Bangladeshi politicians, including those led by Prime Minister Muhammad Yunus’s interim government, criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to mention Bangladesh in his social media post on Vijay Diwas (Victory Day). They claimed that the victory of 1971 belonged to Bangladesh, and India was nothing more than an ally in the struggle.
Notably, PM Mod shared the post on Monday, December 16, 2024, via his official X handle (formerly Twitter). Marking the day, he stated, “Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honor the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valor and their remarkable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history.”
Bangladesh Criticizes Narendra Modi’s Victory Post
Meanwhile, moments after PM Modi’s post, Bangladesh law advisor to Muhammad Yunus, Asif Nazrul, attaching the Indian PM’s post screenshot, said, “I strongly protest that December 16, 1971, was the day of Bangladesh’s victory. India was an ally, nothing more.”
Hasnat Abdullah, a key organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also criticized PM Narendra Modi’s post.
“This was Bangladesh’s liberation war. That war was for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. But Modi claimed the war to be only of India and their achievement. The existence of Bangladesh is defied in their speeches,” Abdullah mentioned in his recent Facebook post.
“When India claims this independence as their own victory, I see it as a direct threat to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Bangladesh,” Abdullah further noted.
“It is inevitable that we must continue our struggle against this threat from India. Our fight must go on,” he asserted.
This is to be noted that Hazrat Abdullah had earlier called for banning ISKCON and hanging Hindu monk Chinmoy Krishna Das for disrespecting Bangladesh’s national flag. Chinmoy Krishna Das was earlier arrested at Dhaka airport on sedition charges.
Moreover, Ishraque Hossain, a member of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Foreign Relations Committee, found the Indian PM’s post misleading.
Taking to his X, Hossain wrote, “I strongly condemn and protest against Narendra Modi’s misleading statement on December 16, Bangladesh’s victory day. Modi’s words clearly undermine our liberation war, our sovereignty, our martyrs, and our dignity. Such moves will not be helpful for bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India.”
Historic Significance Behind December 16
Additionally, India observed Vijay Diwas on December 16 to mark the historic win of the 1971 war against Pakistan. During the war. the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy united to launch an attack over East Pakistan, which led to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation.
On December 16, 1971, Pakistani General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi formally surrendered to the combined forces of India and Bangladesh, marking the end of the war. The day is observed as an honor to the bravery and sacrifice of the Indian Armed Forces, who had significantly impacted the region’s history.
Though the Indian prime minister’s post has not mentioned Bangladesh and even Pakistan. But the political leaders from the neighboring country condemned it and reacted against it.
Kanishka Malhotra is a seasoned journalist with a deep passion for reporting and uncovering the truth. With a specialization in research and investigative Journalism, she has covered wide range of topics related to social issues, travel, lifestyle, technology, Entertainment and much more. She believes to express and share her creativity to the world through words. With relentless pursuit of knowing and uncovering the truth, Kanishka continues to leave a mark in the world of journalism.
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