Modi's statement an insult to Bangladesh's Liberation War, freedom fighters: Rizvi 

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comments about Victory Day are an insult to the Bangladesh Liberation War and the freedom fighters, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said yesterday. 

"1971 marks the year of our Liberation War and Bangladesh's independence from Pakistani," the BNP leader told the media after attending a Victory Day event in Keraniganj.

Earlier on the day, in a post on X, Modi 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 unshakeable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation's history."

Strongly protesting the statement, Rizvi said, "We achieved an independent country at the expense of the blood shed by 30 lakh martyrs and at the cost of the honor of 2 lakh mothers and sisters. To claim this war of independence as India's achievement is to deny Bangladesh's independence, sovereignty, and integrity. It is disrespectful to those 30 lakh martyrs and the dignity of those 2 lakh women."

He added, "We fought for and secured our independence from Pakistan. We will never bow our heads to Delhi." 

He further said, "16 December 1971 was Bangladesh's Victory Day. India was an ally in this victory, nothing more."