carried out under the overall supervision of the senior Indian Army Formation Commander in the sector in conformity with plans and policy formulated by C in C BANGLADESH Forces and GOC in C Eastern Command.
Instructions outlining the above procedure will be sent to subordinate formations and BANGLADESH: Sectors by Headquarters Eastern Command and Headquarters BANGLADESH Forces respectively. TOP SECRET
৩০ জুলাই ১৯৭১, বাংলাদেশ বাহিনীর সদর দপ্তর থেকে দেওয়া বীরত্বসূচক খেতাব বিষয়ে নির্দেশাবলি CONFIDENTIAL
BY AIR COURIER SERVICE No. 1015/ HQ Bangladesh Forces Field C/O Govt of the Peoples’ Republic of Bangladesh Mujibnagar
To:- Comds All Sectors/Bns E BENGAL 30 July 71 Copy for info to : COS Subject: Gallantry Awards – Recommendations For
Recommendations for the Gallantry Awards of various orders mentioned below, have NOT yet been received:
Degree of Gallantry
Annunciation Award
Highest Order
Gallantry of the highest order in the face of enormous odds entailing the peril of certain death, in which, but for the individual’s gallant deed the enemy would have succeeded in inflicting grave loss on own forces. Alternatively, the individual’s gallant dead caused the destruction to the enemy of a magnitude, having vital influence on the course of operations. Essential three witnesses. Rs. 10,000/00
High Order
As above but of a lesser degree. Two witnesses. Rs. 5,000/00
Commendable Order
As above but of a still lesser degree. One witness. Rs. 2,000/00
Certificate
Of a degree not coming upto any of the above standard but of a positive nature warranting recognition.
Recommendations on the form reproduced at appendix ‘A’ attached, shall be initiated by the officer in immediate command e.g. Coy Comd, through the Bn Comd and the Sector Comd (if other than the Bn Comd) who will ensure completion in all respects and submit it to HQ Bangladesh Forces (Personnel) for further action. Each of the officers in the channel mentioned shall enter in their own hand specific recommendation on the case as to which degree of gallantry he recommends for the individual. Completed form and recommendations contained in it should be treated as SECRET. Under NO circumstances will it be disclosed to any one NOT required to know about it, in connection with his duties in dealing with the case. Recommendations for period upto 30 June 1971 will be IMMEDIATELY submitted and thereafter, once a month on the 1st day of the month following the one it relates to.
Special Provision for Immediate Award. Recommendation for an Immediate Award, justified by extra-ordinary deed of valour, or by need for immediate recognition after a major operation, will be submitted immediately after the action but on the form and through channel prescribed, in this letter.
On receipt at HQ Bangladesh Forces, a Board composed as given in para 5 below shall scrutinise each case to ensure uniformity in assessment and shall make final recommendations to the C-in-C. After the C-in-C’s approval, the finalised recommendations will be submitted to the Minister for Defence for final sanction of the award on behalf of the Government after which it will be communicated to all concerned.
Board to Scrutinize Recommendations for Gallantry Awards. President: Chief of Staff (in case of immediate award or otherwise, when COS’ presence is impossible, the Deputy Chief of Staff will be the Chairman). Members: One of the Sector Comds (by rotation) ACOS (Operations) ACOS (Personnel & Logistics) as also as Secretary of the Board.
Publication of Citation. Details of the Citation for a Gallantry Award shall be carefully examined from the security point of view and necessary deletions/modifications effected before release for publication/radio broadcast.