AFVOA Newletters of Year 2013

Page 25 of 61 To me personally, this visit was very emotional. I had visited the same house, now turned in to a museum on 17 Dec 1971, along with a section of troops from my company, to afford protection to the family members of Bangabandu Mujbir Rehman. The armed Mukhti Bahini in civilian clothes was swarming the entire area. One could not distinguish the loyal and the others. The family invited our detachment and offered a cup of tea to us. I told Mrs Rehman very politely that we were 12 in number and so she should not trouble herself. She replied that for what we had done for their country, even if we were a 100 in number, she would like to share tea with us. That was the magnanimity and gratitude of the family for Indian Armed Forces. Today after 41 years I enter the same house to see with moist eyes the bullet holes in the walls, around which we sat to enjoy her hospitality. The entire family less a few were assassinated by fringe elements in 1975.1 wrote this poignant note in the Visitors book maintained at the place. I mentioned this incident to the PM, which brought a tear in her eyes. The ladies were escorted to the much awaited visit to the shopping centres to select the Dhaka Saris – (Jamdhani, Tangail and Muslin) Cotton readymade garments and also the fresh water Pearls which are famous at the Arong handicraft, Artisan and Sapura silk shops at Gulshan Shopping area.The lady liaison officers from the Bangladesh Army, Navy and Air Force to accompany us everywhere during our entire stay were of immense help in selection and in conducting us with a lot of patience courtesy and tact. In the evening, the PM hosted a State Dinner to all the awardees and the Defence delegation veterans at the Hotel Pan Pacific, Soar Gaon. A cultural show was organized as a part of the programme to entertain the guests. In a very informal and cordial manner, she went around and struck conversation with every one of us and enquired whether we are comfortable. We felt that she was a very gracious and cultured lady with affection towards the Indian people. I have already narrated the interaction with the PM in the very beginning. Every member was delighted with the manner we were shown the courtesies and looked after as the guests of honour. 16 Dec 2012 The most important day for Bangladesh is celebrated with patriotic fervour. To them it is like the proverbial Phoenix rising from the ashes. It is to be seen to be believed. The spontaneity of the masses to offer their tribute to the fallen heroes of the freedom struggle and to the martyrs of the liberation war was a breath taking spectacle. At 0630 hrs, the PM was to lay the wreath on behalf of the nation at the National Mausoleum located at Savar Cantonment, approx. 1 hr of travelling time from Dhaka. The road space was filled with a sea of humanity right through the night to pay respects and lay wreaths at the Mausoleum. To enable movement of our convoy of vehicles, the incoming traffic towards Dhaka was halted at Savar, the HQ of 9 Inf Division of the Bangladesh Army. The mausoleum has been constructed in a sprawling area to accommodate more than a lakh of people to assemble. It is virtually a tourist spot and a “Must See” location for visitors. The architecture is unique in design and the construction is flawless. After the wreath laying function, we moved to the National Parade square which is the old Tejgaonair field of Dhaka, to witness the Victory Day parade, conducted by 9 Inf Div. The ambience was similar to our Republic Day parade at Delhi, with several contingents and colourful floats forming part of the marching columns. The PM, due to the President being away from the country, took the salute on his behalf and made a spirited political speech. In the Evening, the dinner was hosted in honour of the Award winners and the War Veterans Delegation by HE Capt AB Tajul Islam (Retd) Honourable State Minister for Liberation Affairs at the Army Golf Club.