The government of Bangladesh in a landmark decision has decided to construct a war memorial for the Indian soldiers who died fighting Pakistan in 1971 liberation of East Pakistan.
The announcement was made by Bangladesh War Liberation Minister Mozammel Haque on Friday (7 July).
A ministry spokesman quoted Haque who had said, “We are constructing the monument coinciding with the 50th anniversary of our independence”.
This decision will only bring the two nations closer as Bangaladesh honoured Indian soldiers who were instrumental in freeing East Pakistan where the armies of West Pakistan killed over 30 lakh people and raped somewhere between 2 to 5 lakh women.
The Hasina government has selected 3.5 acres in Ashuganj of Brahmanbaria district, bordering Tripura. This place a lot of significance in the Liberation War of 1971 and the architectural design will reflect the special relationship between both the neighbours.
An official said, “The site that has been selected has historic significance … Indian army fought some decisive battles with the Pakistan Army in 1971 along with our (Bangladeshi) freedom fighters in Ashuganj.”
Bangladesh already has a National Memorial on the outskirts of Dhaka for all 1971 martyrs, but this proposal to build a memorial for Indian soldiers alone shows the camaraderie between the two nations armed forces.
Bangladesh is now letting the world know about the crimes commented by Pakistan and a while back felicitated Indian soldiers and veterans. It posthumously honoured former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and several other distinguished Indians for their role in the Liberation War.