Odhikar strongly protests against Narendra Modis statement on Victory Day in Bangladesh

This is not only a misleading statement, since it was about Bangladesh's struggle for liberation from Pakistan in 1971, but it also glorifies Indian soldiers who are now committing human rights violations of the people of Bangladesh along of the border. Bangladeshis are constantly being killed, injured and kidnapped by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). From January 2009 to September 2024, 586 Bangladeshis were killed and 770 injured in attacks launched by the BSF. None of the perpetrators have been brought to justice. Felani and Swarna Das are among the many children who were cruelly killed by the Indian BSF.

Since Sheikh Hasina became Prime Minister in 2009, there have been reports that India has unfortunately interfered in three successive national elections in Bangladesh. Former Indian Foreign Minister Sujata Singh visited Bangladesh in 2014 and directly influenced the elections. As a neighboring country, India has shown a lack of respect for the democratic aspirations of Bangladeshis. During Sheikh Hasina's tenure, Bangladeshi victims of enforced disappearances were extradited to India. India has collaborated with the Sheikh Hasina regime to jointly commit serious human rights violations.

In July-August 2024, when the government of Sheikh Hasinas committed a massacre against students and residents of Bangladesh, the Indian government did not denounce the human rights violations and continued to support the Awami League regime. The Indian government harbored the main perpetrators of these crimes, including Sheikh Hasina. Indian ruling elites and pro-Hindutva politicians are constantly spreading disinformation about the mass uprising in Bangladesh. Most Indian media reports on attacks on Bangladeshi Hindus have already been proven false by credible fact-checking groups.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's declaration of political non-responsibility is apparently a continuation of his government's agenda and that of undermining Bangladesh. Instead of sticking to a failed foreign policy, the Indian government should demonstrate its respect for Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state. India's unjustifiable interference in the democracy, human rights and sovereignty of the Bangladeshi people must end.

Download the full statement: “Odhikar strongly protests against the statement of Narendra Modis on the occasion of Victory Day in Bangladesh. »

Statement-by-Odhikar_December-19-2024