DHAKA, Dec 17: Bangladesh’s interim government Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has expressed criticism towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post on X, which commemorated Victory Day by stating, “India was just an ally in this victory, nothing more.”
Victory Day, or “Bijoy Dibosh,” is observed every December 16, marking the day in 1971 when the Pakistani military surrendered to Indian forces, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.
Nazrul’s remarks were shared by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s office.
Accompanying a screenshot of Modi’s tribute to Indian soldiers who played a significant role in the historic victory of 1971, Nazrul posted on Facebook in Bengali on Monday, “I firmly protest. December 16, 1971, is Bangladesh’s Victory Day. India was just an ally in this victory, nothing more.”
According to The Daily Star newspaper, Yunus’ Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam also shared Nazrul’s comments.
Hasnat Abdullah, a Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also criticized Modi’s statement.
On Facebook, Abdullah emphasized that this was Bangladesh’s Liberation War fought for independence from Pakistan, arguing that Modi’s assertions framed it as solely an Indian conflict, omitting Bangladesh’s significance in the narrative.
“When India portrays this independence as their own victory, it poses a threat to our independence, sovereignty, and unity. We must resist this threat from India and continue to fight against it,” he asserted.
In his post on X, Modi remarked, “On Vijay Diwas today, we honor the bravery and sacrifices of the courageous soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless commitment and steadfast determination protected our nation and brought us glory.”
“This day serves as a tribute to their exceptional bravery and unwavering spirit, inspiring future generations and firmly rooted in our nation’s history,” he added.
Chief Adviser Yunus presided over Monday’s celebration of the 54th Victory Day of Bangladesh, his speech notably omitting mention of founding leader Mujibur Rahman while criticizing the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government as the “world’s worst autocratic regime.”
Rahman’s daughter, Hasina, was removed from power on August 5 following widespread student-led protests against her Awami League administration.
Yunus’ address on Bijoy Dibosh also did not reference India’s involvement.
India observes December 16 as Vijay Diwas, when more than 90,000 Pakistani soldiers surrendered to the Indian Army, culminating in the establishment of Bangladesh.
India supported Bengali guerillas in their fight against the Pakistani Army after West Pakistan’s leadership refused to recognize Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League’s victory in the 1970 elections.
President Droupadi Murmu and several Indian political figures also paid tribute on Monday to the 1971 war heroes.
“A grateful nation remembers the ultimate sacrifice of our brave-hearts, whose stories inspire every Indian and shall remain a source of national pride,” Murmu stated on ‘X’. (PTI)
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