Kolkata: Amid tensions between the two neighboring countries, a nine-member Bangladeshi delegation, including seven Muktijodhas (freedom fighters), participated in the 53rd Victory Day celebrations at Fort William, the headquarters of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, on Monday.
December 16 is celebrated as Victory Day every year to commemorate India’s military victory over Pakistan in the historic liberation struggle that gave birth to Bangladesh. Many Bangladeshi delegates expressed hope for improved bilateral relations between the two countries.
One of them, Lt Col (retd) Qazi Sajjad Ali Zahir said, “The relationship is intact. I attended this event earlier like today but found no difference. I speak the truth because I am a soldier. We cannot judge reality based on a few statements. For the benefit of the working class, we must take time to improve the relationship between the two parties.”
He added, “It’s been 53 years of India-Bangladesh relations which dipped only a few times in the past before normalcy returned. A hope must be on the move. You can change history but you can’t change your neighbors. Our friendship will continue.”
Brigadier General Mohammad Aminur Rehman, who was part of the delegation, said, “We are indebted to India for its military support and people’s support during the 1971 war. We are sure that our friendship, which began and continues, will last forever.”