India just ally in 1971 War, nothing more: PM Modi’s post on ‘Vijay Diwas’ draws sharp reactions from Bangladeshi leaders

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Vijay Diwas post on Dec 16 drew sharp reactions from Bangladeshi leaders, who emphasized that the 1971 war victory was belonged to Bangladesh, with India being just as an ally.

"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 sacrifice and unwavering spirit will forever be etched in people's hearts and our nation's history. India salutes their courage and remembers their indomitable spirit," PM Modi said in his post.

The post by PM Modi seems to have opened a new front in the ongoing tussle between the neighboring nation which began after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster.

Bangladesh’s interim head Muhammad Yunus’ law advisor Asif Nazrul, well-known India-critic and coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Hasnat Abdullah and a member of Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) were among the leaders who criticized PM Modi’s post.

"I strongly protest. December 16, 1971, was the day of Bangladesh's victory. India was an ally in this victory, nothing more," Asif Nazrul wrote on Facebook.

The changed stance of Bangladesh leaders comes after Hasina’s removal from the government. A military-backed caretaker government headed by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has since taken control of the country.

Student leader Hasnat Abdullah, who criticized PM Modi’s post, had earlier called for banning ISKCON and called for the hanging of jailed Hindu monk Chinmoy Das Prabhu.

"This is Bangladesh's Liberation War. The war was fought for Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. But Modi has claimed that it was solely India's war and achievement. In doing so, they've completely ignored the existence of Bangladesh," Abdullah posted on Facebook on Dec 16.

Vijay Diwas or Victory Day is observed on December 16 to commemorate India’s decisive victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war after which East Pakistan was liberated from the control of Islamabad and Bangladesh was born.

On Dec 16, 1971, the Pakistani forces commander Lieutenant General AA Khan Niazi surrendered in front of Indian commander Jagjit Singh Arora and signed the surrender instrument.

Facing over 10 million refugees from East Pakistan, then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared war on Pakistan