Dhaka, Dec 16 (UITV) – Eight Indian military veterans of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War arrived in Dhaka on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, while eight Bangladesh Army officers arrived in Kolkata to take part in the Vijay Diwas celebrations. Officers and soldiers of both the countries celebrate the historic victory of the Indian and Bangladeshi armies over Pakistan every year on December 16, which is celebrated as a symbol of Bangladesh’s independence. This visit is a reminder of the deep bilateral ties between the two countries and the friendship that was forged after the 1971 conflict.
The Bangladesh delegation included Mukti Warriors who waged guerrilla resistance against Pakistani rule in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh). These warriors risked their lives to fight for Bangladesh’s independence against Pakistan. The delegation also included serving and retired officers of the Indian Army, who were participating in the celebrations in Dhaka and Kolkata to showcase the military ties and shared history of the two countries on one platform.
The visit comes after a student-led uprising and protests against Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government in Bangladesh on August 5, forcing Hasina to leave the country and seek refuge in India. The uprising and subsequent events had led to tensions in Bangladesh, especially due to reports of alleged violence against the minority Hindu community. However, Bangladesh’s interim government has denied any major communal violence and called it a rumour. Bangladesh’s Hindu population, which is about eight per cent, is a minority across the country.
Meanwhile, a political analyst in Dhaka said, “The exchange of visits by the ex-servicemen is a reminder of the friendship and shared struggle forged in 1971.” He also pointed out that tensions in bilateral relations have eased to some extent after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart Jashim Uddin on December 9. Misri also met Bangladesh Foreign Minister Tauhid Hussain and it proved to be a positive step for bilateral ties. These visits are expected to enhance goodwill between the two countries and strengthen the age-old friendly ties between them.
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Both India and Bangladesh celebrate Vijay Diwas on 16 December, which marks their military victory over Pakistan in 1971. Representatives of both countries are invited to attend special celebrations on this day and it has become a symbol of cooperation and friendship between the two countries. Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day on 26 March, but 16 December is celebrated as Bangladesh Independence Day in Dhaka. After a conflict in 1971, Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan with Indian support and this day commemorates that struggle and sacrifice.
“This annual bilateral visit provides a platform to freedom fighters and veterans of the Liberation War to celebrate the unique friendship between the two countries,” the Indian High Commission said in a statement. The visit brings back memories of the Liberation War, which marks the shared sacrifices of the armed forces of India and Bangladesh. The statement also said that Vijay Diwas is not just a symbol of military success but it also reflects India’s commitment to justice and human values. This war symbolizes that India responded decisively to Pakistan’s aggression by standing up for the oppressed population.
The 1971 war demonstrated the capability of the Indian Army and strengthened India’s position as a regional power. It also highlighted the importance of military preparedness and strategic diplomacy, which proved to be important for both India and Bangladesh. Vijay Diwas is celebrated as a national holiday on 16 December in Bangladesh and is considered as a symbol of Bangladesh’s independence.
The history of this day underlines the enduring bond between India and Bangladesh. It not only symbolizes military success but also reflects the shared values and struggles that have formed the basis of friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Through this journey of bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, the cooperation and respect between the soldiers and officers of the two countries has been further strengthened. Because of this shared history and friendship, relations between Bangladesh and India still remain a great example in the world of how deep friendship and cooperation can be established between two countries on the basis of shared struggle and sacrifice.
