The Bangladesh Armed Forces participated in the Republic Day parade of 2021. It was for the first time that the Bangladeshi forces were taking part in the historic Republic Day celebrations of India. This year is special for both India and Bangladesh as it marks the 50th anniversary of the 1971 war.
A special 122-tri service contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces participated in the Republic Day. They marched in two divisions: The marching contingent and the military band.
India and Bangladesh have a long history of strategic ties. We have a shared history of culture, language, and civilisation. India was one of the first countries to recognise Bangladesh’s freedom and independence from Pakistan in the year 1971.
“Together we fought, Together we march”
Some of the key points from today’s parade that are to be noted are as follows:
The marching style of both the countries that is India and Bangladesh happens to be quite similar. Colonel Mohatsim Hyder Chaudhary, chief of the Bangladesh contingent who took part in the Republic Day parade confirmed on Monday. He also confirmed that due to this the contingent did not have to change the marching style by a lot.
“It is a great responsibility that has been assigned to us. The men with me are very excited to participate in this parade… If you ask about the feelings, participating in a foreign land, with a foreign army, and with the same tempo is very much exciting,” he said to ANI.
The contingent marched to the song of “Shono Ekti Mujibur-er theke lokkho Mujibur”, meaning “Listen, the voice of Mujibur which has been multiplied by a hundred thousand of his followers.” The band was led by Lieutenant Colonel Banazir Ahmed.
The majority of the soldiers in this contingent hail from the most distinguished units of the Bangladesh Army comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 & 11 East Bengal Regiment and 1, 2, and 3 Field Artillery Regiment. These units had the honour of fighting and winning the 1971 Liberation War.
As the Bangladesh military contingent marched, a Dakota — a vintage transport aircraft flew overhead. They played a significant role in the Tangail airdrop leading to the Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971. The Dakota was a part of the Rudra formation along with 2 MI 171V. The Indian Air Force gifted two Dakotas to the Bangladesh Air Force to begin its journey post-Liberation.
It was reported earlier that the contingent will be visiting places of historical significance in Agra and Ajmer on January 28 and 29 before their departure.