Dhaka: Bangladeshi politicians, including ministers from the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, expressed strong objections to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media post describing Vijay Diwas as “India’s historic victory in 1971.”
“Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour 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 valour and unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history,” PM Modi wrote on X on Monday.
Vijay Diwas Marks a Historic Victory and Sparks Controversy in Bangladesh
Vijay Diwas commemorates the surrender of Pakistan’s military to Indian forces in December 1971. While Bangladesh celebrates its Independence Day on March 26, the country officially emerged as a free nation with Dhaka as its capital on December 16, after nine months of the Liberation War, with significant assistance from India.
Bangladeshi Politicians Protest PM Modi’s Vijay Diwas Post
Bangladeshi politicians, including Asif Nazrul, law adviser to Muhammad Yunus, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s social media post on Vijay Diwas. Modi had referred to the day as “India’s historic victory in 1971,” honoring the valor of Indian soldiers.
“I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was the day of Bangladesh’s victory. India was an ally in this victory, nothing more,” said Nazrul. Hasnat Abdullah, leader of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, also objected, stating, “This was Bangladesh’s Liberation War. It was fought for Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan. By claiming it as solely India’s war and achievement, Modi’s post disregards Bangladesh’s role and existence.”
As of now, the Ministry of External Affairs has not responded to these criticisms.
India-Bangladesh Relations
Both India and Bangladesh commemorate their shared victory over Pakistan on December 16, 1971. Every year, the two countries exchange delegations of war veterans and serving officers to participate in Vijay Diwas celebrations. This year, eight Indian veterans of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War visited Dhaka, while eight Bangladeshi veterans attended celebrations in Kolkata.
The Vijay Diwas celebrations come against a backdrop of tensions, following allegations of violence against the Hindu minority in Bangladesh. These incidents have reportedly escalated since the student-led uprising on August 5 that ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. Hasina fled the country and is currently in exile in India.
