President participates in 50 years of Bangladesh Independence

President Ram Nath Kovind on Thursday attended the 50th Vijay Diwas celebrations of Bangladesh. The president, who was the guest of honour, observed the marching contingents at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka. On this occasion, a tri-services contingent from the Indian armed forces also participated in the parade. Both countries celebrate 16th December as Victory Day to mark the victory of the Indian army and Mukti Bahini over Pakistan in the fight for the independence of Bangladesh.  

LIVE: President Ram Nath Kovind attends Victory Day Parade at National Parade Ground in Dhaka https://t.co/sttr3O72fz

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 16, 2021

To mark the joint efforts of the Indian army and Mukti Bahini in the Bangladesh librations war, Col Vinay Sadasivan led the 122 membred tri-services contingent from the Indian armed forces. Wing Commander T Asha Jyothirmayi, paratrooper from the Indian air force also joined the Bangladeshi parajumpers carrying the Indian tricolor, marking the sacrifices of soldiers of the Indian army who lost lives in the liberation war. Contingents of Bhutan which was the first country to recognise Bangladesh as a free nation and Russia which supported the libration war also participated in the parade. The invitation to the President at the 50 th victory day by Bangladesh shows the strong bond between both countries. The first visit of  Kovind to Bangladesh is of high importance as both countries are also celebrating the golden jubilee of their diplomatic ties along with the golden jubilee of independence of Bangladesh.

In India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Homage and Reception Ceremony of Swarnim Vijay Mashaals at National War Memorial in New Delhi. As a part of the Swarnim Vijay Varsh Celebrations to commemorate 50 years of India’s victory in 1971 war and formation of Bangladesh, on 16 December,

Prime Minister had lit the Swarnim Vijay Mashaal from the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial. He had also lit four flames that were to traverse along different directions. During the Homage Ceremony , these four flames were merged by the Prime Minister with the Eternal Flame at the National War Memorial. These four flames which were merged today,  have traversed across the length and breadth of the country, including to Siachen, Kanyakumari, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Longewala, Rann of Kutch and Agartala. The flames were taken to key battle areas and also to the houses of gallantry award winners and veterans of 1971 war. On the occasion.PM Narendra Modi laid  wreath at the National War Memorial. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh released commemorative stamp on the occasion at the National War Memorial.