Vijay Diwas is celebrated on 16th December every year since 1971 to recall the victory of India over Pakistan in the 1971 war. This day has supported getting freedom for East Pakistan and led to the establishment of Bangladesh. Back in 1971, on 16th December, General Niazi, Chief of Pakistani Forces, along with his troop of 93,000 soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army. In Bangladesh, Vijay Diwas is known as “Bijoy Diwas” or “Bangladesh Liberation Day” which symbolizes the day of official independence of Bangladesh from Pakistan.
Indian President Ram Nath Kovind is all set to visit Dhaka on 16th December to take part in the “Victory Day” celebrations. President is visiting on the invitation of Abdul Hamid, President of Bangladesh. This is the first-ever visit of the 14th Indian President to Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh are collectively arranging a “Logo and Backdrop” designing competition. Bangladesh is also memorizing Mujib Borsho, the birth anniversary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and 50 years of the country’s liberation.
Facts about the Vijay Diwas, 1971 war
- It was Bangladesh’s liberation war that caused the emergence of West Pakistan misbehaving with East Pakistan and the former even sapped the elections in East Pakistan.
- East Pakistan then officially raised its voice for the separation on 26th March 1971. Indira Gandhi, India’s then Prime Minister gave her full support for the struggle for independence.
- Widespread massacre of Bengalis (especially Hindus) was reported at the hands of Pakistan military forces. They forced over more than 10 million people to migrate from Pakistan to India. India in support opened borders for migrants from Bengal.
- On December 4-5, Western Naval Command of Indian Navy executed a surprise attack over the Karachi port with the codename “Trident”.
- 8000 soldiers of Pakistan died in the attack and over 25,000 were injured while India also lost 3000 soldiers and 12000 were severely injured.
- The Mukti Bahini freedom fighters of East Pakistan joined hands with the Indian army against the Pakistani troops. Indian army served them with arms and training to take part in the war.
- Over 93,000 soldiers of the Pakistan army led by General Amir Niazi surrendered to the Indian army and returned under the Shimla Agreement in 1972.
- India captured one-third of the Pakistan army in this 13 day Indo-Pakistan war that began on 13th December 1971 against the government of Islamabad.
