The Ketnar Bil Massacre: A Tragic Chapter in Bangladesh’s History [ Donarkandi, Bangladesh ]

[ Reported as seen ]

On May 14, a group of locals led by Chitta Ballabh launched an attack on an army patrol, killing four soldiers in Donarkandi. This act of resistance enraged the Pakistani army, prompting them to retaliate the following day. Around 100 Pakistani soldiers proceeded towards the west, firing indiscriminately at anyone they encountered. As news of the army’s arrival spread, thousands of villagers from nearby villages sought refuge in Ketnar Bil, hiding behind the paddy and jute fields. When the army reached Rangta, they found the fleeing villagers heading towards the wasteland. Without hesitation, the Pakistani army opened fire with machine guns on the running crowd, resulting in the death of over 500 people. The army then proceeded to set ablaze hundreds of deserted houses, killing livestock and perpetrating acts of extreme brutality, including the stamping and bayoneting of infants and children. Local collaborators and members of the Peace Committee were complicit in these acts of violence. The Patra family, for instance, lost 19 members in the massacre, and survivors were forced to bury around 150 bodies, including their own family members, in mass graves within their residence. Other bodies were left to decompose in Ketnar Bil, becoming prey to jackals and dogs.

Introduction

The Ketnar Bil massacre, also known as the Ketnar Bil genocide, took place on 15 May 1971 in the Ketnar Bil region of Barisal District in present-day Bangladesh. It refers to the mass killing of unarmed Bengali Hindus by the Pakistan Army during the Bangladesh Liberation War. The incident is a tragic chapter in the history of violence against Hindus in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). Here is an overview of the massacre:

Hindus before the massacre

Before the Ketnar Bil massacre in 1971, the region was inhabited by a significant population of Hindus. The area, located in the Barisal District of present-day Bangladesh, was primarily agricultural, with paddy and jute cultivation being the mainstay of the local economy.

The Hindu community residing in the Ketnar Bil region lived alongside their Muslim neighbors, sharing a common heritage and participating in the local socio-economic activities. They had a distinct cultural identity and observed Hindu religious practices, traditions, and festivities.

The Hindus of Ketnar Bil were an integral part of the social fabric of the region, contributing to the agricultural productivity and engaging in trade and commerce. They lived in close-knit communities, fostering bonds of kinship and mutual support.

As residents of a predominantly rural area, the Hindus of Ketnar Bil led a simple and peaceful life, deeply rooted in their traditional beliefs and customs. They had their temples, community centers, and educational institutions, which played an essential role in preserving their cultural heritage and fostering social cohesion.

The pre-massacre period was marked by relative harmony and coexistence between the Hindu and Muslim communities of the region. While cultural and religious differences existed, they were often celebrated and respected, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the local society.

However, with the outbreak of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, the political landscape changed dramatically. The Pakistani Army, along with their local collaborators, unleashed a wave of violence and persecution against the Bengali population, particularly targeting Hindus. This marked a tragic turning point for the Hindus of Ketnar Bil and other regions, as they became victims of systematic killings, forced displacement, and other forms of brutalities.

The Ketnar Bil massacre, which specifically targeted unarmed Bengali Hindus, resulted in the loss of numerous lives and the uprooting of families from their ancestral homes. The once-thriving Hindu community was shattered, and the survivors faced immense hardships and trauma.

The massacre not only took a heavy toll on the lives and well-being of the Hindus in Ketnar Bil but also left a profound impact on the overall demography and social dynamics of the region. The loss of human lives, destruction of properties, and the displacement of the Hindu population altered the cultural and religious landscape, causing a significant demographic shift in the area.

The memory of the vibrant Hindu community that once resided in Ketnar Bil serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of communal violence and the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence among diverse communities. It highlights the need for efforts to ensure the protection of religious and ethnic minorities, as well as the preservation of their cultural heritage and rights, to prevent such tragic events from recurring in the future.

Background

Ketnar Bil is an open land located in the Barisal District of Bangladesh, primarily used for cultivating paddy and jute. In 1971, it fell under the jurisdiction of the Gaurnadi police station in the undivided Barisal district. It was during this period that the tragic events of the Ketnar Bil massacre unfolded, leaving a lasting impact on the local population.

The Pakistani Army arrived in Gournadi on April 25, 1971, during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Upon their arrival, they encountered resistance from freedom fighters who opposed their presence. In the clashes that followed, eight Pakistani soldiers were killed by the freedom fighters, further fueling tensions in the region.

In response to the attack on their forces, the Pakistani Army launched a brutal retaliation against the villagers of Ketnar Bil and its surrounding areas. They unleashed a wave of violence and destruction, resulting in the deaths of over 200 villagers. The army set fire to the harbor and numerous houses, intensifying the terror and devastation faced by the local population.

The Pakistani Army quickly established control over the area, aided by the assistance of local collaborators who actively participated in their acts of violence. These collaborators, often members of the Peace Committee, played a role in facilitating the army’s actions, which included killings, loot, and rape.

The Massacre

On May 14th, a group of locals led by Chitta Ballabh launched an attack on an army patrol in Donarkandi, killing four soldiers using spears and shields. This act of resistance further fueled the rage of the Pakistani Army, leading to a devastating retaliation the following day.

Around 10 am on the next day, a contingent of approximately 100 Pakistani soldiers advanced towards the west, passing through Kasba and Chandshi. In a display of indiscriminate violence, they began firing upon anyone they encountered. As news of the army’s arrival spread, thousands of villagers from nearby seven to eight villages sought refuge in Ketnar Bil, hiding behind the paddy and jute fields. Desperate to escape the violence, they ran towards the wasteland.

When the army contingent reached Rangta, they discovered the fleeing villagers heading towards Ketnar Bil. Without hesitation, the Pakistani soldiers opened fire on the running crowd, using machine guns. The scene was one of chaos and terror, as more than five hundred people were mercilessly killed in the massacre. The sheer brutality of the army’s actions left a trail of death and destruction in its wake.

Following the killings, the Pakistani army proceeded to commit further atrocities. They set hundreds of deserted houses on fire, leaving the villagers homeless and vulnerable. Additionally, they targeted livestock, killing cattle and other animals essential for the livelihoods of the local population. The depths of their cruelty were exemplified by the murder of innocent children. A twelve-day-old infant was tragically stamped to death, while another child met a gruesome fate, bayoneted to death.

In this horrifying episode, the local collaborators and members of the Peace Committee acted as accomplices to the Pakistani army’s acts of killing. These collaborators, often individuals from the local community, played a role in facilitating the violence and contributing to the suffering inflicted upon their own people.

The impact of the massacre on the Patra family was particularly devastating. Nineteen members of the Patra family were killed, adding to the growing list of victims. The surviving members of the Patra family faced the heart-wrenching task of burying their loved ones. They buried approximately 150 bodies, including those of their family members, in five or six mass graves within their residence. Tragically, the rest of the deceased were left to decompose in the Ketnar Bil area, their remains scavenged by jackals and dogs, a grim testament to the horrors that unfolded.

The Ketnar Bil massacre stands as a haunting reminder of the brutalities inflicted upon innocent civilians during the Bangladesh Liberation War. It underscores the disregard for human life and the depths of violence unleashed upon the local population by the Pakistani army. The killings, targeting unarmed villagers and including the murder of children, highlight the extreme suffering endured by the victims and the profound trauma inflicted upon their communities.

The survivors and witnesses of the Ketnar Bil massacre continue to carry the burden of these painful memories, and their stories serve as a testimony to the atrocities committed during the war. The lack of formal recognition and memorialization for the victims of this massacre further exacerbates the pain felt by the survivors and their families. It is essential to acknowledge and remember the Ketnar Bil massacre and the countless lives lost, ensuring that their memory is preserved and justice is sought for the victims.

Aftermath and Memorial

Unfortunately, no memorial has been built in the area to commemorate the victims of the massacre. The Bangladesh government has not officially recognized the victims as martyrs. However, in 2011, Deputy Command A. R. Sarniabat of Muktijoddha Sangsad visited Ketnar Bil and designated it as the largest mass killing site in southern Bangladesh, drawing attention to the tragic events that unfolded there.

The Ketnar Bil massacre stands as a painful reminder of the atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Liberation War and the violence inflicted on the Bengali Hindu community. It is crucial to remember and acknowledge such incidents to ensure that history is not forgotten and to promote a society that upholds the principles of justice, tolerance, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

Lessons learned

The Ketnar Bil massacre holds important lessons that can be learned from the tragic events that unfolded. Some of the key lessons include:

1. The brutality of war: The Ketnar Bil massacre serves as a stark reminder of the brutal nature of armed conflicts and the devastating impact they can have on civilian populations. It highlights the need for peaceful resolutions to conflicts and the importance of protecting innocent lives during times of war.

2. Protection of human rights: The massacre underscores the importance of upholding and safeguarding basic human rights, regardless of the political or military situation. It serves as a reminder that all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity or religious background, deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

3. Historical memory and justice: The lack of recognition and memorialization of the victims of the Ketnar Bil massacre highlights the need for preserving historical memory and seeking justice for past atrocities. Remembering and acknowledging the victims is essential for healing, reconciliation, and preventing future instances of violence.

4. International responsibility: The international community has a responsibility to protect and intervene in situations where gross human rights violations occur. The Ketnar Bil massacre emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and solidarity in addressing such atrocities and holding those responsible accountable.

5. Promoting peace and tolerance: The massacre serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of religious and ethnic tensions. It emphasizes the need for promoting peace, tolerance, and inclusivity to prevent such incidents from recurring in the future.

These lessons highlight the importance of learning from the past and working towards a more just, peaceful, and inclusive society. By reflecting on the lessons of the Ketnar Bil massacre, efforts can be made to prevent similar atrocities and foster a culture of respect, understanding, and compassion.

Conclusion

The Ketnar Bil massacre, a tragic event that occurred during the Bangladesh Liberation War, serves as a grim reminder of the horrors and brutality that unfolded during that period. The massacre, in which unarmed Bengali Hindus were targeted and killed by the Pakistan Army, stands as a stark example of religious persecution and violence.

The indiscriminate nature of the killings underscores the disregard for human life and the depths of cruelty that characterized the conflict. Men, women, and children were ruthlessly targeted solely based on their religious identity, adding an even more harrowing dimension to the tragedy.

Remembering and recognizing the victims of the Ketnar Bil massacre, along with the countless others who suffered similar fates, is crucial in honoring their memory and acknowledging the profound impact of such atrocities on individuals, families, and communities. It serves as a solemn duty to ensure that their stories are not forgotten and their voices are heard.

By studying and understanding the past, society can learn valuable lessons and strive towards building a future that upholds the principles of justice, equality, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their religious or ethnic background. The Ketnar Bil massacre serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and coexistence among diverse communities, and the need to protect the rights and well-being of religious and ethnic minorities.

It is through remembrance, education, and open dialogue that we can create a society that rejects violence, persecution, and discrimination. By acknowledging the atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Liberation War, including the Ketnar Bil massacre, we can work towards healing the wounds of the past and fostering a more inclusive and harmonious society.

The Ketnar Bil massacre stands as a dark chapter in history, reminding us of the profound human suffering endured during times of conflict. It is a solemn duty to honor the memory of the victims, support survivors in their healing process, and work towards a future where such atrocities are never repeated. Only by confronting the past can we build a more just and compassionate world for generations to come.

Références

1. “A History of Bangladesh” by Willem van Schendel
2. “History of the Bengali-speaking People” by Nitish Sengupta
3. “The Partitions of Memory: The Afterlife of the Division of India” by Suvir Kaul
4. “The Bengal Diaspora: Rethinking Muslim Migration” edited by Claire Alexander, Joya Chatterji, and Annu Jalais
5. “The Bengal Delta: Ecology, State and Social Change, 1840-1943” by Iftekhar Iqbal