Bangladesh Delegation Expected at Vijay Diwas Festivities in Kolkata
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Kolkata, Dec 12 (NationPress) A Bangladeshi delegation is anticipated to participate in the Vijay Diwas festivities in Kolkata on December 16, as communicated by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Vijay Diwas is commemorated annually by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army to honor India’s significant victory over Pakistan during the 1971 War, which resulted in the liberation of Bangladesh.
“A delegation from Bangladesh is expected to attend the Vijay Diwas celebrations in Kolkata. There may be Mukti Joddhas included in this delegation,” stated Wg Cdr Himanshu Tiwari, CPRO, MoD, Kolkata, on Thursday.
However, he did not disclose specifics regarding the number of members in the delegation or the presence of Mukti Joddhas for the occasion.
“We will inform as we obtain more details,” Wg Cdr Tiwari mentioned.
A change in Bangladesh's stance is likely following the recent visit of Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri to the neighboring nation. During the event's curtain raiser on December 6, there was no indication of a Mukti Joddha visit to the Vijay Diwas celebrations this year. The lack of a Bangladeshi delegation at the Vijay Diwas events in Kolkata is unprecedented.
“Delegations, including Mukti Joddhas, have attended the ceremony even during the tenure of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party. They participated even during the Covid pandemic. This is a matter of sentiment. Indian troops, referred to as the Mitra Bahini, and the Mukti Bahini fought together for the establishment of a new nation. Such unity is rare globally,” a senior official stated.
Records indicate that 1,668 Indian soldiers lost their lives for the formation of Bangladesh. The conflict lasted just 13 days, concluding on December 16, 1971, with the largest surrender since World War II—90,000 Pakistani troops. However, Indian forces did not remain in Bangladesh indefinitely; their withdrawal commenced in January 1972 and was finalized within three months.
Bangladesh observes the month of December as 'Bijoya Mash', or the ‘Month of Victory’. Celebrations are subdued this year due to the prevailing situation in Bangladesh over the past six months.
