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Published : 17 Dec 2025, 09:12 PM
Foreign Advisor Touhid Hossain has said those who deny the contribution of Bangladesh’s freedom fighters and portray the 1971 Liberation War as merely an India–Pakistan conflict have “no understanding” of military history or military science.
He made the remarks on Wednesday while responding to questions over the absence of any mention of Bangladesh in Victory Day messages issued by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.
Referring to accounts written by Indian historians, Touhid said: “Their own experts have said that the way the freedom fighters restrained the Pakistan Army’s resistance significantly shortened India’s campaign, reduced destruction, and saved countless lives.
“The freedom fighters were fully active for six to nine months, gradually mounting full-scale operations from June onwards.”
“Those who deny the contribution of the freedom fighters may try to ignore it, but denying it serves no purpose. Without their support, this victory could not have been achieved,” he added.
On Tuesday, Modi described Victory Day as “India’s historic victory” writing on X: “On Vijay Diwas, we remember the brave soldiers whose courage and sacrifice ensured India had a historic victory in 1971. Their steadfast resolve and selfless service protected our nation and etched a moment of pride in our history.
“This day stands as a salute to their valour and a reminder of their unmatched spirit. Their heroism continues to inspire generations of Indians.”
In a Hindi-language post on X, Congress leader Gandhi paid tribute to the soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces, saluting their bravery, dedication, and unwavering resolve during the 1971 war.
He said their courage, struggle, and supreme sacrifice in protecting the Indian borders had created history and would remain a lasting source of inspiration for all Indians.
His statement does not mention the history of where or with whom the war took place.
The statements by the two political leaders lack any reference to the Indian Army fighting shoulder to shoulder with the Mukti Bahini.
The social media posts by India’s two top political leaders marking Dec 16 have triggered discussion and criticism in Bangladesh over the absence of any reference to Bangladesh or its liberation struggle.
In response to a question about the absence of Bangladesh’s name in Modi’s message, Touhid said: “This has been going on for a long time. I was posted in India for many years. They have always tried to downplay our role in the Liberation War.”
He pointed to how the occasion is observed in Kolkata as Eastern Command Day, reflecting a view that India’s Army alone achieved victory against Pakistan.
Touhid said India did achieve victory over Pakistan, but the broader context was often overlooked.
In response to another question, the advisor said Bangladesh, as in previous years, received a Victory Day greeting from Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
