In remembrance

Himalayan News Service

KATHMANDU: On April 16 the Nepa Dhuku Hall of Radisson Hotel was filled with prominent personalities of Nepal, Bangladesh and India who had gathered along with freedom fighters, cultural personalities and journalists from Bangladesh to observe and celebrate the Oath Taking Day of the first Government of Bangladesh in 1971.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala, former Minister and Ambassador of Nepal Chakra Prasad Bastola, Planning Minister of Bangladesh Air Vice-Marshal (Retd) AK Khandakar (who was the deputy chief of Liberation Forces), Chief of Staff of Eastern Command of Mitro Bahini and Ex-Governor of India Lieutenant General JFR Jacob, sector commanders Abu Osman Chowdhury, were present at the programme to discuss the contributions made by India and Nepal during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Though Koirala had to leave early due to other commitments, other speakers spoke about their experience during the movement.

Bangladeshi Ambassador Dr Neem Chandra Bhowmik expressed his pleasure at this historical get-together. “Bangladesh received independence in the shortest time period but it was not an easy victory and we would like to thank late leaders BP Koirala, GP Koirala, Chakra Prasad Bastola and others for their contribution to the Liberation War of Bangladesh by handing over arms to the Bangladeshi freedom fighters in 1971.”

He also thanked the then government of India and other countries who supported the liberation war of Bangladesh.

To mark the historical day various Bangladeshi artistes, who had come to Nepal for the very event, gave performances. Singers Moloy Kumar Ganguly and Rathindra Nath Roy, who had also participated in the liberation war, sang patriotic songs along with other singers. The Bangladeshi musicians were joined by some Nepali musicians on the stage. Munmun Ahmed and her dance group showcased some typical Bangladeshi dance steps to patriotic songs.