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A Mi-4 helicopter and two PT-76 tanks, used in Liberation War of Bangladesh were handed over by Indian Government to Bangladesh Air Force and Bangladesh Army respectively at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bashar on Wednesday.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, High Commissioner of India in Bangladesh, handed over these memorabilia ceremonially. Chief of General Staff of Bangladesh Army Lt General Md Nazimuddin and Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Admin) Air Vice Marshal M Abul Bashar received the tanks and helicopter respectively, says an ISPR press release.
During her visit to Bangladesh last year, Indian foreign minister Sushama Swaraj handed over a list of memorabilia of liberation war of Bangladesh to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Ganabhaban and assured her of handing over those to Bangladesh. The Mi-4 helicopter and two PT-76 tanks were handed over as per the pledge.
Addressing the occasion Indian high commissioner said, "We are proud of the privilege of having fought shoulder to shoulder with you.
The independence struggle is a testimony of the courage, valour, sacrifice and glory of the soldiers and people of Bangladesh and India. This legacy and spirit will continue to inspire the future generations of both countries in times to come".
PT-76 was the light amphibious tank of the Armoured regiments of the Indian Army. Amphibious capability of these tanks played a crucial role in the crossing of rivers and water bodies during the war. Their role in famous battle of Garibpur is worthy of mention where they outclassed a much large force and technically superior M34 chafee tanks of the Pakistani Army. These tanks also played a crucial role in routing the Pakistani forces in Northern, North Western and Western sectors during the war.
Mi-4 was the transport helicopter in service with the Indian Air Force during the Liberation war. It was extensively utilised for heliborne operations by the joint Forces in the Eastern sector. It played a crucial role in early capture of Sylhet. 4/5 GURKHA battalion was heli-landed on outskirts of Sylhet town across the Surma River for this operation.
This was followed by heli-landing of 311 Infantry Bridge across the mighty Meghna River on December 09,1971. For the Meghna crossing it undertook 110 sorties over 36 hours continuously. This river crossing by the joint forces was also referred to as Meghna Helibridge.