Bangladeshi fighters from Liberation War recall India’s support at Vijay Diwas event

Vijay Diwas celebrations at Fort William with Bangladesh delegation amidst tensions, honoring role in Liberation War.

The 53rd Vijay Diwas celebrations were observed at Fort William in Kolkata, the headquarters of Eastern Command, on Monday. A nine-member delegation from Bangladesh was present for the function. This, even as tensions prevail in relations with Bangladesh.

The Bangladesh delegation comprised eight mukti joddhas and one serving Brigadier General of the Bangladesh Army, Mohammed Aminur Rahman. The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief Eastern Command, Lt. General Ram Chandra Tewari, was the senior most Indian Army officer.

Members of the Bangladesh delegation recounted their memories of the Bangladesh War of Liberation in 1971 and the role of the Indian Army and Its leadership.

Major General (Retd.) Abdus Salam Chaudhary was 17 years old when he started fighting the Liberation War as a mukti joddha in Sylhet. “All I had was ambition and ammunition to fight the war,” he said.

The mukti joddha recounted how “Indira Gandhi stood beside us, how India stood beside us.”

“They gave all kinds of support, training, food, everything. That’s how our relations were founded, and they are continuing. That’s why we come every year for Vijay Diwas. Personally, I visit India at least once a year for various reasons. We have friends, relatives, doctors to meet. That way, our relationship is unique,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir said that the political situation unfolding in Bangladesh is temporary. “We have to wait and see how it improves. Anything that helps in the betterment of people would be appreciated,” the 73-year-old mukti joddha said.