Indian Republic Day Parade 2021 to feature a marching contingent of the Bangladesh army. This is the second time foreign soldiers will be marching down Rajpath as part of India’s biggest ceremonial event, officials aware of the preparations said on Saturday. The invitation was given to the Bangladeshi contingent at a time when the two countries are celebrating the golden jubilee of the birth of Bangladesh. 

As per the plan, the Bangladeshi marching contingent will consist of 96 soldiers. They will be carrying their BD-08 rifles during the march past, a license-produced variant of the Chinese Type 817.62mm assault weapon, the officials informed on condition of anonymity. The Bangladesh Ordnance Factories produce more than 10,000 such type of assault rifles every year. In 2016, French army contingent of 130 soldiers marched down Rajpath marking first ever participation of the Foreign soldiers in  the parade. 

As the ceremonial event curtailed because of the Covid-19 pandemic this year only 96 soldiers are allowed. Due to the lesser number, the marching contingents will be seen in a rectangular formation this year instead of the traditional square formation. The Officials said, these squads will only have 96 participants compared to 144 in the ordinary course. The shortened route of the parade will see it end at the National Stadium instead of Red Fort. Less than 25,000 spectators will be allowed at Rajpath this year and Children below 15 are not permitted at the Parade. Strict adherence to the social distancing protocols and other SOPs will be there. 

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