The Battle of Jamalpur during the 1971 war unfolded as the 31st Baloch Regiment of the Pakistan Army, under the command of Lt. Col. Sultan Ahmed, fortified its defensive position in Jamalpur Fortress on December 7.
The strategic importance of Jamalpur in East Pakistan added weight to the events that transpired between December 9 and 10.
Facing the Indian 95th Brigade, comprising 1 Maratha, 6 Bihars, and 13 Guards, the Pakistani forces withstood multiple attacks and bombardments, including rocket fire, aircraft assaults, and napalm strikes.
Despite the relentless efforts, the defending forces successfully repelled ten Indian attacks during this period.
On December 10, Indian Brigade Commander Hardut Singh Kaler delivered a warning to Lt. Col. Sultan Ahmed through Mukti Bahini messenger Zahul Haq Manshi.
The message outlined a dire situation, urging surrender or face destruction, with a claim of 40 flights of MiGs at their disposal.
Lt. Col. Sultan Ahmed's response was one of defiance. Rejecting surrender, he challenged the Indian Brigadier to engage in direct combat rather than exchanging letters.
Dismissing the threat posed by the 40 MiG flights, Lt. Col. Sultan Ahmed asserted their inadequacy to defeat the Pakistani forces. His response included a sarcastic sign-off, "Love for Mukti Bahini from me."
In a strategic move to break the Indian siege, Lt. Col. Sultan Ahmed led a bold counterattack on the night of December 10th and 11th, resulting in the successful repulsion of the Indian forces. Tragically, Lt. Col. Sultan Ahmed lost his life in the process.
Posthumously, Lt. Col. Sultan Ahmed was awarded the Sitara-e-Jurrat for his leadership and bravery.
The Battle of Jamalpur, lasting 21 days under his command, stands as a historical testament to the resilience of the Pakistani Army in the face of adversity.
