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 Indias 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 nations history.

Bangladesh Criticizes Narendra Modis Victory Post

Meanwhile, moments after PM Modis post, Bangladesh law advisor to Muhammad Yunus, Asif Nazrul, attaching the Indian PMs post screenshot, said, I strongly protest that December 16, 1971, was the day of Bangladeshs victory. India was an ally, nothing more.

Hasnat Abdullah, a key organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also criticized PM Narendra Modis post.

This was Bangladeshs liberation war. That war was for Bangladeshs 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 Bangladeshs 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 PMs post misleading.

Taking to his X, Hossain wrote, I strongly condemn and protest against Narendra Modis misleading statement on December 16, Bangladeshs victory day. Modis 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 regions history.

Though the Indian prime ministers post has not mentioned Bangladesh and even Pakistan. But the political leaders from the neighboring country condemned it and reacted against it.