The New Nation - Internet Edition

Visiting Indian Liberation War Veterans led by Lt.
General (Retd) JFR Jacob paid a courtesy call on Chief of
Army Staff General Moeen U Ahmed at Army Headquarters, Dhaka
Cantonment on Sunday. Photo: ISPR

BSS, Dhaka

Army Chief General Moeen U Ahmed on Sunday urged the visiting 1971 Indian war veterans to work as Bangladesh's goodwill ambassadors as delegation leader Lt. General (retd) JFR Jacob praised the heroic role of the Freedom Fighters in the War of Liberation.

"We fought shoulder to shoulder during the war in 1971," Jacob told the army chief at a call-on at the army Headquarters at Dhaka Cantonment, where he negotiated the surrender of the Pakistani troops led by Lieutenant General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi 37 years ago.

"Their contribution was crucial to the emergence of Bangladesh . . . they deserve the full credit."

The Indian veterans said they felt proud for taking part in the Bangladesh's Liberation War with the freedom fighters.

The Army Chief also recalled with gratitude the Indian support in Bangladesh's emergence and appreciated the role of the Indian army during the war as the 1971 Indian veterans came to Dhaka on an official invitation.

He urged them to work as goodwill ambassadors of Bangladesh in their country in view of their role in 1971.

"Your visit will further strengthen the friendship between Bangladesh and India," Ahmed said.

The 11-member delegation led by Jacob, the then Chief of General Staff of the Eastern Command of the Indian Army, arrived here last week coinciding with the 37th Independence Day celebrations at the invitation of the Army Chief.