Dhaka: The Pakistani military crackdown on the 25th March, 1971 black night was dubbed as one of the worst atrocities carried out by any military in the history while interceptions into the Pakistani wireless communications during the Operation Search Light revealed how ferocious they were.

"I believe only in one thing," said the Pakistani army commander Tikka Khan of the infamous military operation as he repeatedly asked over army wireless the officers engaged in cleansing campaign to kill as many as Bengalis they could.

His orders clearly meant that their prime objective was to kill as many as Bengalis they could on that night and at different times congratulated and thanked the killer officers time to time for their "performance" and assured them that they would never be questioned for their atrocities.

"What you think what would be the approximate number of casualty in the (Dhaka) university . . . just give me an approximate number . . . shabash . . . thank you so much . . .that's quite well done," he was heard saying at different times in intercepted messages.

The military radio interceptions, tape recorded by Bengali scientist of the then Atomic Energy Commission Professor Dr MM Hussain, revealed that Tikka identified himself only as "control" as he conversed with his officers at the scenes of carnage throughout the night.

At one stage he was heard saying "I believe only in one thing" as he desperately sought to reconfirm the death toll on Dhaka University campus as one of the subordinate officers codenamed "88" quoted a figure of 300 until then.

"88, I agree with you. That's much easier (to kill the Bengalis), you know, nothing (will be) asked, you just . . . you don't have to explain anything . . . once again, well done," said "Roger" (understood).

The Bengali scientist Hussain, who had a hobby to monitor the radios to listen to foreign music, incidentally intercepted the Pakistani military frequency on that night as he was desperately trying to find the band which he had discovered earlier in his home radio set.

With the help of her younger sister Monira Hossain, he later transcript the military conversations recorded in a now obsolete single spooled "gruding audio tape" and several years later he came out with a booklet titled "Tikka Khan from the Control Room."

The spool is now on display at the Liberation War Museum.

Following is parts of the military conversations during the Operation Search Light of 25th March recorded in the tape which gave a sketchy description of developments including the desperate search for the Awami League leaders and capture of people like slain navy commander Moazzem:

: Latest from 88- He is making progress but there are so many buildings that he has to reduce each one in turn.

: Roger (understood): Tell him that his Big Brothers (tanks, units?) will also be coming shortly. I hope, so these can be utilised for knocking down the buildings. Now, on the other side I think Liaquat (BUET students dormitory) and Iqbal (Zahoorul Haque Hall) is now quiet, am I correct?

Over.

:26 for 99 -- Two thousand captured, then Ramna PS captured, Kamlapur RS captured, TV Radio under control, exchange captured. All first phase Ya Ali. Over.

:Control -- 99 for 26 Have you done away with police lines also? Over.

:26 for 99 -- Yes, I say, two thousand, police lines on fire,

Over. 26 for 88.-- Aapki awaz , phat rahi hain aur Jagannath ke bare me progress batayenge. Jagannath ke bare the. Over.

: 88. When can you give us an estimate of casualties suffered by other side? Nothing more.

: Station at Ramna, People's Daily, the reserve lines, then the action that is still continuing in area of university, plus the houses in Gulshan, correction, houses in Dhanmondi, the occupants of which had, were not traceable, Over.

:99 -- Regarding Tajuddin and Bhuiyan, they were not found at their places, similarly this place, the Physical Training Institute which was supposed to have arms has not so far revealed any. Over.

: That must be done. Otherwise, you know. It's likely to lead to a lot of complications and implications. Besides, I want specially Dhanmondi to be searched from house to house. You can take your time, you may select the block, get hold of the people from each house, look at them, select if you find any, anyone, you know that we require, or that is of importance.

:26. Markhor ko batayen keh Lt Commander Moajjam ko pakarhne . gaya the to usne resistance .

Kiya jistne woh mara gaya Lt Commander Moajjuam mara gaya Uski body hamare pas hai, Over.

:88. for 77. How it is quarter to seven. I will move from this place at eight. I will be requiring approximately an hour to collect the bodies and dispose them off. Over

:88. Roger. You can collect them in one place and call sign 26 may be told about them, their eventual disposal, the Imam said may be done later. For the present, they may be counted in separate categories of police or civilians and call sign 26 can keep a general eye on them while you move  down to your area.

Over. : Control: Once again I would like to give "shabash" to all the boys including Aziz who was with you for a wonderful job done in this area. I am very pleased. Over.

: Roger, thank you so much. . . .That's quite Well done, what do you think would be the approximate number of casualty of the university? Just give me approximate number.

In your view, what will be the number killed, or wounded, or captured? Just give me a rough figure, over.

Ends/AMA/23/03/13