Bangladesh criticise Modi for ignoring Bangladesh on Vijay Diwas
Bangladeshi politicians on Monday criticised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to mention Bangladesh in his social media post on Vijay Diwas (Victory Day). The omission has sparked anger across political circles in Bangladesh, with leaders accusing Modi of undermining their country's sovereignty and independence struggle.
Asif Nazrul, law adviser to Muhammad Yunus, said, “I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was the day of Bangladesh's victory. India was an ally, nothing more.” Hasnat Abdullah of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement echoed this sentiment, accusing Modi of distorting history: “The war was for Bangladesh's independence, but Modi’s post makes it seem solely India’s achievement, erasing Bangladesh's role.”
Ishraque Hossain of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party went further, condemning Modi's remarks as disrespectful to the country’s liberation war: “Modi’s words clearly undermine our war, martyrs, and sovereignty. Such moves will harm bilateral ties.”
The backlash comes amid unprecedented tensions between the two nations. India has repeatedly raised concerns with the Muhammad Yunus-led caretaker administration over attacks on Bangladesh's Hindu minority, which intensified following the collapse of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August after months of student protests. Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh’s Founding Father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has been in India since August 5, a presence Bangladesh has formally objected to.
December 16, 1971, marks the surrender of Pakistani forces to the Indian Army, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. While India celebrates the day as Vijay Diwas, Bangladesh views it as the culmination of their Liberation War. The ongoing discord reflects a clash of historical narratives and mounting political tensions between the two neighbors.