Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said Bangladesh will never forget immense sacrifice and contributions of Indian and Russian war veterans during its 1971 liberation war.
Sheikh Hasina made the remarks while addressing a reception she hosted to the visiting war veterans of India and Russiaat the green lawn of PM's official residence Ganabhaban on Monday.
"We liberated the country under the leadership of our great leader Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and you gave an all-out support," the Prime Minister said.
"You yourself fought for our liberation, which we will never forget. It is your country and you are always welcome here," she said.
The Prime Minister specially mentioned the name of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who extended all-out support to the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh.
She said the government feels honoured as the war veterans accepted the invitation to visit Bangladesh and attended the Victory Day function in Dhaka this year.
A total of 27 war veterans, their spouses and children, four serving military officials, six embassy staff of India and four war veterans and their spouses and three embassy staff of Russia joined the reception.
Lieutenant General Jai Bhawan Singh Yadava led the delegation of the war veterans.
Recalling the memories of 1971, Jai Bhawan Singh Yadava said, "The relationship between Bangladesh and India is cemented with blood and sweat... The relationship will create an everlasting friendship between us."
Describing the memorable experience over the last four days in Dhaka, Jai Bhagwan said they witnessed so much progress and development of the defence forces.
Leader of Russian team Commodore GS Salkar of Russian Navy Pacific Fleet said they closely followed the great struggle for independence in 1971.
They had supported the fight against injustice and oppression against the people of Bangladesh, he said.
Earlier, the Prime Minister exchanged pleasantries with the guests and enquired about their wellbeing.
Prime Minister's nephew Radwan Mujib Siddiq, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq, Former State Minister AB Tajull Islam, were present, among others.
Lt Gen Bhagwan presented some books, crests and rare pictures of Bangabandhu to the Prime Minister.
