Bangla war veterans in Kolkata for Vijay Diwas celebrations

Amid the regular diplomatic exchange of sharp words between India and Bangladesh, there is a positive development. Eight former soldiers of each country will participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations at Kolkata and Dhaka tomorrow.

Eight “Mukti Jodhas” (war veterans) of Bangladesh and two serving officers of the Bangladesh armed forces have reached to participate in the Vijay Diwas celebrations at Kolkata, the Headquarters of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command.

Similarly, eight Indian war veterans and two serving officers of the armed forces have reached Dhaka to take part in Bangladesh’s Victory Day celebrations.

Tomorrow is the 53rd anniversary of the Liberation War that led to the creation of Bangladesh after India defeated Pakistan in the 1971 war.

India and Bangladesh have been inviting each other’s war veterans and serving officers to participate in their respective celebrations. However, after the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took over following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, there has been bitterness in the India-Bangladesh relations.

Last month in India, Bangladesh High Commissioner Mustafizur Rahman paid homage to the Indian soldiers and veterans who played a key role in the 1971 Liberation War.

The High Commission in New Delhi had hosted an event to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The day marks the creation of the Bangladesh armed forces.