Tue Dec 17 14:42:59 UTC 2024: ## Bangladeshi Politicians Condemn Modi’s Vijay Diwas Post Omitting Bangladesh
**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – Leading Bangladeshi figures have strongly criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for failing to acknowledge Bangladesh in his social media post commemorating Vijay Diwas (Victory Day) on December 16th. The omission has sparked outrage amid already strained relations between the two countries.
The criticism comes as Bangladesh grapples with escalating tensions following attacks on its Hindu minority community. India has repeatedly voiced concerns about these attacks to the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Further complicating matters is the presence in India of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled the country in August following months of student protests and subsequent violence.
Law advisor to Muhammad Yunus, Asif Nazrul, stated, “I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was the day of Bangladesh’s victory. India was an ally in this victory, nothing more.” Similarly, Hasnat Abdullah of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement accused Modi of claiming India’s sole victory, ignoring Bangladesh’s role in its own liberation war. Ishraque Hossain of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party condemned the statement as undermining Bangladesh’s sovereignty and dignity, warning it could harm bilateral relations.
Vijay Diwas marks the surrender of Pakistani forces to the Indian army in 1971, leading to the creation of independent Bangladesh. The absence of any mention of Bangladesh in Modi’s post has ignited a firestorm of protest within the country.
First Piper 