9-member delegation from Bangladesh arrives in Kolkata to attend Vijay Diwas celebrations

A nine-member delegation from Bangladesh arrived in Kolkata on Sunday to participate in the city’s annual Victory Day celebrations. The delegation, led by Brigadier General Mohammad Aninur Rahman, consists of Bangladesh Liberation War veterans and their families. They were welcomed by officials from the Indian Army’s Eastern Command at the Kolkata airport. The visit is part of the ongoing tradition of commemorating the shared history between India and Bangladesh, especially regarding the events of the 1971 Liberation War.

Victory Day, observed annually on December 16, marks the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers to the Indian and Bangladesh Liberation forces in 1971, which played a pivotal role in the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. This day signifies the victory of the joint forces and the end of the war, leading to the formation of Bangladesh. The surrender occurred after a military campaign that involved significant contributions from the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini (Bangladesh Liberation Army), leading to the ceasefire and the eventual independence of Bangladesh.

While Bangladesh has traditionally sent representatives to Kolkata for the Victory Day events, this year’s participation was uncertain due to the internal political situation in Bangladesh. Diplomatic sources indicate that after discussions within the government and under international pressure, the Bangladeshi government authorized the delegation’s visit. The members of the delegation are expected to attend key events in Kolkata, including the military parade at Red Road and the Military Tattoo ceremony, which are part of the city’s celebrations.

The delegation’s participation underscores the importance of the historical ties between India and Bangladesh, particularly regarding the events of 1971. The arrival of the delegation highlights the continued cooperation between the two nations in commemorating the shared struggle for Bangladesh’s independence. In Kolkata, the representatives will join Indian political leaders, including Governor CV Ananda Bose and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, at various commemorative events marking the day of victory.