Nation celebrates victory in 1971 battle for independence by internet hosting navy parade with India’s president as visitor of honour.
Bangladesh has marked 50 years of victory over Pakistan in a bloody battle for independence by internet hosting a navy parade with the Indian president as a visitor of honour.
Enormous crowds paid tribute to Bangladesh’s battle heroes within the capital Dhaka and different cities on Thursday.
Veterans who misplaced their limbs within the battle laid wreaths – watched by hundreds of solemn observers – on the Nationwide Martyrs’ Memorial, a concrete monument close to Dhaka symbolising the marketing campaign towards Pakistani rule.
Girls throughout the nation wore saris of inexperienced and crimson, matching the nationwide flag, as they watched live shows the place musicians carried out patriotic songs.
On December 16, 1971, Pakistani troopers surrendered to a joint India-Bangladesh power, formally making Bangladesh a brand new nation underneath the management of independence chief Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the daddy of present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The battle started on March 26 and continued for 9 months – killing as many as three million folks – earlier than victory was declared in December, aided by India underneath then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Thursday’s celebrations had been attended by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, who was on a two-day go to to the Muslim-majority nation.
After arriving on Wednesday, Kovind held discussions with Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid in Dhaka.
Arindam Bagchi, a spokesman for the Indian Ministry of Exterior Affairs, mentioned the 2 leaders mentioned problems with curiosity, together with connectivity and commerce, cooperation within the combat towards COVID-19 and growth partnerships.
Hasina and Bangladeshi Overseas Minister A Ok Abdul Momen additionally acquired Kovind.
“In 10 years, we are going to see very modified and completely different international locations. We’re taking a look at inexperienced applied sciences, renewables on this period of local weather change to create employment, IT and digital platforms, startups,” mentioned India’s Overseas Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.
Bangladesh has held celebrations all year long to mark the golden anniversary of its independence, although some occasions had been referred to as off due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the visitor of honour in March to mark the outbreak of the battle – a recognition of his nation’s essential assist and help on the time.
“I recall the nice valour and sacrifice by … the Indian Armed Forces,” Modi, who laid a wreath in New Delhi to mark the anniversary, tweeted on Thursday.
“Collectively, we fought and defeated oppressive forces.”