Bangladesh’s Victory Day will be observed with due honour and ceremony in Kolkata, West Bengal, as the nation marks the 54th anniversary of its historic liberation. The celebrations will also involve the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, highlighting the enduring bond between the two countries forged during the 1971 Liberation War. A delegation of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and military officers has already arrived in Kolkata to participate in the four-day commemorative events.
The main ceremony will take place on Tuesday morning at Fort William, the headquarters of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army in Kolkata. The Bangladeshi delegation comprises eight freedom fighters, two serving military officers, and their family members, all arriving to honour the martyrs of the Liberation War and celebrate Bangladesh’s independence.
The delegation includes Brigadier General M. Lutfor Rahman and Major Sher-e-Shahbaz, along with their spouses. Among the freedom fighters present are Md. Habibul Alam, Major (Retd.) Alok Kumar Gupta, Major (Retd.) Kamrul Abedin, Major (Retd.) Manish Dewan, Major (Retd.) Md. Abdul Hakim, Major (Retd.) Hafizur Rahman, Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Shamsul Huda, and Abdullah Hil Shafi.
At Fort William, representatives from Bangladesh and India will pay homage to the fallen heroes of the 1971 Liberation War by laying floral tributes at the Victory Monument. The ceremony will recall with gratitude the joint efforts of Bangladeshi freedom fighters and the Indian Eastern Command that defeated the Pakistani occupying forces, ultimately leading to the birth of an independent Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata will also hold various programmes to mark Victory Day, including a morning flag-raising ceremony, discussion sessions, and special prayers. In the evening, a cultural programme will further celebrate the historic occasion, reinforcing the bonds of friendship and shared sacrifice between the two nations.
Prior to the main celebrations, on Monday morning, the Bangladeshi delegation met with the Governor of West Bengal, C.V. Ananda Bose, at his office to exchange greetings and commemorate the historic achievements of 1971.
Bangladeshi Delegation for Kolkata Victory Day
| Name | Rank/Title | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brigadier General M. Lutfor Rahman | Retired | Freedom fighter and delegation leader |
| Major Sher-e-Shahbaz | Serving | Accompanying family present |
| Md. Habibul Alam | Freedom fighter | Veteran of 1971 war |
| Major (Retd.) Alok Kumar Gupta | Retired | Participating in Fort William ceremony |
| Major (Retd.) Kamrul Abedin | Retired | Honouring martyrs of 1971 |
| Major (Retd.) Manish Dewan | Retired | Part of four-day celebrations |
| Major (Retd.) Md. Abdul Hakim | Retired | Paying tribute at Victory Monument |
| Major (Retd.) Hafizur Rahman | Retired | Representing Bangladeshi veterans |
| Brigadier General (Retd.) Md. Shamsul Huda | Retired | Veteran freedom fighter |
| Abdullah Hil Shafi | Freedom fighter | Cultural and ceremonial participant |
The Kolkata celebrations underscore not only the heroism of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence but also the continuing friendship and strategic partnership between Bangladesh and India, ensuring that the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War remains alive for future generations.