Bangladesh Victory Festival begins in Kolkata

A five-day Bangladesh Victory Festival has kicked off in Kolkata, India on Tuesday.

Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu inaugurated the colourful event at the Netaji Indoor Stadium, according to information received here today.

Terming the India`s support-cooperation during Bangladesh Liberation War as an unprecedented instance in the world history, Amu said India gave about one crore Bengali refugees shelter along with extending economic, military and diplomatic cooperation during the Liberation War in 1971.

Amu said the then Indian government gave the refugees training and arms for making the Liberation War a success. There were 69 base-camps and 100 sub-base-camps where 100,000 Freedom Fighters were given training, he added.

India`s the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had played the leading role in bringing world opinion in favour of Liberation War, he said.

The minister recalled with gratitude the contribution of the people of West Bengal, India to the Liberation War and said Bengalese of the West Bengal stood beside the people of Bangladesh, shared their food with them.

Organized by Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Kolkata, the inaugural ceremony was attended by West Bengal minister Firhad Hakim. Bangladesh Deputy High Commissioner Jokey Ahad presided over it.

Different traditional items from Bangladesh, including Jamdani, Tangail Tant, Rajshahi Silk Saree, jute items and other handicrafts will be showcased at the function.

Food lovers will be able to relish the traditional delicacies like Khichuri, Biriani, pitha and sweets during the festival.

Artistes from Bangladesh and West Bengal will take party in cultural programmes. Films made on the historic Liberation War of Bangladesh will be screened during the festival.