Dhaka, Dec 16 (FN Bureau) Representing India, which decisively defeated Pakistan in the 1971 war, President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday attended the 50th Vijay Diwas celebrations here to mark the liberation of Bangladesh and surrender of thousands of Pakistani forces on this day half a century ago. At a function in which contingents of Bhutan and Russia also took part along with diplomats, Kovind was the only foreign dignitary to attend the event as Guest of Honour. Bhutan was the first country to recognise Bangladesh as a free nation, just ahead of India. Russia extended support to the liberation war. Kovind, making his first visit to Bangladesh, observed the marching contingents at the National Parade Ground. A tri-services unit from the Indian armed forces took part in the parade. Col Vinay Sadasivan led the 122-member Indian contingent. Indian Air Force paratrooper Wing Commander T Asha Jyothirmayi joined the Bangladeshi para jumpers carrying the Indian tricolour, marking the sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the war.
The Indian marching contingent included 36 from Army, 14 from Navy and 21 from Air Force. The band played the tune of ‘Sare Jahan se Accha’ as well as ‘Kadam Kadam Badhaye Ja,’ ‘Jai Bharti’ and ‘Sound Barrier’. The invitation to Kovind shows the strong bonds between India and Bangladesh. Kovind is scheduled to meet the liberation war fighters of Bangladesh as well as Indian veterans on Friday. He will interact with a cross section of Bangladeshi society and visit places of cultural and historical importance in Dhaka before returning back to India on Friday. A contingent of 1971 freedom fighters, Armed Forces officers and officials from different branches of law enforcement and the government were in attendance at the parade, Bangladeshi media reported. President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid their homage to the freedom fighters. After placing wreaths at the memorial, they observed a moment of silence. Soon afterwards, they were joined by Kovind, who was greeted by the President and the Prime Minister.
In addition to Hasina, her sister and Bangabandhu’s younger daughter Sheikh Rehana and eminent persons were also present. A massive portrait of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was placed in front of the greetings stage. On either side of him were portraits of the President and the Prime Minister. Last year, the government scaled down the events due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Prime Minister will unveil commemorative stamps marking Victory Day and the surrender of the Pakistani occupation force. Following the call from Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 26, 1971 to end the “oppressive” rule of West Pakistan, Bangladesh began its Liberation War. After nine months of fighting, the Pakistani forces surrendered on December 16, 1971.