New Delhi

Bangladesh Army retired Major General Imamuz Zaman has fond memories of fighting alongside General V.K. Singh, who rose to become the Indian Army Chief, against Pakistan in the 1971 war.

Speaking with Awaz The Voice, he said, “Bangladesh tri-service contingent marching in the Republic Day parade is important and encouraging for both the countries. Soldiers of both the countries fought together shoulder to shoulder in the shortest possible time and through this parade we remind the world of our traditions.”

A 192-member tri-services contingent of Bangladesh Military is marching on the Rajpath on January 26, India’s Republic Day, in celebration of the bilateral relations between the two countries and India’s role in getting the county the freedom.

He says our glorious past will be reflected in this parade. In future also, we expect to organize such events to promote friendship and cooperation between the peoples of the two countries

He remembers fighting the Pakistan Army along with General V.K. Singh, who was then in Rajput Regiment. “He was very close to us. We operated together against the Pakistan Army. It was a lightning war and we entered the southern side of Bangladesh and captured Chittagong together.”

He adds the participation of Bangladeshi contingent in Indian Republic Day Parade is indeed very encouraging. It will promote the rich history and tradition of our cooperation in 1971.

A Bangladeshi tri-service contingent will lead the first ten rows of the Republic Day parade at Rajpath. The contingent will be led by the Bangladesh Army, which will be in the first six rows, the next two rows will be led by the Bangladesh Navy and the last two rows will comprise the Bangladesh Air Force to commemorate 50 years of the Liberation War.

Earlier while talking to ANI, Mohatsim Haider Chaudhary, the leader of Bangladesh tri-service contingent had said, "We are following all the COVID-19 norms."

It is especially significant as the year 2021 marks 50 years of the Liberation War of 1971, through which Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation, free from Pakistan's tyranny and oppression with the help of India.