PM accords reception to Indian, Russian war veterans

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina accorded a reception to the 1971 war veterans of India and Russia and their spouses who joined Bangladesh's 47th Victory Day celebration.

Twenty-seven war veterans of India and their spouses and children, and four war veterans of Russia and their spouses attended the reception on Gonobhaban lawn yesterday afternoon.

Four serving military officers of India and officials of India and four serving military officers of Russia, officials of the embassies of the two countries also joined the reception.

Addressing the reception, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh will never forget the contribution made by India and Russia to liberate Bangladesh.

"We always remember your contribution. We have liberated the country under the leadership of our great leader Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and you have given all kinds of support," she said.

"You yourself fought for our liberation, which we will never forget," the prime minister said.

The prime minister thanked the war veterans for accepting the invitation and coming to Bangladesh saying "It's your country and you are welcome here anytime".

Leader of the Indian delegation Lt. Gen. Jai Bhagban Singh Yadava said it was a great opportunity for them to visit Bangladesh on this most historic occasion.

During their stay in Bangladesh, they have seen remarkable progress of the security and defense forces under the guidance of Sheikh Hasina, he said.

"The safety and security is not only of your country but also for entire South Asia," he said.

Recalling the memories of 1971, General Bhagban said the people here had to go through a lot of trauma and brutalities for nine months. "But the Mukti brothers with the bravery made a platform and created an environment so that we could come to your assistance in the war for liberation," he said.

"The relationship between Bangladesh and India is cemented with blood and sweat. I'm sure the very strong structure of the relationship will create everlasting friendship between us," he said. Under the inspiring leadership of Sheikh Hasina, he said, Bangladesh has made tremendous progress and it was possible due to her courage in dealing with the challenges.

General Bhagwan hoped that under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina the friendship between India and Bangladesh will flourish and "we will be able to defeat all the negative and destabilising forces".

Leader of Russian team Commodore GS Salkar of Russian Navy Pacific Fleet congratulated the people of Bangladesh on the occasion of the great victory in the Liberation War.

He said in 1971, Russia sincerely supported the uprising of Bangladesh people against injustice. He said, "We received the order of the Soviet Union to join special Taskforce no 12 for de-mining Chittagong port and adjacent area of the bay with great enthusiasm."

On behalf of the Russian delegation, he expressed sincere gratitude to the people of Bangladesh for inviting them to join the celebration of the remarkable event with the people of Bangladesh.

Returning to his home in Vladivostok, Commodore Salkar said he will inform the people of his country as well as mass media about the great success and achievements of Bangladeshi people in building their sovereign state.

Lt. Gen. Bhagwan presented some books, crest and rare pictures of Bangabandhu to the Prime Minister.

The prime minister exchanged greetings with the guests and extended her thanks to the war veterans of India and Russia for coming to Bangladesh.

Radwan Mujib Siddiq, nephew of the Prime Minister, former minister ABM Tajul Islam, MP, Mahjabeen Khaled, MP, and Awami League Leader Abdus Sobhan Golap accompanied the prime minister.

Source: bss