Lt Gen J F R Jacob (retd), who negotiated the surrender of Pakistani troops in Dhaka following the 1971 war, passed away on Wednesday. He was 92. Jacob, breathed his last this morning after prolonged illness, according to India media reports. Born in 1923, Jacob is best known for his role in India’s victory in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 and the liberation of Bangladesh. Jacob, then a Major General, served as the Chief of Staff of the Indian Army’s Eastern Command during the war. Born in the Bengal Presidency under British India, Jacob joined the army at the age of 19 and also fought in World War II and the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965 before he retired in 1978. The former Indian General also authored a number of books titled ‘Surrender in Dhaka’, ‘Birth of a Nation’ and ‘an Odyssey in War and Peace’ where he has portrayed the days of War of Liberation and the surrender of the Pakistani forces. Meanwhile, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep shock at the death of Lt Gen JFR Jacob. Recalling his contributions to the 1971 Liberation War, the President, in his condolence message, said the people of Bangladesh have lost a genuine friend like him at the demise of JFR Jacob, and the nation will remember him with utmost gratitude for his contribution to the 1971 war. The President prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed his deep sympathy to the bereaved family members. In her condolence message, Sheikh Hasina said, “We’ve lost a valiant soldier of our great war of liberation. The nation will ever remember the contributions of Jacob with deep respect.” The Prime Minster prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed her deep sympathy to the bereaved family members.– Dhaka, Jan 13 (UNB)
