In a solemn occasion organised at Fort William, Kolkata on 15 Dec 2022 as part of 51st Vijay Diwas Celebrations, the Mukti Joddhas and India’s proud 1971 War Veterans narrated their experiences of the War of Liberation 1971.
The sixty one member Bangladesh delegation including 29 Mukti Joddhas with family members, Lt Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir (Retd) , delegation leader and six serving officers of Bangladesh Army are led by Maj Gen Mahbubur Rashid..
During the interaction, distinguished speakers from both the countries narrated the atrocities committed by Pakistan Army and the resistance put up by the populace of Bangladesh. The Mukti Joddhas including Lt Col QSA Zahir (Retd) and Md Abdul Hayee recounted the exemplary cooperation between them and Indian Army. They expressed gratitude towards the bravehearts of Indian Army who laid down their lives for the Liberation of Bangladesh.
The Indian Army war veterans of 1971 nostalgically spoke of the lightening campaign and how the brave Mukti Joddhas acted as guides, translators and even skirmished Pakistan Army troops and tied them down.
They were glad to have been part of the glorious campaign and felt fortunate that they could get a forum to share their experiences. The veteran speakers included Col BKD Baijal, VRC (Retd), Vice Admiral Bimalendu Guha, PVSM, AVSM (Retd) and Veteran journalist and 1971 war correspondent Abhijit Dasgupta.
On the occasion famous playback singer Somchanda Bhattacharya sang patriotic songs in Hindi and Bengali, which resonated with the audience.
In the end, Lt Gen RP Kalita, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, the Eastern Army Commander thanked the esteemed speakers, Veterans and the Mukti Jodhas for their revered contributions during 1971. The Eastern Army Commander also felicitated the Lt Col Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir, BP, SP, Padma Shri (Retd), Md Abdul Hayee, Maj Gen Md Mahbubur Rashid, Col BKD Baijal, VRC (Rtd), Vice Admiral Bimalendu Guha, PVSM, AVSM (Retd) and Mr Abhijit Dasgupta. The Bangladeshi delegation senior and the leader reciprocated by presenting mementos to the Eastern Army Commander. Lt Gen RP Kalita, UYSM, AVSM, SM, VSM expressed confidence that the Vijay Diwas celebrations will continue to inspire the next generation youth of India as well as Bangladesh and the bond of friendship will continue to flourish.
Source: Army Authorities
Report- Pratyusha Mukherjee
