The celebration of Vijay Diwas on December 16, which marks India’s resounding victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war and the creation of Bangladesh, has become a source of contention, as several leaders of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh have expressed sharp criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commemorative message. The Bangladeshi leaders emphasized that the triumph of 1971 was primarily their own, with India serving as an ally rather than a central actor in their liberation. This criticism underscores a shift in rhetoric from Bangladesh’s current interim leadership, which has sought to reassert Bangladesh’s independence narrative amidst shifting political dynamics.
The 1971 war remains one of the most defining moments in South Asian history, ending years of brutal oppression of East Pakistan by the ruling regime in West Pakistan. India’s involvement was triggered by a massive refugee crisis as over 10 million people fled to Indian states to escape the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military. Under the leadership of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India declared war on Pakistan on December 3, 1971, after Pakistani airstrikes on Indian airbases. The war culminated in the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers and the creation of the independent nation of Bangladesh on December 16, 1971.
Prime Minister Modi’s message on Vijay Diwas, posted on social media, paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of India’s armed forces, describing their role in securing a decisive victory as a source of national pride. However, the absence of any explicit mention of Bangladesh’s role or recognition of its people’s sacrifices sparked criticism from Bangladeshi leaders. Asif Nazrul, a legal advisor to interim leader Muhammad Yunus, reacted strongly, stating that December 16 was Bangladesh’s victory day and that India’s role was limited to that of an ally. “I strongly protest. This was our victory, and India merely supported us,” Nazrul wrote on social media.
Hasnat Abdullah, a prominent student leader known for his vocal criticisms of India, went a step further, alleging that Modi’s statement was a “direct threat to Bangladesh’s independence and sovereignty.” He accused the Indian Prime Minister of attempting to claim Bangladesh’s liberation as solely India’s achievement, which he argued diminished the sacrifices and agency of the Bangladeshi people. Abdullah, who has previously called for boycotting Indian products and banning Indian institutions, described the statement as an affront to the dignity and sovereignty of Bangladesh, calling for a continued “struggle against Indian hegemony.”
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) also joined the criticism, with Ishraque Hossain, a member of its Foreign Relations Committee, accusing Modi’s statement of being “misleading” and disrespectful. Hossain stated that the message undermined the essence of Bangladesh’s liberation war, the sacrifices of its martyrs, and the nation’s sovereignty. He warned that such remarks could strain bilateral relations, especially at a time when Bangladesh’s political landscape is undergoing a significant shift.
The Yunus-led interim government came to power after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s regime, which had maintained a strong partnership with India during her tenure. The military-backed caretaker government has included figures with a history of India-skepticism, signaling a possible shift in the country’s foreign policy. Sheikh Hasina, who sought refuge in India following her ouster, often credited India for its crucial role in the 1971 war and supported close bilateral ties during her administration. The current interim leadership, however, appears keen on emphasizing Bangladesh’s independent identity and de-emphasizing India’s role in its liberation.
The war of 1971, often described as the shortest in modern history, was nonetheless a complex and multifaceted conflict. While India’s armed forces played an instrumental role in defeating Pakistani forces, the people of Bangladesh waged a relentless struggle for independence. From the Awami League’s political movements to the Mukti Bahini’s guerrilla warfare and the sacrifices of countless civilians, the liberation of Bangladesh was a collective effort born of years of oppression and resistance.
India’s intervention was not just an act of solidarity but also one of necessity, driven by the influx of millions of refugees and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in East Pakistan. The collaboration between Indian forces and Bangladeshi freedom fighters remains a significant chapter in the shared history of the two nations. However, as memories of 1971 grow distant, differing interpretations of the events have occasionally strained bilateral ties.
The reactions from Bangladeshi leaders highlight the sensitive nature of historical narratives and their impact on contemporary politics. For India, Vijay Diwas is a celebration of its military might and its ability to uphold justice in the face of oppression. For Bangladesh, it is a day of liberation, a hard-fought victory earned through immense sacrifice and perseverance. Reconciling these perspectives requires careful diplomacy, mutual respect, and recognition of the shared struggles that led to one of the most significant geopolitical shifts in South Asia.
Moving forward, the divergent narratives surrounding the 1971 war could pose challenges to the traditionally strong relationship between the two nations, particularly under Bangladesh’s current interim government. While India views its involvement as a defining moment of regional leadership, Bangladesh’s leaders are increasingly asserting their agency in their nation’s historic victory. The need for a nuanced and collaborative approach to navigating these historical sensitivities will be crucial in maintaining and strengthening the ties between these neighboring countries.
