Former Liberation War veteran Lt Col Quazi Sazzad Ali Zahir described Bangladesh-India relations as “forever friends.” He added that the bond between the two countries is built on blood, soil, and sacrifice.
His statement came while addressing the ceremony on the occasion of Vijay Diwas, a celebration commemorating the surrender of Pakistani forces in former East Pakistan and the independence of Bangladesh in 1971.
He called Pakistan a murderous nation and said that Bangladesh’s triumph was only possible because of India’s assistance. He further quoted “There were so many people slain back then. Pakistan is a murderous country. We won because India supported us.”
When asked about Bangladesh’s recent proximity to China and the border battle between Indian and Chinese forces in Tawang, the retired Bangladeshi remarked, “This isn’t 1962; it’s 2022. The Indian Army is a formidable and well-trained force. India is not an aggressive country. Relations between Bangladesh and China are entirely business, and India remains Bangladesh’s biggest friend.”
Pakistani forces surrendered to the Indian Army on December 16, 1971. Lt. General AAK Niazi of Pakistan and Lt. General Jagjit Singh Aurora, GOC-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command, signed an Instrument of Surrender. This culminated in a cease-fire and the establishment of Bangladesh.
