Vijay Diwas: Bangladesh marks independence from Pakistan, President Kovind attends

Vijay Diwas: Bangladesh marks independence from Pakistan, President Kovind attends

President Ram Nath Kovind joined Bangladesh on Thursday in celebrating 50 years of its independence from Pakistan.

President Kovind was a Guest of Honour at the parade to mark the historic event. Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid reviewed the military parade in Dhaka as the national celebrations of Vijay Diwas began in the country.

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India defeated Pakistan 50 years ago in 1971 and helped create Bangladesh. December 16 is celebrated as Vijay Diwas.

President Kovind reached Dhaka on Tuesday on his maiden State Visit at the invitation of his counterpart M Abdul Hamid to attend the golden jubilee celebrations.

During his meeting with Hamid, President Kovind "reiterated that Bangladesh has a special place in India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy".

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President Kovind called Hamid a “War Hero” and gifted him two replicas – a Russian made T-55 tank and Mig-21 vintage aircraft used during the 1971 war.

On his part, President Hamid described India as “a very close and faithful friend” of Bangladesh and recalled the overall cooperation of India in the 1971 Liberation War. He thanked the government and the people of India.