Bangladesh Law Adviser slams PM Modi’s Vijay Diwas post, says India was merely an ally in 1971 victory

Bangladesh Law Adviser criticises Modi's Victory Day post, emphasising Bangladesh's role in 1971 liberation war.

Bangladesh interim government’s Law Adviser Asif Nazrul has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post on X commemorating Victory Day saying, “India was merely an ally in this victory, nothing more.”

Victory Day or “Bijoy Dibosh” is commemorated every year on December 16 when the Pakistan military surrendered to Indian forces in 1971, bringing about the liberation of Bangladesh.

Mr. Nazrul’s comment was reposted by the office of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

Attaching a screenshot of PM Modi’s post that paid tribute to Indian soldiers for their role in the historic victory in 1971, Mr. Nazrul wrote on Facebook in Bengali on Monday (December 17, 2024), “I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, marks Bangladesh’s Victory Day. India was merely an ally in this victory, nothing more.”

Mr. Yunus’ Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam shared Mr. Nazrul’s post, The Daily Star newspaper reported on Tuesday (December 17, 2024).

Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasnat Abdullah also criticised PM Modi’s post.

Mr. Abdullah wrote on Facebook that this was Bangladesh’s Liberation War, and it was for the country’s independence against Pakistan. He said PM Modi has claimed it was solely India’s war and their achievement, disregarding Bangladesh’s existence in their narrative.