Bangladesh, like other countries in the world, celebrated the International UN Peacekeeping Day on Sunday (29 May) with due honour and dignity.
Lt Gen Rana Pratap Kalita, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, Indian Army arrived at Dhaka on Saturday on the invitation of Chief of Army Staff, Bangladesh Army in connection with the celebration of UN Peacekeeping Day. The GOC-in-C began his programme by paying tribute to members of the Bangladesh Armed Forces who made the supreme sacrifice during the Liberation War of 1971 by laying a wreath at Shikha Anirban.
The GOC-in-C, Indian Army and his team of delegates called on Chiefs of the three services and other senior officers to discuss matters of mutual co-operation. After participating in the Commemoration event at BICC, the General attended an International Seminar on United Nations Peace Support Operations and visited BIPSOT. This visit will strengthen the close and fraternal ties between the Armed Forces of the two countries. The Bangladesh and Indian Armies are amongst the highest contributors of troops under the UN flag and maintain robust friendly relations during such deployments.
The success in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war, however, came at a price for India too— nearly 3,900 Indian soldiers were killed and 10,000 others injured, with many left to suffer from life-long disabilities.
In short, Bangladesh should never forget the contribution of the Indian Armed Forces in their Liberation war but for which they couldn’t have achieved their freedom.
However, this event renewed bonds between both Nations 50 years ago and shall further promote defence co-operation at all levels.
India is the biggest trade partner of Bangladesh in South Asia.Bangladesh is also an integral part of India’s Act East Policy.The overall trade between India and Bangladesh has seen an increase.The Maitri setup can be seen as a symbolic marker for the enhancement of stronger bilateral relations with Bangladesh.
(Source: inputs and pics – Indian Army )
( Author- Pratyusha Mukherjee, a journalist of Western Media based in Kolkata. In her illustrated career she has covered many major events and achieved International and Indian Media Awards for Journalism.You may reach her- pratyusha.mukherjee@gmail.com.)
