Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw of India died yesterday. As commanding General of the Army of the Republic of India during the Bangladesh Liberation War, Sam played a major role in helping Bangladesh to be free. But just as important, we should remember that Sam Manekshaw was a soldier's soldier. He never interfered or got involved in politics, either during his career or during his long retirement,  and categorically accepted that the proper role of a soldier is to obey the lawfully given orders of a civilian democratically elected government. The present Military Regime in Bangladesh should see what esteem and even reverence Sam Manekshaw was held in in India, while many Bengalees will remember with great fondness the major role he played in helping Bangladesh to establish its independence.