For the first time, a 122-member strong contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces will participate in India’s Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi on January 26.

According to a media report, the contingent from Bangladesh will be led by Commander Lieutenant Colonel Abu Mohammed Shahnoor Shawon and his deputies Lieutenant Farhan Ishraq and Flight Lieutenant Sibat Rahman.

The contingent comprises soldiers of the Bangladesh Army, sailors of the Bangladesh Navy and air warriors of the Bangladesh Air Force, it said.

It has been reported that a majority of the personnel in the Bangladesh contingent hail from the most distinguished units of the Bangladesh Army.

The Bangladesh Army units comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11 East Bengal Regiments and 1,2 and 3 Field Artillery Regiments, who have the distinct honour of fighting and winning the 1971 Liberation War.

In December 1971, the Indian Armed Forces secured a decisive and historic victory over Pak Army, which led to creation of a new nation – Bangladesh and also resulted in the largest military surrender after World War II.

The contingent of the Bangladesh Armed Forces will participate in the R-Day parade on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between India and Bangladesh.