Modi remarks disrespectful to Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and Liberation War: Jamaat
Yesterday, the Indian prime minister paid tribute to soldiers who contributed to India's victory in 1971 during what is known to them as the Indo-Pak war
Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar has condemned and protested Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks, in which Modi apparently claimed that Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War was India's war.
In a statement issued today (17 December), Parwar said, "On 16 December, Bangladesh's Victory Day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a post on social media, in which he referred to Bangladesh's Liberation War as India's war. He described the historic victory of Bangladesh in 1971 as India's victory.
"In his post on Victory Day, he did not even mention the name of Bangladesh. Narendra Modi's statement is disrespectful and demeaning to Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and Liberation War."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Parwar, a former lawmaker, further said Modi's comments proved the accuracy of the statement made by Jamaat 53 years ago, expressing concerns about India's hegemonic intentions. "Through his post, Modi has become a witness to the truth of Jamaat's assertion."
He concluded by expressing strong condemnation and protest against the remarks made by Modi.
Yesterday, the Indian prime minister paid tribute to soldiers who contributed to India's victory in 1971 during what is known to them as the Indo-Pak war.
"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," Modi wrote in a post on social media platform X.
"This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakeable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation's history," his post further read.
The Indo-Pak war of 1971, also known as the third India-Pakistan war, was a military confrontation between India and Pakistan that occurred during Bangladesh's Liberation War.
Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasnat Abdullah yesterday also strongly criticised Modi for the social media post.
Relations between the two neighbouring countries have been uneasy since Sheikh Hasina's ouster on 5 August, her subsequent shelter in India, and India's critical stance towards Bangladesh, particularly the interim government.
While bilateral ties appeared to improve following Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's pre-scheduled visit on 9 December, Indian authorities and media continue to express critical views on various issues, keeping tensions alive.
The strained relations have reached their lowest point, largely due to the critical rhetoric from Indian officials and media.
