Bangladesh Questions India’s Role in 1971 Victory: Asif Nazrul Criticizes Modi’s Post on Liberation

Bangladesh Questions India’s Role in 1971 Victory: Asif Nazrul Criticizes Modi’s Post on Liberation

Dhaka: Bangladesh’s interim government has downplayed the crucial role India played in the 1971 war and its aftermath, which led to the creation of Bangladesh. As India celebrated December 16 as Vijay Divas, marking its victory in the war, Bangladesh’s legal advisor Asif Nazrul criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s post on social media that honoured the valor and sacrifice of Indian soldiers in the victory.

In his social media post, Modi had paid tribute to the bravery and selfless dedication of Indian soldiers during the 1971 war, stating that their courage and unwavering resolve had protected the nation and brought it glory. Nazrul, however, dismissed India’s role as anything more than that of a “friendly country” in the victory. He wrote on Facebook in Bengali, “On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh’s victory day, India was nothing but a friendly nation, nothing more.”

Nazrul’s comments have been met with significant backlash from India, as Modi’s tweet also included a tribute to the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during the war. The tweet was accompanied by a screen shot of a post praising their contributions to the country’s victory. Nazrul strongly objected, stating, “I strongly protest. On December 16, 1971, Bangladesh’s victory day, India was merely a friendly nation, nothing more.”

In contrast, Modi’s message expressed deep respect for the courage and sacrifices of Indian soldiers, whose selfless service and resolute determination safeguarded the nation and earned India immense glory. The post honored their bravery and sacrifice, which have been a source of inspiration for generations and remain deeply embedded in the nation’s history.

The controversy has stirred significant debate in Bangladesh, with some officials from the interim government, including Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus and press secretary Shafiqul Alam, supporting Nazrul’s stance. Student leader Hasnat Abdullah, a prominent figure in the anti-discrimination movement, also criticized Modi’s post, arguing that it undermined Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence. He said, “This was Bangladesh’s liberation struggle against Pakistan. However, Modi’s statement neglects Bangladesh’s existence and suggests it was solely India’s war and achievement.”

Abdullah further emphasized, “When India claims this independence as their own achievement, it threatens our sovereignty, independence, and unity. I believe we must fight against this threat from India, and this struggle must continue.”

Dr. Asif Nazrul, the Adviser to the Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs in the illegal Yunus government, made the following comments about Donald Trump on his Facebook profile on May 15, 2018.

” The most powerful leader in the human world is now an inhuman named… pic.twitter.com/gpalU9OaaI

Thus, while India commemorated the 1971 victory as a symbol of its own military achievements, several prominent figures in Bangladesh feel the need to assert the nation’s independence and identity, particularly when it comes to the historical role of India in the liberation movement.

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