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Independence Day Special: How India overcame Pakistan in 1947-48 conflict and again in 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war

To land an aircraft onto the deck of a moving aircraft carrier is a highly acclaimed feat in military aviation, doing so while flying a damaged aircraft is almost fictional.

Going behind enemy lines is rare, but imagine laying ambushes in enemy territory, despite being outnumbered. India’s war veterans did these and many such feats of daredevilry to liberate Bangladesh(then East Pakistan).

NDA coursemates and Vir Chakra awardees Col A. Krishnaswami and Rear Admiral Ramsagar recalled their experience of being in the thick of action in the 1971 war and their acts of gallantry.

They were in conversation with Lt. Gen. A.Arun, General-Officer-in-Command(GOC) Dakshin Bharat Area at a special event hosted at Madras Management Association, Chennai. The event was hosted as a part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations.

<img alt="1971 Bangladesh war veterans" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a914ad9-028c-4dff-8c3d-2621dbdf025f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/AWAC1.jpg" />

Both the officers who were commissioned into the forces in 1958 relived their life and times in the run-up to the war. Notably, three generations of Col Krishnaswami’s family are in the forces and in the case of Rear Admiral Ramsagar, he had many of his kin serving in the forces prior to his own joining. As is the case in the forces, the families did not know&nbsp;when or whether the men went to war or where they were posted.&nbsp;

Col Krishnaswami recalls that he had missed the opportunity to fight in the 1962 and 1965 wars, but had accumulated enough experience over the years&nbsp;for the operation he conducted in 1971.

Posted in India’s north-east, he volunteered to lead his troops into the then East Pakistan and conducted an ambush. But this was no ordinary one - it involved trekking undetected for dozens of kilometres through&nbsp;rice fields, slush&nbsp;forests and river crossings in neck-deep water, all while protecting their ammo and weapons from getting soaked. Their target was an ammo-loaded vehicle&nbsp;exiting an ordnance factory in enemy territory.&nbsp;

The Colonel and his 80 men were tasked with delaying the vehicle movement, encircling and neutralising them. By laying traps to block the convoys (some of which were led by tanks), the Indian infantry men aided by artillery support killed over 117 Pakistani troops and injured many others.

Two Indian army men were killed in action, besides the two who were injured in this operation. It is significant that the Indian troops had taken the enemy by surprise, despite having infiltrated deep behind enemy lines.&nbsp;

When a Pakistani Army officer surrendered before Col Krishnaswami, he reportedly said that they did not have the equipment to bury their fallen troops. Krishnaswami retorted that it was not about the equipment, but about the Pakistanis’ lack of willingness to dig a burial pit.

He then ordered his men to dig the graves for Pakistani troops, as the Pakistani Major stood there in shock and awe. On seeing the graciousness and&nbsp;professionalism displayed by the&nbsp;Indian troops in digging graves for their fallen enemies, the Pakistani Major reportedly exclaimed in praise “If we had soldiers and officers like these, we would never have lost a war”.

He lauded the immense support provided by the Air Force in creating an atmosphere of air Superiority for 13 days, where India’s Air Force was used in a manner that rendered the enemy Air Force ineffectual.

The fledgling Indian Air Force flew 6,000 sorties in 13 days&nbsp;as part of combat and non-combat missions. All of this&nbsp;must be seen in the context of the 1971 scenario where there were multiple logistical, technological and hardware related challenges(that are not as prevalent in the present day scenario).&nbsp;

A senior pilot of the Alize Squadron, that operated from aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Rear Admiral Ramsagar recalls how Pakistan started the war when the Vikrant was non-operational&nbsp;in the dry dock for service. He touched&nbsp;upon the Navy’s then leadership that took tough and astute decisions such as moving the Vikrant from Bombay in India’s West(within Pak's reach)&nbsp;to Vishakapatnam in the east(within the reach of only a single Pak submarine).&nbsp;

While the partially-serviced carrier had crossed over to the east coast, the Naval aviator recalled having undertaken non-catapult assisted take-offs and also making landings during such tests.

When the carrier was stationed off Vishakapatnam, a Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi had made it into the harbour and started laying mines. However, while the submarine did so, it is said that it exploded due to a detonation of one of the mines it had laid, following which an INS Rajput also pounded it with explosives and divers recovered the Ghazi nameplate.&nbsp;

When the aircraft carrier was moved closer to east Pakistan, day time bombings runs were done by the carrier-based Hawk planes, whereas night missions were by the Alize aircraft.

The Navy planes carried out extensive attacks on Dhaka, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazaar during the night and day, thanks to the Indian Air Force&nbsp;which had quelled all resistance from the air and ground.

It was during the fourth day of the war that Rear Admiral Ramsagar flew&nbsp;a reconnaissance sortie into western Bangladesh and noticed large vessels that were meant to ferry Pakistani troops back.

After raining his six rockets onto the six vessels(which were too large to be significantly damaged), he flew back to the carrier and reported his sighting, following which they went on another bombing run, which led to the ships showing white flags in an act of surrender.

However, on the tenth&nbsp;day of the war, while flying over the western region of East Pakistan, he made a daring low-flying attack on Pakistani vessels that were being towed.

While his bombs missed the narrow vessels, only a depth charge fell on one vessel. Fearing the explosion of the charge, thousands of Pakistani troops jumped into the water&nbsp;fearing for their lives.

However, the Alize was hit by enemy gunboat fire at close-range&nbsp;of which eight rounds pierced and exited the aircraft. The hits caused a hydraulics failure, wing and engine fire onboard on his plane and&nbsp;some shots even missed his feet by a whisker.

With only his battery-powered communications set and a compass, he and his crew flew 90miles on a damaged aircraft to make a successful night landing on the INS Vikrant.

Instead of performing a net-landing (as advised), he performed a normal landing, in order to save his aircraft from total damage.&nbsp;

Summing up the gallantry displayed by the forces and the events of the war, Lt Gen Arun said that it displayed the ability to take risks, mitigate risks and nullify their effects.

He also touched upon the importance of camaraderie, honouring the fallen, while lauding the forces’ perseverance, courage and tenacity. He referred to the Indian military leaders’ foresight, planning and the ability to think through information overload and high-pressure situations and highlighted the importance of such skills among the corporate leaders and management.

Among those honoured at the event were Veer Naris(wives of fallen soldiers).&nbsp;

To land an aircraft onto the deck of a moving aircraft carrier is a highly acclaimed feat in military aviation, doing so while flying a damaged aircraft is almost fictional.

To land an aircraft onto the deck of a moving aircraft carrier is a highly acclaimed feat in military aviation, doing so while flying a damaged aircraft is almost fictional. Going behind enemy lines is rare, but imagine laying ambushes in enemy territory, despite being outnumbered. India’s war veterans did these and many such feats of daredevilry to liberate Bangladesh(then East Pakistan). NDA coursemates and Vir Chakra awardees Col A. Krishnaswami and Rear Admiral Ramsagar recalled their experience of being in the thick of action in the 1971 war and their acts of gallantry. They were in conversation with Lt. Gen. A.Arun, General-Officer-in-Command(GOC) Dakshin Bharat Area at a special event hosted at Madras Management Association, Chennai. The event was hosted as a part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh celebrations. Both the officers who were commissioned into the forces in 1958 relived their life and times in the run-up to the war. Notably, three generations of Col Krishnaswami’s family are in the forces and in the case of Rear Admiral Ramsagar, he had many of his kin serving in the forces prior to his own joining. As is the case in the forces, the families did not know when or whether the men went to war or where they were posted. Col Krishnaswami recalls that he had missed the opportunity to fight in the 1962 and 1965 wars, but had accumulated enough experience over the years for the operation he conducted in 1971. Posted in India’s north-east, he volunteered to lead his troops into the then East Pakistan and conducted an ambush. But this was no ordinary one - it involved trekking undetected for dozens of kilometres through rice fields, slush forests and river crossings in neck-deep water, all while protecting their ammo and weapons from getting soaked. Their target was an ammo-loaded vehicle exiting an ordnance factory in enemy territory. The Colonel and his 80 men were tasked with delaying the vehicle movement, encircling and neutralising them. By laying traps to block the convoys (some of which were led by tanks), the Indian infantry men aided by artillery support killed over 117 Pakistani troops and injured many others. Two Indian army men were killed in action, besides the two who were injured in this operation. It is significant that the Indian troops had taken the enemy by surprise, despite having infiltrated deep behind enemy lines. When a Pakistani Army officer surrendered before Col Krishnaswami, he reportedly said that they did not have the equipment to bury their fallen troops. Krishnaswami retorted that it was not about the equipment, but about the Pakistanis’ lack of willingness to dig a burial pit. He then ordered his men to dig the graves for Pakistani troops, as the Pakistani Major stood there in shock and awe. On seeing the graciousness and professionalism displayed by the Indian troops in digging graves for their fallen enemies, the Pakistani Major reportedly exclaimed in praise “If we had soldiers and officers like these, we would never have lost a war”. He lauded the immense support provided by the Air Force in creating an atmosphere of air Superiority for 13 days, where India’s Air Force was used in a manner that rendered the enemy Air Force ineffectual. The fledgling Indian Air Force flew 6,000 sorties in 13 days as part of combat and non-combat missions. All of this must be seen in the context of the 1971 scenario where there were multiple logistical, technological and hardware related challenges(that are not as prevalent in the present day scenario). A senior pilot of the Alize Squadron, that operated from aircraft carrier INS Vikrant, Rear Admiral Ramsagar recalls how Pakistan started the war when the Vikrant was non-operational in the dry dock for service. He touched upon the Navy’s then leadership that took tough and astute decisions such as moving the Vikrant from Bombay in India’s West(within Pak's reach) to Vishakapatnam in the east(within the reach of only a single Pak submarine). While the partially-serviced carrier had crossed over to the east coast, the Naval aviator recalled having undertaken non-catapult assisted take-offs and also making landings during such tests. When the carrier was stationed off Vishakapatnam, a Pakistani submarine PNS Ghazi had made it into the harbour and started laying mines. However, while the submarine did so, it is said that it exploded due to a detonation of one of the mines it had laid, following which an INS Rajput also pounded it with explosives and divers recovered the Ghazi nameplate. When the aircraft carrier was moved closer to east Pakistan, day time bombings runs were done by the carrier-based Hawk planes, whereas night missions were by the Alize aircraft. The Navy planes carried out extensive attacks on Dhaka, Chittagong and Cox’s Bazaar during the night and day, thanks to the Indian Air Force which had quelled all resistance from the air and ground. It was during the fourth day of the war that Rear Admiral Ramsagar flew a reconnaissance sortie into western Bangladesh and noticed large vessels that were meant to ferry Pakistani troops back. After raining his six rockets onto the six vessels(which were too large to be significantly damaged), he flew back to the carrier and reported his sighting, following which they went on another bombing run, which led to the ships showing white flags in an act of surrender. However, on the tenth day of the war, while flying over the western region of East Pakistan, he made a daring low-flying attack on Pakistani vessels that were being towed. While his bombs missed the narrow vessels, only a depth charge fell on one vessel. Fearing the explosion of the charge, thousands of Pakistani troops jumped into the water fearing for their lives. However, the Alize was hit by enemy gunboat fire at close-range of which eight rounds pierced and exited the aircraft. The hits caused a hydraulics failure, wing and engine fire onboard on his plane and some shots even missed his feet by a whisker. With only his battery-powered communications set and a compass, he and his crew flew 90miles on a damaged aircraft to make a successful night landing on the INS Vikrant. Instead of performing a net-landing (as advised), he performed a normal landing, in order to save his aircraft from total damage. Summing up the gallantry displayed by the forces and the events of the war, Lt Gen Arun said that it displayed the ability to take risks, mitigate risks and nullify their effects. He also touched upon the importance of camaraderie, honouring the fallen, while lauding the forces’ perseverance, courage and tenacity. He referred to the Indian military leaders’ foresight, planning and the ability to think through information overload and high-pressure situations and highlighted the importance of such skills among the corporate leaders and management. Among those honoured at the event were Veer Naris(wives of fallen soldiers).

1971 India-Pak war: Veterans recall carrier-landing with damaged plane, fighting behind enemy lines

How Bangladesh's Mukti Bahini vanquished the Pak Army in 1971 India-Pakistan war

Bangladesh on Wednesday kickstarted the golden jubilee celebrations of independence from Pakistan, along with the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

The South Asian nation is&nbsp;organising&nbsp;a 10-day programme&nbsp;till March 26 to mark its liberation&nbsp;from Pakistan after the 1971 war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-homage-to-bangabandhu-sheikh-mujibur-rahman-on-his-birth-anniversary-371043" hreflang="en">PM Modi pays homage to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary</a>

The high-profile celebrations will be attended by&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the&nbsp;heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, under separate schedules in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Several other world leaders and dignitaries have sent video messages to mark the golden jubilee celebrations.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-liberation-war-the-story-of-indias-victory-pakistans-surrender-and-the-birth-of-a-new-nation-268445">Bangladesh liberation war: The story of India's victory, Pakistan's surrender and the birth of a new Nation</a>

Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday welcomed his Maldivian counterpart Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as he arrived on a three-day visit to the country to join the celebrations.

Solih was escorted to the National Memorial on the outskirts of Dhaka to pay homage to the 1971 martyrs. He offered wreaths, planted a sapling and signed the visitors' book.

The Maldivian president also visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, originally the Bangladesh founder's private residence where he was gunned down in a military coup on August 15, 1975, along with most of his family members, the youngest of them being 10-year-old Sheikh Russell.

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Today, I was immensely honoured &amp; touched to accompany President <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ibusolih</a> during his visit to the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangabandhu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangabandhu</a> Memorial Museum in Dhaka and pay tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Father of the Nation of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bangladesh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bangladesh</a>. <a href="https://t.co/f8jrJqiGx7">pic.twitter.com/f8jrJqiGx7</a>
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) <a href="https://twitter.com/abdulla_shahid/status/1372169617435545602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hamid, along with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, paid homage to Bangladesh's founder's portrait at Bangabandhu Memorial museum early in the morning in a sombre&nbsp;ceremony, while military bugles played the last post as they placed wreaths on his portrait.

Hasina, who is the elder daughter of Bangabandhu, in a statement urged the nation to join hands to take Bangladesh to higher heights in the international arena.

''Let us take a vow to transform Bangladesh into a safe and peaceful home for our next generation,''&nbsp;she said.

The premier said her government was working tirelessly to build a hunger-and poverty-free developed and prosperous Bangladesh as envisioned by the Father of the Nation by formulating and implementing 'Vision-2021', 'Vision-2041' and 'Delta Plan-2100'.

Indian Prime Minister Modi will visit Bangladesh&nbsp;for a two-day visit on March 26 and will join the main Independence Day celebrations that also marks 50 years of&nbsp;diplomatic relations between the two countries.

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My heartfelt homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a champion of human rights and freedom, on his birth anniversary. He is a hero for all Indians too. It will be my honour to visit Bangladesh later this month for the historic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MujibBorsho?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MujibBorsho</a> celebrations.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1372037155095113730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, was born on March 17, 1920.

Bangladesh had originally planned grand celebrations for the 50th years of Independence and Bangabandhu's birth centenary but the coronavirus pandemic forced the country to revise the plan on health grounds. 
&nbsp;

Bangladesh on Wednesday kickstarted the golden jubilee celebrations of independence from Pakistan, along with the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Bangladesh on Wednesday kickstarted the golden jubilee celebrations of independence from Pakistan, along with the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The South Asian nation is organising a 10-day programme till March 26 to mark its liberation from Pakistan after the 1971 war. Also read: PM Modi pays homage to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his birth anniversary The high-profile celebrations will be attended by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with the heads of state and government from Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan, under separate schedules in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several other world leaders and dignitaries have sent video messages to mark the golden jubilee celebrations. Also read| Bangladesh liberation war: The story of India's victory, Pakistan's surrender and the birth of a new Nation Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday welcomed his Maldivian counterpart Ibrahim Mohamed Solih as he arrived on a three-day visit to the country to join the celebrations. Solih was escorted to the National Memorial on the outskirts of Dhaka to pay homage to the 1971 martyrs. He offered wreaths, planted a sapling and signed the visitors' book. The Maldivian president also visited Bangabandhu Memorial Museum, originally the Bangladesh founder's private residence where he was gunned down in a military coup on August 15, 1975, along with most of his family members, the youngest of them being 10-year-old Sheikh Russell. Today, I was immensely honoured & touched to accompany President @ibusolih during his visit to the #Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhaka and pay tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Father of the Nation of #Bangladesh. pic.twitter.com/f8jrJqiGx7 — Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) March 17, 2021 × Hamid, along with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, paid homage to Bangladesh's founder's portrait at Bangabandhu Memorial museum early in the morning in a sombre ceremony, while military bugles played the last post as they placed wreaths on his portrait. Hasina, who is the elder daughter of Bangabandhu, in a statement urged the nation to join hands to take Bangladesh to higher heights in the international arena. ''Let us take a vow to transform Bangladesh into a safe and peaceful home for our next generation,'' she said. The premier said her government was working tirelessly to build a hunger-and poverty-free developed and prosperous Bangladesh as envisioned by the Father of the Nation by formulating and implementing 'Vision-2021', 'Vision-2041' and 'Delta Plan-2100'. Indian Prime Minister Modi will visit Bangladesh for a two-day visit on March 26 and will join the main Independence Day celebrations that also marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. My heartfelt homage to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a champion of human rights and freedom, on his birth anniversary. He is a hero for all Indians too. It will be my honour to visit Bangladesh later this month for the historic #MujibBorsho celebrations. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 17, 2021 × Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, was born on March 17, 1920. Bangladesh had originally planned grand celebrations for the 50th years of Independence and Bangabandhu's birth centenary but the coronavirus pandemic forced the country to revise the plan on health grounds.

Bangladesh begins celebrations to mark golden jubilee of independence

Expressing her gratitude to the country and the Indian Army for their support during the 1971 liberation war, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that India is Bangladesh's true friend

Addressing a virtual summit with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Hasina said that she is happy to meet him again, particularly on this month of victory. 
&nbsp;

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Bangladesh is on the verge of celebrating 50 years as an independent nation. Your (PM Modi) visit to Dhaka on 26th March 2021 will be the crowning glory of our joint commemoration of Bangladesh's Liberation War 1971: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina <a href="https://t.co/MNdjUqrYid">pic.twitter.com/MNdjUqrYid</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1339452306480197632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2020</a></blockquote>
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December evokes in all Bangladeshis the spirit of joy, freedom and celebration as we recall with deep gratitude our 'Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Under whose dynamic leadership we earned our great independence,? she said.

'India is our true friend,' the Bangladesh Prime Minister said.

I pay deep homage to the three million martyrs who laid down their lives. I pay tribute to the members of the Indian armed forces martyred in the war and to their families. I pay my gratitude to the government and the people of India who extended their wholehearted support for the cause of our nation, she said.

The war in 1971 broke after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971, in erstwhile East Pakistan by the Pakistani troops and ended on December 16.&nbsp;

The same year Pakistan conceded defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian soldiers.

Officially three million people were killed during the nine-month-long war.

Modi and Hasina jointly inaugurated a digital exhibition on Mujibur Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi to celebrate the life and legacies of the iconic leaders.

Hasina and Modi also relaunched a trans-border rail route between Chilahati and West Bengal's Haldibari which has been inoperative for almost 55 years.

The ties between India and Bangladesh have witnessed a significant upswing in the last few years. Both sides have scaled up to trade and economic engagement besides implementing several connectivity and infrastructure projects.

(With inputs from agencies)

Expressing her gratitude to the country and the Indian Army for their support during the 1971 liberation war, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that India is Bangladesh's true friend Addressing a virtual summit with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Hasina said that she is happy to meet him again, particularly on this month of victory.

Expressing her gratitude to the country and the Indian Army for their support during the 1971 liberation war, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that India is Bangladesh's true friend Addressing a virtual summit with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, Hasina said that she is happy to meet him again, particularly on this month of victory. Bangladesh is on the verge of celebrating 50 years as an independent nation. Your (PM Modi) visit to Dhaka on 26th March 2021 will be the crowning glory of our joint commemoration of Bangladesh's Liberation War 1971: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina pic.twitter.com/MNdjUqrYid — ANI (@ANI) December 17, 2020 × December evokes in all Bangladeshis the spirit of joy, freedom and celebration as we recall with deep gratitude our 'Father of the Nation' Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Under whose dynamic leadership we earned our great independence,? she said. 'India is our true friend,' the Bangladesh Prime Minister said. I pay deep homage to the three million martyrs who laid down their lives. I pay tribute to the members of the Indian armed forces martyred in the war and to their families. I pay my gratitude to the government and the people of India who extended their wholehearted support for the cause of our nation, she said. The war in 1971 broke after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971, in erstwhile East Pakistan by the Pakistani troops and ended on December 16. The same year Pakistan conceded defeat and unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian soldiers. Officially three million people were killed during the nine-month-long war. Modi and Hasina jointly inaugurated a digital exhibition on Mujibur Rahman and Mahatma Gandhi to celebrate the life and legacies of the iconic leaders. Hasina and Modi also relaunched a trans-border rail route between Chilahati and West Bengal's Haldibari which has been inoperative for almost 55 years. The ties between India and Bangladesh have witnessed a significant upswing in the last few years. Both sides have scaled up to trade and economic engagement besides implementing several connectivity and infrastructure projects. (With inputs from agencies)

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina calls India a 'true friend', thanks Indian army for help in 1971 liberation war

Vijay Diwas - 'You surrender or we wipe you out': When Sam Manekshaw threatened Pak in 1971 Bangladesh liberation war

Bangladesh's&nbsp;Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to&nbsp;construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. The anniversary&nbsp;coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country's independence.

“We are constructing the monument coinciding with the 50th anniversary of our independence” crucially backed by India, a ministry spokesman quoted Haque as saying.

The statement was made when the&nbsp;Indian High Commisisoner Riva Ganguly paid a farewell visit to Haque. Both the leaders assured he media that the two countries are friendly neighbours and friends.

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“Some people are out to spread misleading information purposely to worsen the relations between the two next-door neighbours but the Bangladesh-India ties are not so fragile,” Ganguly said.

She also urged the Bangladesh government to translate the books based on Liberation War to Hindi, and expressed willingness to participate in Bangladesh's golden jubilee of their independence in 2021.

An official familiar with the monument project said the government has selected 3.5 acres of land at frontier Ashuganj of Brahmanbaia district bordering Agartala.

“The site which has been selected has historic significance . . . Indian army fought Pakistanis some decisive wars in 1971 along with our freedom fighters in Ashuganj,” the official said.

The monument's construction will begin this year and will be completed in the next two years, the minister claimed.

(With inputs from PTI)

Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.

Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. The anniversary coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. “We are constructing the monument coinciding with the 50th anniversary of our independence” crucially backed by India, a ministry spokesman quoted Haque as saying. The statement was made when the Indian High Commisisoner Riva Ganguly paid a farewell visit to Haque. Both the leaders assured he media that the two countries are friendly neighbours and friends. × “Some people are out to spread misleading information purposely to worsen the relations between the two next-door neighbours but the Bangladesh-India ties are not so fragile,” Ganguly said. She also urged the Bangladesh government to translate the books based on Liberation War to Hindi, and expressed willingness to participate in Bangladesh's golden jubilee of their independence in 2021. An official familiar with the monument project said the government has selected 3.5 acres of land at frontier Ashuganj of Brahmanbaia district bordering Agartala. “The site which has been selected has historic significance . . . Indian army fought Pakistanis some decisive wars in 1971 along with our freedom fighters in Ashuganj,” the official said. The monument's construction will begin this year and will be completed in the next two years, the minister claimed. (With inputs from PTI)

Bangladesh to build monument for Indian soldiers martyred in 1971 Liberation War

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-scores-big-election-win-187426">Sheikh Hasina</a> on Monday paid tributes to the 'father of the nation,' also known as '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-bangladesh-to-jointly-produce-film-on-bangabandhu-prakash-javadekar-260274">Bangabandhu</a>' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of 49th Victory Day of the country that marks its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/grateful-to-india-for-its-role-in-liberation-war-bangladesh-prime-minister-sheikh-hasina-263955">liberation </a>from Pakistan.

The prime minister paid homage by placing a wreath on the portrait of her father in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi on Monday, local media reported. Flanked by senior leaders of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/awami-league-was-formed-to-bring-back-bangladeshs-independence-pm-sheikh-hasina-229724">party</a>, Hasina stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of 'Bangabandhu'.

The Victory Day marks the occasion when the country was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-liberation-war-the-story-of-indias-victory-pakistans-surrender-and-the-birth-of-a-new-nation-268445">liberated </a>from Pakistani occupation after the nine-month-long '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-liberation-war-the-story-of-indias-victory-pakistans-surrender-and-the-birth-of-a-new-nation-268445">Liberation War</a>'.

The national flag was hoisted at all government and non-government buildings while the memorials are covered with flowers and the streets are crowded with processions of revelers.

Lt Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niyazi, the martial law administrator of the then East Pakistan, surrendered before Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, head of Indian forces and Mukti Bahini forces, on December 16, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bangladesh-war-1971-as-it-happened-1503">1971</a>.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid tributes to the 'father of the nation,' also known as 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of 49th Victory Day of the country that marks its liberation from Pakistan.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday paid tributes to the 'father of the nation,' also known as 'Bangabandhu' Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on the occasion of 49th Victory Day of the country that marks its liberation from Pakistan. The prime minister paid homage by placing a wreath on the portrait of her father in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi on Monday, local media reported. Flanked by senior leaders of the party, Hasina stood in solemn silence for some time as a mark of profound respect to the memory of 'Bangabandhu'. The Victory Day marks the occasion when the country was liberated from Pakistani occupation after the nine-month-long 'Liberation War'. The national flag was hoisted at all government and non-government buildings while the memorials are covered with flowers and the streets are crowded with processions of revelers. Lt Gen Amir Abdullah Khan Niyazi, the martial law administrator of the then East Pakistan, surrendered before Lt Gen Jagjit Singh Aurora, head of Indian forces and Mukti Bahini forces, on December 16, 1971.

Sheikh Hasina pays tribute to 'Bangabandhu' on Bangladesh's 49th Victory Day