Uncertainty over participation of Bangladeshi freedom fighters in Eastern Command’s Vijay Diwas celebrations

Major General Mohit Seth at Vijay Diwas curtain-raiser event in Fort William, the Headquarters of Eastern Command, in Kolkata on December 6, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Debasish Bhaduri

Following recent incidents of atrocities against minorities in Bangladesh, uncertainty looms over the participation of Bangladeshi Mukti Joddhas (freedom fighters) in the Indian Armed Forces’ upcoming Vijay Diwas celebrations at Fort William, the headquarters of the Eastern Command, in Kolkata on December 16.

Vijay Diwas, celebrated on December 16 every year, marks India’s historic victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war, which led to the formation of Bangladesh from erstwhile East Pakistan.

Last year, a delegation of senior officers of Bangladesh Armed Forces, along with a group of Mukti Joddhas, had visited Kolkata’s Fort William to take part in the Eastern Command’s Vijay Diwas celebrations.

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However, this year, the participation of a Bangladeshi delegation at the 53rd Vijay Diwas seems improbable.

“War veterans who had taken part in the 1971 war will be attending events as they unfold. Eastern Command will be conducting a series of events on December 16, which includes an interaction with our 1971 war veterans, military tattoo, wreath laying, and so on,” Major General Mohit Seth said at a curtain-raiser event at Fort William on Friday.

However, no clarity was offered regarding the participation of a Bangladeshi delegation in the Vijay Diwas programme this year. “The two nations share a common history and culture. Our defence forces have also shared a cordial relationship over these many years, through a number of joint exercises, training, courses,” Major General Seth said.

“We take great pride that the Eastern Command was at the centre-stage of the historic struggle and fight against the oppressive dispensation of West Pakistan,” he added.

Manash Ghosh, a veteran war journalist who had covered the 1971 war from the battleground, also shared his experiences as a war correspondent at the curtain-raiser event on Friday.