On Monday, Asif Nazrul, the law adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, expressed strong opposition to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tribute to the Army on Vijay Diwas, emphasizing that India played no role in the victory of 1971.
In a Facebook post that included a screenshot of Modi’s statement on X, Nazrul remarked, “I firmly protest. December 16, 1971, is Bangladesh’s Victory Day.
India was a supportive ally in this victory, nothing beyond that.” PM Modi had honored soldiers as India observed Vijay Diwas, commemorating the surrender of Pakistani forces, which resulted in the formation of Bangladesh.
He wrote on X, “Today, we commemorate Vijay Diwas, remembering the bravery and sacrifices of the soldiers who fought for India’s historic victory in 1971.
Their selfless commitment and resilience protected our nation and brought us honor.” He proclaimed that this day serves as a tribute to their remarkable valor and enduring spirit, which will continue to inspire future generations and remain a significant part of the nation’s legacy.
Alongside Nazrul, other officials from the interim government voiced similar opinions. Shaqul Alam, the Press Secretary for Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, shared Nazrul’s post, as reported by The Daily Star.
Additionally, Hasnat Abdullah, the Convener of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, criticized Modi’s remarks, stating, “This was the Liberation War of Bangladesh, fought for independence from Pakistan.
However, Modi seems to frame it as solely an Indian victory, neglecting Bangladesh’s identity in the narrative.” He further expressed that India’s portrayal of this independence as an accomplishment poses a threat to Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and unity, urging a continued fight against this perceived threat.
Chief Adviser Yunus, during the observance of the 54th Victory Day, made no reference to founding leader Mujibur Rahman while labeling the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s administration as “the world’s worst autocratic government.”
In India, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee attended the celebrations, highlighting her remembrance of India’s and West Bengal’s contributions to the Bangladesh freedom movement and acknowledging the presence of Muktijoddhas at the Vijay Diwas events, which celebrated the historic victory over Pakistan.
These commemorations coincide with strained relations between India and Bangladesh, exacerbated by increasing anti-India sentiment and attacks on minority Hindus since the Sheikh Hasina government’s removal, with over 200 such incidents reported since August 5.
