A seminar on the 52nd anniversary of the withdrawal of Indian troops from Bangladesh was held at the Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban Auditorium at Dhaka University on Tuesday.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr ASM Maksud Kamal presided over the seminar, while Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, MP, was present as the chief guest.
The event was organized jointly by Dhaka University and the Bir Muktijuddha AKM Bazlur Rahman Foundation.
Pranay Kumar Verma, Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh, Quartermaster of Army Headquarters, Lt Gen Mojibur Rahman, and Pro VC (Education) of Dhaka University, Prof Dr Sitesh Chandra Bachar, were also present.
Bangladesh's Swadhinata Padak and India's Padma Sri award winning Freedom fighter Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Sajjad Ali Zahir and DU History department Professor Dr Ashfaq Hossain presented keynote speeches in the seminar.
As chief guest Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said, the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi withdrew Indian troops from independent sovereign Bangladesh on March 12, 1972, at the behest of the greatest Bengali father of the nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
"This is a rare incident in the history of the world to withdraw troops in the shortest time. It is an expression of Bangabandhu's great personality and foresight," he added.
The minister said: “Due to the mutual respect, trust, and deep friendship between Bangabandhu and Mrs Gandhi, it was possible to withdraw the army at the earliest.”
He referred to India as a true friend of Bangladesh and said that India has always stood by Bangladesh's needs.
He expressed hope that the existing relationship between Bangladesh and India will continue in the future.
Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr ASM Maksud Kamal highlighted the historical, political, and cultural ties between Bangladesh and India.
The DU VC mentioned that many soldiers of India gave their lives for the freedom of Bangladesh. This bond of friendship between the people will remain unbreakable forever.
He also remembered with deep respect the contribution of the then-Indian Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi.
He called on everyone to spread these important events in history among the new generation.
Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma said the withdrawal of Indian troops is a shining example of friendship and harmony between the two countries. This harmony, friendship, and mutual cooperation between India and Bangladesh has reached a unique height at present.