DD India

In a solemn ceremony organized by the Bangladesh High Commission, India’s Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, paid heartfelt tributes to the Indian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the 1971 War of Liberation in Bangladesh. This historic event took place in New Delhi.

1971 conflict in Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Liberation War, which occurred in 1971, was a pivotal conflict that led to the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh. It was marked by fierce fighting and widespread atrocities, resulting in Bangladesh’s separation from Pakistan and its emergence as a sovereign state.

During the ceremony, Bhatt emphasized the profound connection between India and Bangladesh, describing it as “Bharat-Bangladesh Maitree,” meaning friendship. He acknowledged that this friendship is deeply rooted in the shared history of valour and sacrifice displayed by the Mukti Jodhas during the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971.

Minister Bhatt described Bangladesh’s struggle for independence as one of the greatest movements in recent history. He stressed the importance of preserving and passing on the ideals of the Liberation War to future generations, as they form the foundation of the strong Indo-Bangladesh relationship. The Indian Army stood alongside the Mukti Jodhas of Bangladesh during the war, forging enduring connections between the two nations.

Bhatt stressed significant progress in various aspects of bilateral relations, including trade, commerce, connectivity, security, cultural cooperation, people-to-people links, training, capacity building, and environmental conservation. 

He expressed his enthusiasm for restoring tradition and establishing new transport links between the two countries, also discussed India-Bangladesh defence ties, with cooperation spanning multiple domains such as armed forces, training, scholarships, and capacity building. He praised Bangladesh’s use of India’s USD 500 million Defence Line of Credit, emphasizing the potential for future collaboration.