Agartala, Dec 16 (IANS): Vijay Diwas was observed here on Friday to commemorate the sacrifices of Indian soldiers who died in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.

The signing of the Instrument of Surrender by Pakistan forces' Eastern Command chief, Lt. General A.A.K. Niazi, on December 16, 1971,in Dhaka brought the nine-month war for the liberation of Bangladesh to an end. This day is celebrated as Vijay Diwas annually.

"The brave Indian Army, accompanied by the people of then East Pakistan, fought the war most successfully and protected the sovereignty of both the present Bangladesh and India," said Brigadier Maninder Singh of the Eastern Command after laying a wreath at the Army Martyrs' Column in Lichubagan here.

He underscored the valiant sacrifice of officers and soldiers of the Indian Army in the 1971 war.

After laying a wreath at the War Memorial in the heart of Tripura capital Agartala, Tourism and Scheduled Caste Welfare Minister Ratan Bhowmik said: "Bangladeshi people and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina respectfully remember the contribution and role of the Indian Army, government and people of India."

India's Border Security Force and Border Guards Bangladesh officials exchanged greetings on the occasion.

Discussions, cultural functions and a get-together of people from various walks of life were part of a day-long celebration at the Bangladesh Assistant High Commission here.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Egypt Janab Mohammad Wahidur Rahman, also a Bangladeshi freedom fighter, Tripura assembly Deputy Speaker Pabitra Kar, academician Mihir Deb and veteran journalist Swapan Bhattacharjee, who received the Bangladesh government's special honour, also spoke at a seminar organised on the occasion.

The Tripura government has been creating a 'Mukti Juddha' Park at Chottakhola in Belonia to commemorate the Bangladesh Liberation War and its heroes.