Modi‍‍`s claim on Bangladesh‍‍`s Victory Day sparks outrage in Bangladesh

On December 16, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi caused a stir by claiming that the victory of December 16, 1971, over the Pakistani forces was "India‍‍`s historic victory." 

This statement was made on the occasion of Victory Day, which Bangladesh celebrates as the day it won its freedom after a long and bloody nine-month war. Modi shared his comments on his official Facebook page.

In his post, Modi wrote, "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."

While Modi’s comments were meant to honor Indian soldiers, they have sparked strong reactions in Bangladesh. Asif Nazrul, a legal advisor to the interim government of Bangladesh, was quick to respond. 

He took to his own Facebook page to express his protest. Sharing a screenshot of Modi‍‍`s post, Asif Nazrul wrote, "I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was Bangladesh‍‍`s victory day. India was an ally in this victory, nothing more."

Hasnat Abdullah, who leads the anti-discrimination student movement, also voiced his disapproval. 

In a Facebook post, he said, "This was Bangladesh‍‍`s Liberation War. This war was fought for Bangladesh‍‍`s independence against Pakistan. 

But Modi has claimed it was only India’s war and their achievement. In their statement, Bangladesh‍‍`s existence is ignored."

Hasnat didn’t stop there. He added, "When India claims this independence as their own achievement, I see it as a direct threat to Bangladesh’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Our struggle against this threat from India is inevitable. We must continue this fight."

The debate over this issue has highlighted the complex relationship between India and Bangladesh, particularly regarding the events of the 1971 Liberation War. 

While India played a crucial role in supporting Bangladesh‍‍`s independence, many in Bangladesh believe the victory belongs solely to the people of Bangladesh, who fought for their freedom.