Dhaka, Dec. 10 -- The nation will observe the 54th martyrdom anniversary of Bir Shreshtha Ruhul Amin, today.To mark the anniversary, the Bangladesh Navy in Khulna has arranged programmes including laying wreaths at the graves, discussions on their heroism, doa mahfil, and recitation from the Holy Quran.

On this day in 1971, just six days before victory, Engine Room Artificer Ruhul Amin of Bangladesh Naval Ship (BNS) Palash was killed on the bank of the Rupsha River after swimming nearly a quarter kilometre to shore following an air attack on the vessel.

Earlier that day, BNS Palash captured Mongla Port from Pakistani occupation forces after a fierce gun battle and was advancing towards Khulna to liberate the industrial city. As the ship...