Mon Dec 16 22:46:00 UTC 2024: **India and Bangladesh Mark Vijay Diwas Amidst Tensions**
KOLKATA, INDIA—Despite strained relations, India and Bangladesh commemorated the 53rd anniversary of Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) on Monday at Fort William in Kolkata. A nine-member Bangladeshi delegation, including eight Mukti Jodhas (freedom fighters) and a Brigadier General, attended the ceremony alongside senior Indian Army officials.
The event included wreath-laying at the War Memorial and featured emotional recollections from both Indian and Bangladeshi veterans about the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Mukti Jodhas recounted the crucial support provided by India, emphasizing the enduring bond forged during that conflict. Indian veterans shared their experiences fighting alongside their Bangladeshi counterparts and highlighted the brutality inflicted upon the Bangladeshi population by Pakistani forces.
While the ceremony showcased continued camaraderie, several veterans expressed concern over the current socio-political climate in Bangladesh. The participation of the Bangladeshi delegation itself was notable, given recent tensions between the two nations. The presence of the delegation underscored the enduring historical ties despite current political complexities. Both West Bengal’s Governor and Chief Minister acknowledged India’s significant role in Bangladesh’s liberation.
First Piper 