Law Adviser Asif Nazrul and Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Convener Hasnat Abdullah yesterday strongly condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on Victory Day.
“I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was Bangladesh’s Victory Day. India was only an ally in this victory, nothing more than that,” Asif Nazrul posted on his verified Facebook account.
Within 45 minutes, the post gained significant traction with about 6,000 people commenting on it.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, along with almost 1,000 others, shared the post.
Earlier, in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Modi paid tribute to Indian soldiers for their role in 1971.
“Today, on Vijay Diwas, we pay heartfelt tributes to all the brave heroes who dutifully served India in 1971, ensuring a decisive victory. Their valour and dedication remain a source of immense pride for the nation. Their sacrifices and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in the people’s hearts and our nation’s history. India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit,” the Indian premier wrote.
In response, Hasnat Abdullah, in a post on his verified Facebook account, said, “This was Bangladesh’s Liberation War. It was for Bangladesh’s independence against Pakistan. But Modi has claimed it was solely India’s war and their achievement, disregarding Bangladesh’s existence in their narrative.”
He added, “When India claims this independence as their achievement, I see this as a threat to our independence, sovereignty and oneness.
“It’s necessary for us to fight against this threat by India. We need to carry on this fight.”
His post had over 7,300 comments and was shared by 8,400 people within four hours.
