Dec 6, 1971: Bangladesh gets first international recognition as free nation

On this day in 1971, India has officially recognized Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign nation.

The then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made this announcement in Parliament. Later, she informed the Bangladesh government of this decision by writing a letter to the then Bangladesh Prime Minister Tajuddin Ahmed.

Indira Gandhi said in the statement that the struggle of the people of Bangladesh against the obstacles has added a new chapter in the history of the independence movement.

Immediately after receiving the news of the recognition, a meeting of the Bangladesh government's cabinet was held. Gratitude was expressed to India in the meeting. The Soviet Union and Poland were also thanked for their support.

The national flag of Bangladesh was officially hoisted at the Bangladesh High Commission in Kolkata on this day. Artists from the Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha, including Shahin Samad, Sharmila Banerjee, Sheila Momen, Sharmin Murshid, and others performed the song 'Amar Sonar Bangla'.