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Modi's 1971 Remarks Insult Bangladesh’s Independence
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Wednesday accused Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi of belittling Bangladesh’s sovereignty, independence, and the contributions of its freedom fighters. Rizvi’s comments came in response to Modi's statement that 16 December 1971 marked India’s “historic victory.”
Addressing a rally in Shantinagar, where a boycott of Indian products was being called for, Rizvi said, “India arrogantly views itself as the master, with Modi claiming that 16 December was India’s historic victory. This is a direct insult to Bangladesh’s independence and the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters.”
Rizvi emphasized that while India played a supportive role in the 1971 Liberation War, it was the courage and sacrifice of Bangladesh's own people that led to the country’s independence. “The brave sons of Bangladesh fought valiantly in rivers, canals, forests, and jungles against the invading forces of Pakistan. It is their sacrifice that made our freedom possible,” he said.
The BNP leader questioned how India could claim 16 December as its Victory Day when it was, in fact, Bangladesh’s Victory Day. “You [India] were a friend, not the main victor. To call it India's Victory Day is an attempt to overshadow the true spirit of our Liberation War,” Rizvi asserted.
Rizvi also criticized Modi's remarks for downplaying the sacrifices of the 30 lakh martyrs who gave their lives for Bangladesh’s independence. He drew a historical parallel to explain his point: “When America fought the British, France supported them, but they never claimed the victory as their own. The Americans celebrate their own Victory Day and Independence Day, not France.”
Modi had earlier paid tribute to Indian soldiers who contributed to India's victory in the 1971 war. On Bangladesh's Victory Day, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), “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 safeguarded our nation and brought us glory.”
Rizvi also took the opportunity to criticize India's support for the government of Sheikh Hasina, calling it a violation of Bangladesh’s democratic processes. “No other country, except Delhi, has backed Sheikh Hasina's illegal hold on power for the last 16 years,” he added.