Bangladesh Minister thanks India for 'tremendous' support during 1971 liberation war

Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque has thanked India for its tremendous support that was extended by its people and government during the country's war of Independence in 1971.

India and Bangladesh celebrate Vijay Diwas, also known as Victory day, which is commemorated every year to mark both the countries' military victory over Pakistan during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971 that eventually led to the liberation of Bangladesh on December 16.

"India provided shelter, training and arms. We got all logistic support from India," Dhaka Tribune quoted Haque as saying during an event at the National Museum on Friday.

Emphasising that India remains a good friend of Bangladesh, Haque said that both the sides are working to further strengthen the friendly ties.

 

According to the Dhaka Tribune, meanwhile, an Indian delegation, comprising of 27 war veterans and four serving officers, accompanied by their companions participated in the Victory Day celebrations in Dhaka and shared their anecdotes.

Through the visit, the veterans of Liberation War of Bangladesh once again united in Dhaka and as well as in Kolkata respectively to celebrate the Victory Day and shared their stories to bring to life a saga of glory, sacrifice and the spirit with which the people of both countries had stood by side by side during the difficult times.

In order to keep alive the spirit of War of Liberation of 1971, an arrangement of reciprocal visits by freedom fighters and war veterans was institutionalised in 2005.

The veterans will attend the ceremonial events and meet freedom fighters during separate receptions hosted by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs, War Course Foundation of Bangladesh, Dhaka Club, and the High Commission of India.

The delegation which is being led by Lt Gen (retd) Jai Bhagwan Singh Yadava, who participated in the 1965 war against Pakistan and the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971, will also pay homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, and also visit some of the battle sites of the Liberation War.