New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday visited National Martyr’s Memorial in Savar in Bangladesh to pay tribute to the Indian and Bangladeshi soldiers who died in the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. The President is on a three-day state visit to Bangladesh to attend the 50th Victory Day celebrations. At the memorial, Mr Kovind paid tribute to fallen soldiers by laying a wreath. He also planted a sapling of Ashoka tree.
The president also visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi.
Later today, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister of the neighboring country A K Abdul Momen will call on the President. The president will also hold a delegation-level meeting with President of Bangladesh Md Abdul Hamid in Dhaka.
At the arrival, the President has been given a grand welcome at Hajrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka. AIR correspondent reports, Bangladesh gave a grand welcome to President Ram Nath Kovind on his arrival in Dhaka. His counterpart Mr Hamid came to receive him at the airport. He was given a 21 gun salute at the airport followed by the guard of honour. Lots of school children on streets of the capital city also welcomed the President waving the flags of both countries.
Mr Kovind visited the National Martyr’s Memorial which is the symbol of the sacrifices of brave soldiers of both countries who faught for the liberation of Bangladesh. It is also symbol of victory over the brutality of Pakistani army in which more than 30 lakh people have been killed during the nine months of fight for the independence of Bangladesh.
India and Bangladesh are giving high priority to the visit of Mr Kovind as Both countries are celebrating the 50th year of the victory and golden jubilee of the establishment of their diplomatic ties.
December 16, 1971 is a historic day that marks the victory of the Indian armed forces along with the Bangladeshi Liberation Warfighters over the Pakistani forces in Dhaka. More than 90 thousand Pakistani forces commanded by Gen. Niazi surrendered to the Indian army under the Command of Gen. Aurora on this day.
The short war that started on 3 December came to an end in 13 days. The day marked the end of Pakistani brutality against the people of Bangladesh. The cruel cycle of violence that was unleashed by the Pakistani forces from March ended with the sacrifice of more than 3 million Bangladeshi people and thousands of Indian forces. It brought into existence the newest nation of South Asia- Bangladesh under the leadership of the Charismatic Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The friendship that was forged in blood and sacrifice fifty years ago continues to blossom between the two countries of South Asia. On the Victory Day, Vijay Diwas on 16 December grateful nations of India and Bangladesh will remember the supreme sacrifice of its armed personnel and common people to usher in a new era in this part of the world.
