K. Mukhtar Elahi

Bir Muktijoddha Shaheed Khondkar Mukhtar Elahi Chinu was a political leader and a martyr who fought for Bangladesh in the Bangladesh Liberation War.

Early life and education

Mukhtar Elahi was born to K. Dad Elahi and Mariam Khanam. He was the fourth son of six brothers and three sisters. The members of his family are notable for their philanthropic contributions, social works, and academic activities.
He graduated in English literature at Carmichael College. He was the head of the Mujib team, district Mujib Bahini and the student league of Rangpur. He arranged a procession in Rangpur city as a response to the famous speech of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 01, 1971 as the vice president of Carmichael College Students Union.

During the Bangladesh Liberation War

Elahi undertook his war training in India and entered Bangladesh along with a team of guerrilla fighters from the Shahabganj district of Cooch Behar. He also led a guerrilla team from Dinhata.
Elahi decided to attack strategic locations of Pakistani forces in Rangpur. He stopped in Lalmonirhat at night on November 1971 with a small team of Mukti Bahini. The village Elahi was staying was besieged by the Pakistani forces after they found Elahi and his comrade’s location. All the members of the Mukti Bahini were captured. They were interrogated about the locations of other freedom fighters and their information. Elahi refused to answer and was tortured and finally killed on November 9, 1971. His comrades and other civilians who were detained were also killed.

Legacy

A large monument is erected for him beside his grave at Air-Khamar of Barabari Union in Lalmonirhat.
Multiple locations in Bangladesh has been named after Elahi. These include a students' restroom in Carmichael College and a road and a square in Rangpur. Also, Begum Rokeya University named a hall after him.