India was just an ally: Bangladesh politicians express pique over PM Modi's 'Vijay Diwas' post

In an X post on Monday, the Prime Minister said, "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 their unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history."

In response, Asif Nazrul, the law adviser to Yunus, said as quoted by Hindustan Times, "I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was the day of Bangladesh's victory. India was an ally in this victory, nothing more."

Ishraque Hossain of Bangladesh Nationalist Party said as quoted by the daily, "I strongly condemn and protest against Narendra Modi's misleading statement on 16th December, Bangladesh's Victory Day.

"Modi's words clearly undermine our liberation war, our sovereignty, our martyrs and our dignity. Such moves will not be helpful for bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India."

The 1971 Liberation War was a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's history, marking its transition from being East Pakistan to an independent nation.

On December 16, 1971, the Pakistan Army surrendered before the Indian military resulting in the liberation of East Pakistan from Islamabad.

East Pakistan was then renamed as Bangladesh.

Then Indian PM Indira Gandhi played a pivotal role in the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh.

As the PM, she provided immense moral and political support to the people of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh, in their struggle for independence.

Gandhi's government opened India's borders to shelter millions of Bengali refugees fleeing the brutal crackdown by the Pakistani military. She also supported the Mukti Bahini, the Bengali nationalist force, by providing logistic supplies and training.

When diplomatic efforts failed, Gandhi decided to take military action against Pakistan. India's intervention led to the defeat of the Pakistani forces, and on December 16, 1971, Bangladesh gained independence.

Gandhi's leadership during the Liberation War showcased India's commitment to humanitarian values and its support for the rights of the people of Bangladesh. Her role in the war remains a significant chapter in India's history and a testament to her strong leadership.

The conflict between New Delhi and Dhaka over Vijay Diwas occurred amid the souring bilateral relationship over the attack on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

The two countries are also locked in verbal attacks over India's sheltering of ousted Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina in India.

In Bangladesh, recent attacks against the minority communities, particularly Hindus, took place following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.

The violence has resulted in numerous incidents of looting, arson, and murder, with reports suggesting that over 88 attacks have taken place, primarily targeting Hindus.

The situation escalated when Chinmoy Krishna Das Brahmachari, a prominent International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) monk and spokesperson for the Bangladesh Sammilita Sanatani Jagran Jote, was arrested by Dhaka police for allegedly disrespecting the Bangladeshi flag at a rally in October.

The arrest has sparked outrage across India and among Hindu leaders worldwide, with many criticizing the move as "unfortunate" and "cowardly".

Following Das' arrest, two other monks were reportedly arrested in India's neighbouring country.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has called the attack on minorities in Bangladesh a "source of concern" and hoped the current regime in Dhaka will ensure the safety of the Hindus amid the massive unrest in the South Asian country.

Addressing the Lok Sabha a few days ago, Jaishankar said, "With regard to the treatment of minorities in Bangladesh, it has been a source of concern. There have been multiple incidents of attacks on them (minorities). We have drawn our concern to their attention."

"It is our expectation that Bangladesh, in its own interest, would take measures so that its minorities are safe," he added.

The minister said India's foreign secretary discussed the issue of attack on Hindus with his counterpart during a recent visit to Bangladesh.