The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Bangladesh Awami League (AL) has expressed deep shock at the death of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, the chief of Bangladesh-India Allied Forces during the War of Liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.

The party at its Central Working Committee meeting on Friday, also observed one-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed soul of General Manekshaw, a party press release said.

The party, in a condolence reference, said the people of Bangladesh would never forget the contribution of the Indian people, its government and specially the Indian Army under the leadership of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw during the War of Liberation.

The meeting also recalled the outstanding contribution of General Sam Manekshaw to the Bangladesh's War of Liberation with gratitude and paid rich tributes to the departed soul.

The party said the Pakistan occupation army was forced to surrender to the allied force of Bangladesh and India after nine months of bloody war, under the leadership of Indian Army Chief General Sam Manekshaw.

"The name of Manekshaw has become inseparable with our War of Independence" the party observed.

The meeting also conveyed sympathy to the members of the bereaved family, the people and the government of India and the members of the Indian armed forces.