Dhaka, Dec 18 (V7N)— The Government of Bangladesh has issued a strong statement emphasizing the accurate history of the 1971 Liberation War, in response to a controversial social media post by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 16, Victory Day.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement titled "Historical Facts" on Wednesday, highlighting the sacrifices of the Bangladeshi people during the nine-month-long war and pointing out discrepancies in Modi's portrayal of the events.

The statement reaffirmed that Bangladesh emerged as an independent and sovereign nation on December 16, 1971, after a brutal war for liberation. Citing the book Liberation and Beyond: Indo-Bangladesh Relations by late Indian diplomat JN Dixit, the statement noted an incident during the surrender ceremony in Dhaka.

It referred to the absence of General MAG Osmani, commander of Bangladesh's forces, at the surrender event due to what was officially claimed to be a delayed helicopter. However, the statement suggested there were suspicions that the delay was orchestrated to shift focus to Indian military commanders. This exclusion caused significant dissatisfaction in Bangladeshi political circles at the time, as Osmani's presence could have prevented early misunderstandings in Indo-Bangladesh relations.

In its conclusion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “We celebrate our glorious victory in 1971, we celebrate the truth,” underscoring the importance of recognizing Bangladesh's role and sacrifices in achieving independence.

On December 16, Narendra Modi posted on his verified Facebook and X accounts, stating:

"Today, on Victory Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the brave soldiers who contributed to India's historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve have saved our nation and brought us glory. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary heroism and indomitable spirit. Their sacrifice will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in the history of our nation."

The post sparked criticism for entirely omitting the context of Bangladesh's Liberation War and framing the events as solely a victory for India. Advisors to Bangladesh's interim government during the war have condemned Modi's remarks as “irresponsible” and “historically misleading.”

As Bangladesh celebrated its 53rd Victory Day, the government’s statement served as a reminder of the country's struggle for independence and the critical role of its own people and leadership in achieving freedom.

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