On the solemn occasion of the 52nd Anniversary of the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh, a poignant wreath-laying ceremony was held at Vijay Smarak Fort William, Kolkata. The ceremony paid homage to the valorous souls who sacrificed their lives for the noble cause of liberation.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of a Seventy One member delegation from Bangladesh, including 30 Mukti Jodhas accompanied by their families, Md Momim Ullah Patwary BP, the senior delegate, and six serving officers of the Bangladesh Army, led by Maj Gen Md Hossin Al Morshed.
Respectful wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Vineet Kumar Goyal, IPS, Kolkata Police Commissioner, Major General H Dharmarajan AVSM, SM, VSM, GOC, Bengal Sub Area, Lieutenant General RC Srikanth, VSM, COS, HQ Eastern Command, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha, (Retd), General Shankar Roychowdhury (Retd), Major General Md Hossin Al Morshed, Military Delegation Leader, Bangladesh and Md Momim Ullah Patwary BP, Delegation Leader, Mukti Jodha Bangladesh. The chief guest, Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, GOC-in-C, Eastern Command, laid the final wreath in conjunction with a poignant flower petal drop orchestrated by Army Aviation helicopters.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita, Eastern Army Commander, conveyed profound gratitude to the fallen heroes and veterans of both Mukti Jodhas and the Indian Army. He emphasized their immense sacrifice and valor, which manifested the aspirations of millions in the creation of a new nation. Lieutenant General Rana Pratap Kalita highlighted India’s pivotal role as the first nation to recognize Bangladesh as a sovereign state on 6th December 1971, fostering robust bilateral relations grounded in mutual respect and co-operation.
The ceremony held special significance for the Eastern Command, which played a pivotal role in the 1971 War, earning Vijay Diwas a revered place in the Command’s history. Various events commemorating the valor and sacrifices of the Indian Armed Forces and Mukti Jodhas were organized, honoring their shared triumph over adversity.
Major General Md Hossin Al Morshed, Military Delegation Leader, Bangladesh paid tribute to the Indian Army soldiers who made supreme sacrifices, acknowledging the Indian people’s contributions and support to Bangladesh’s struggle for freedom from oppression and tyranny.
During the interaction, emotions ran deep as Indian Veterans and Mukti Jodhas relived the triumphant moments of democracy and freedom prevailing over suppression, paying homage to the fallen brethren who fought valiantly during those tumultuous days of the war.
Source: Fort William, HQ Eastern Command Kolkata
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
