On December 16th, the 54th anniversary of Vijay Diwas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to commemorate India’s victory in the 1971 war against Pakistan. However, his post, which did not explicitly mention Bangladesh, has sparked controversy and criticism from the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Modi’s tweet read, “On Vijay Diwas, we salute the valor of our armed forces who played a decisive role in the liberation of Bangladesh. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations to come.” While the message acknowledged India’s role in the war, the absence of a direct reference to Bangladesh has raised eyebrows and fueled tensions between the two neighboring countries.
The Yunus-led interim government, which took power after the removal of Sheikh Hasina’s government, has been vocal in its criticism of India’s involvement in the 1971 war. They argue that India was merely an ally in the conflict and that Bangladesh’s liberation was primarily achieved through the sacrifices of its own people.
This perspective has been met with strong opposition from various quarters in India. Many argue that India played a crucial role in the liberation of Bangladesh, providing military support and humanitarian aid to the Mukti Bahini, the Bangladeshi liberation force. They contend that without India’s intervention, Bangladesh’s independence would have been a distant dream.
The controversy surrounding PM Modi’s Vijay Diwas post has reignited the debate on the historical significance of India’s role in the 1971 war. It has also highlighted the complex relationship between India and Bangladesh, which has been marred by tensions and disagreements over various issues, including border disputes, water sharing, and trade.
The absence of Sheikh Hasina, the ousted Prime Minister, from the Vijay Diwas celebrations has further added fuel to the fire. Hasina, who is currently in exile, has condemned the interim government and accused them of undermining the legacy of the 1971 war. She has also expressed disappointment over India’s decision not to invite her to the celebrations.
The controversy surrounding PM Modi’s Vijay Diwas post has exposed the deep-seated divisions within Bangladesh and the ongoing struggle for power and influence. It remains to be seen how the two neighboring countries will navigate this delicate situation and whether they can find common ground to resolve their differences and build a more harmonious relationship.
