Indian Navy ships reach Bangladesh to mark 50th anniversary of 1971 war

Two Indian Naval ships arrived the historic port town of Mongla on Monday and will stay till March 10 to commemorate the ongoing “Swarnim Vijay Varsh” and to strengthen the historic Indo-Bangladeshi friendship.

The ships Sumedha, an indigenously built Offshore Patrol vessel and Kulish, an indigenously built guided missile corvette are visiting the Mongla port aimed at paying homage to the Bangladeshi and Indian combatants and citizens, who laid down their lives during Bangladesh’s War of Liberation in 1971.

The visit first of its kind in history is also aimed at reiterating India’s firm resolve and commitment to maintain peace, stability and good order in the region in line with SAGAR – Security and Growth for all in the Region.

The visit will boost the strong and flourishing ties between Indian and Bangladesh Navies, said the Indian High Commission in Dhaka on Monday, reports UNB.

The last time it happened 50 years ago when on Dec 9-10, 1971, the two gunboats Padma and Palash, jointly manned by Indian Navy and Mukti Bahini personnel, in a covert operation sailed up the Pasur River attacking various Pakistani installations at the port. 

Indian Naval ships Sumedha and Kulish docking at Mongla port on Monday, March 8, 2021 Dhaka Tribune

During the visit, the Senior Officers from the Indian side will be paying homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by laying wreaths at his mausoleum at Tungipara.

They will also lay wreaths at the grave of Bir Shrestha Ruhul Amin who sacrificed his life while fighting on-board the gunboat Palash at Mongla on Dec 10, 1971.

The Indian ships will also honour Bangladesh Navy veterans of the Liberation War, during onboard reception and gift Bangladesh Navy items of historical value for displaying at the Armed forces Museum.

There will also be professional discussions with Bangladesh Navy and courtesy calls on Senior Officers at Mongla and Khulna.

Both navies will also have friendly sports fixtures and visits to each other’s ships.

While departing on March 10, both navies will conduct a joint passage exercise.