For the past five decades, India has invited Mukti Yoddhas — members of the Mukti Bahini, the Bangladeshi guerrilla resistance force that fought alongside Indian forces in the 1971 war — to participate in the celebrations. This year, despite initial uncertainty, the Eastern Command has confirmed the delegation’s participation.

The Indian Army’s Eastern Command, headquartered in Fort William, Kolkata, has planned a series of events to commemorate the historic victory. Key highlights include a wreath-laying ceremony at Vijay Smarak and a grand military tattoo at the Military Training Centre.

Vijay Diwas commemorates the historic surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers to the joint forces of the Indian Army and the Mukti Bahini on December 16, 1971. This decisive victory led to the birth of Bangladesh. The day holds immense significance for both countries, and the Eastern Command’s Vijay Diwas celebration is one of the largest military events in South Asia.

Army officials say that it is a time to remember the historical significance of the war as India played a pivotal role in supporting the liberation of Bangladesh and the restoration of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman alias Bangabandhu to power.

Lately, India has expressed deep concern over the recent alleged surge in “violence against Hindus” in Bangladesh. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has been urged to “fulfill its responsibility” of protecting minority groups.

Since former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled to India in August after mass protests, relations between the two countries have become increasingly tense, heightening with the recent arrest of ISKCON monk Chinmoy Krishna Das.