Dhaka: Bangladesh Liberation War fighters remember 1971 during the Maitree Week celebrations

In the run up to the Maitree Diwas on Dec 6, the High Commission of India in Bangladesh on Sunday invited some of the prominent fighters of the Bangladesh liberation war to share their experiences of the historic events in 1971.

The invitees included prominent women freedom fighters of Bangladesh who had fought as guerilla soldiers or in civilian activities like nursing the wounded during the war. Women Liberation War fighters Dr Makhduma Nargis, Professor Nazma Shahin and Gitoshri Chowdhury shared the experiences of the liberation war on the occasion.

They recalled the struggle of the people of Bangladesh and the contribution of the Indian armed forces in defeating the Pakistan army in 1971. Calling the liberation war of Bangladesh as a people’s movement, the veterans expressed their sincere gratitude to the help provided by the Indian government and people during the liberation war.

They recounted stories of fighting against Pakistan army shoulder to shoulder with the Indian army and immense sacrifices made by both the Muktibahini and the Indian armed forces during this difficult phase of Bangladesh’s history. They also stressed upon the need to familiarise the youth of Bangladesh and India with the glorious epoch of the shared history of the two countries.

Every year the government of India and government of Bangladesh commemorate the invaluable contribution of valiant liberation war fighters or Muktijoddha to the liberation of Bangladesh. This year also a weeklong programme from Nov 30 to December 5 was organised by the High Commission of India in Dhaka to commemorate the occasion.