As part of celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Liberation, BSF of Tripura Frontier along with its counterpart Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) felicitated the war veterans on Sunday at the Akhaura  Integrated Check Post (ICP).

 

Speaking on the occasion, ICA Minister Sushanta Chowdhury asserted the bilateral relationship between India and Bangladesh has scaled a new height. He stressed the need to increase cultural and sports activity exchanges between Tripura and Bangladesh

 

Among the war veterans of the State who took in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, Former Assistant Commandant of BSF- K.M Majumder, Ex-Chief Defender- Nikhil Ghosh and Ex-Chief Defender- Dulal Chandra were felicitated in the programme and their contributions were remembered. Also, the wife of martyr S. K Chakraborty, Ex DIG of BSF was felicitated. A colourful cultural programme and photo exhibition were held during the programme.

 

BSF of the Tripura Frontier and the people of the State played a crucial part in the 1971 Indo-Pak war. India defeated Pakistan in the war and a new Independent nation, Bangladesh emerged.  

 

Recalling the war memories, Ex-Chief Defender Nikhil Ghosh said, “We did not have advanced arms and weapons, yet we fought the 1971 war bravely. We successfully destroyed several bridges in erstwhile East Pakistan during secret operations.

 

Other war veterans also shared their memories of the war which is also known as the Bangladesh Liberation War. 

 

Besides, renowned troupes from Bangladesh and India were performed in the programme, while the war veterans shared their experiences. According to BSF officials, the programme was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the two countries as well as highlighting the contributions made by BSF during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

 

Earlier a ‘Maitree Cycle Rally’ and a BSF -BGB friendly Football Match were organized along the border roads under the Eastern Command of BSF to mark 50 years of Bangladesh’s independence.

 

Minister of Information and Cultural Affairs Sushanta Chowdhury in his speech said BSF and the Indian army fought the Bangladesh liberation war bravely and foiled the attempt of Pakistan to occupy the Indian Territory.

 

He also said, “It is our duty to remember the sacrifices of the war heroes. We consider Bangladesh as our brother nation. In the future, we have to further consolidate our tie with the neighbouring country.”

 

Among others, MLA Mimi Majumder and Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala Mohammed Jubayad Husen were also present in the programme.