Amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, veterans of the 1971 war gathered at Fort William in Kolkata. Victory Day was celebrated The Eastern Command of the Indian Army on Monday
“You can change your family, but geographically, your neighbors will remain your neighbors. We still get the same glorious hospitality from India. We are a more progressive community than we thought in Bangladesh. Bangladesh and India will become good neighbors again. Our enemy is poverty, Not of each other. We develop together. We, the people of Bangladesh, are not anti-Hindu,” said an experienced Kazi Sajjad Ali, who arrived in Kolkata on Sunday. said
Military leaders of both countries participated in the event. The veterans expressed concern over the current geopolitical situation and called for renewed efforts to promote peace and cooperation between the two nations. A section of war veterans felt heartbroken and reiterated that “India is part of the history of Bangladesh’s history, and history cannot be denied”.
“When the war started, I belonged to the Pakistan Para Brigade. I decided not to stay with Pakistan. I crossed the Jammu-Kashmir border. I brought the future war plan from Pakistan and gave it to the Indian Army. I was given the Padma Shri because foreign soldiers could not get it. At that time, Pakistan was very angry with me. A matter of unity… 1971 was the best and most classic victory in world history. There was not a single murder or rape when the Indian Army entered Bangladesh. We respect the Indian Army and our future generations will continue to respect them,” Zahar said.
Brigadier General Mohammad Aminur Rahman, director of the Army Veteran Directorate in Bangladesh, said, “This is a big day for us. Today’s celebration reminds us of a historic event.
ABM Nurul Alam, a fellow veteran, echoed these sentiments, stressing the strong bond between the two nations. “We love India, we love the Indian people and the Indian Army. Those who deny history are enemies, not peace-loving people,” he said.
Wing Commander (retd) DJ Clare highlighted the sacrifices made by both the nations. “My father is known as the savior of Bangladesh. He was awarded the Mahavir Chakra for the Battle of Jamalpur. It breaks your heart to see us back to square one. When we went to save them from genocide, we ended up in the same situation again.”
“The minorities of Bangladesh are peaceful people. What did they do?” He said.
Anwara Begum, wife of a war soldier, expressed hope for the future. India and Bangladesh are brothers. We are not worried about the current situation. Insha Allah, everything will be fine soon. It causes pain, and it’s also heartbreaking for many of us,” she said.
Major General Abdul Salam Chaudhary (Retd) of Bangladesh said that the two nations have “strong ties”. “There are vested interest groups who create false narratives for their own benefit. I believe the true story is very different. The relationship between India and Bangladesh is strong and will remain forever, said Chaudhary.
When asked about the current situation in Bangladesh, Zahar said, “History sometimes takes a different turn. Let’s not despair. Those who deny history are not right. We are good neighbors and that is the only truth. In a democratic society people have different opinions but we are war veterans and we cannot deny India’s contribution. India and Bangladesh are friendly neighbors, this is true and let’s follow the truth.
Governor CV Anand Bose said, “India knows the way and shows the way.”
For the past five decades, India has been inviting liberators, members of the Mukti Bahini, a Bangladeshi guerrilla resistance force that fought alongside the Indian Army in the 1971 war, to participate in the celebrations. This year, despite initial uncertainty, the Eastern Command hosted the Bangladesh delegation with much grandeur.
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