An Mi-4 helicopter and two PT-76 tanks, used in the 1971 Liberation War, were handed over by the Indian government to Bangladesh Air Force and Bangladesh Army yesterday at Bangladesh Air Force Base Bashar.

Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla handed over the memorabilia to Bangladesh authorities, said an ISPR release yesterday.

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.

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla hands over two tanks to the Bangladesh Army and a helicopter to the Bangladesh Air Force as memorabilia of the 1971 Liberation War, in the capital yesterday. Photo: Collected

“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 the countries…,” said the Indian high commissioner.

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 crossing rivers and water bodies during the war.

Mi-4 was the transport helicopter in service with the Indian Air Force during the Liberation War. It was used extensively for heliborne operations by the joint forces in the Eastern sector.

Earlier on October 22, 2017, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj gifted the memorabilia to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at Gono Bhaban.