Bangladesh armed forces’ contingent arrives, will join R-Day parade to mark 50 yrs of liberation

As many as 122 members of the Bangladesh armed forces arrived in Delhi Tuesday evening to participate in the 2021 Republic Day parade. Their participation in the annual parade is meant to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s liberation from Pakistan.

The contingent travelled to India in a special C-17 aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF). The three-hour long flight departed at 5.30 pm Tuesday. Announcing their departure, the Indian Army had earlier tweeted, “Together we Fought, Together we March. Tune in on 26 Jan 21 for the splendid parade. #friendship #Goldenjubilee #Republicday2021.”

Golden jubilee of Bangladesh liberation
Last month, the Modi government had kicked off celebrations to mark the golden jubilee of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. On 16 December 2020, the anniversary of the day Pakistan surrendered to India in the war, Modi lit the ‘Swarnim Vijay Mashaal’ — or the ‘golden victory flames — from the eternal flame of the National War Memorial in New Delhi, marking the beginning of the golden jubilee celebrations.

Several events are planned to commemorate the milestone, including events across the country where war veterans will be celebrated. Other programmes include seminars and band displays.

In addition, the defence ministry had said last month that four flaming torches will be carried to various parts of India, including to the villages of Param Vir Chakra and Maha Vir Chakra awardees of the war.

While the Bangladesh contingent will join the celebration this year, the Republic Day parade will otherwise be a muted affair compared to other years on account of the Covid pandemic.

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