Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul has strongly protested a social media post by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi commemorating the 1971 Liberation War.
In a post on his verified Facebook page on Saturday (16 December), Asif Nazrul shared a screenshot of Modi’s post and wrote, “I strongly protest. The day 16 December 1971 was the day of victory for Bangladesh. India was an ally of this victory, nothing more.”
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi posted on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, marking the Victory Day, which commemorates India’s victory over Pakistan in 1971.
He wrote, “Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history.”
Asif Nazrul’s protest reflects a longstanding sensitivity surrounding narratives about the Liberation War, a conflict in which India played a crucial supportive role but which Bangladesh views as a people’s war for independence.
The Indian PM’s post has sparked discussions on social media, with users from both nations expressing varying opinions on the remarks.