Indian and Bangladeshi Military Veterans Exchange Visits for Vijay Diwas Celebrations
Eight Indian military veterans of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War arrived in Dhaka on Sunday, while eight officers of the Bangladesh Army reached Kolkata to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations in both countries. These exchanges, involving two serving officers from each side, are part of the annual commemorations of the victory over Pakistan in 1971, a significant milestone in both nations’ histories.
The Bangladesh delegation includes Mukti Jodhas, who were part of the guerrilla resistance force fighting against Pakistani rule in East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. This year’s celebrations and veteran exchanges come amid heightened tensions following alleged violence against the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh after the political upheaval in August, when former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country following a student-led uprising.
Despite the tensions, with the interim government of Muhammad Yunus denying major communal violence, the exchange of veterans serves as a reminder of the long-standing friendship forged in the Liberation War. A political analyst in Dhaka noted that the visits of the veterans would help reaffirm the goodwill between the two nations. India’s External Affairs Secretary, Vikram Misri, had visited Dhaka on December 9 for foreign office consultations, easing some of the bilateral strains.
Both India and Bangladesh celebrate December 16 as a day of victory, marking the end of the Liberation War, when Dhaka emerged as the capital of an independent Bangladesh, with crucial Indian military support. The day is a reminder of the shared sacrifices made by the armed forces of both countries in achieving Bangladesh’s independence.
The annual bilateral visits of war veterans provide an opportunity for Mukti Jodhas and military veterans to celebrate the enduring friendship between India and Bangladesh. The Indian High Commission emphasized that the occasion renews memories of the war, which represents the shared sacrifices of both nations’ forces in the fight for Bangladesh’s freedom.
Vijay Diwas, observed as Victory Day in Bangladesh, is not only a celebration of military success but also a testament to India’s commitment to justice and humanitarian values. The war highlighted India’s strategic diplomacy, military strength, and its willingness to support oppressed populations in the region. The shared history of December 16 continues to strengthen the bond between India and Bangladesh, making it a symbol of their enduring partnership.
