The iconic statue at the 1971 Shaheed Memorial Complex in Mujibnagar, Bangladesh, has been vandalized amid ongoing protests in the nation, sparking strong reactions from various quarters, including Indian political figures. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor voiced his dismay over the incident, condemning what he termed as “anti-India vandals.”
The statue, which commemorated Pakistan’s surrender in 1971, marking the end of the Bangladesh Liberation War and the Indo-Pakistan War, was a significant symbol of the shared history between India and Bangladesh. The statue depicted the moment when Major-General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi of Pakistan surrendered, along with 93,000 troops, to Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Aurora of India and AK Khandker, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Bangladesh Forces, on December 16, 1971. This event is remembered as one of the largest military surrenders since World War II.
Tharoor, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), shared a picture of the damaged statue, expressing his sadness at the act of vandalism. “Sad to see images like this of statues at the 1971 Shaheed Memorial Complex, Mujibnagar, destroyed by anti-India vandals. This follows disgraceful attacks on the Indian cultural centre, temples, and Hindu homes in several places, even as reports came in of Muslim civilians protecting other minority homes and places of worship,” he wrote.
He further stated that the attacks on minorities in Bangladesh highlight the “agenda” of certain agitators amid the protests. Shashi Tharoor called on the interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, to take “urgent steps” to restore law and order in the country, emphasizing that it was in the “interest of all Bangladeshis of every faith.” He added, “India stands with the people of Bangladesh at this turbulent time, but such anarchic excess can never be condoned.”
The unrest in Bangladesh initially began as protests against quotas in government jobs but quickly escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations. These protests led to the deaths of more than 400 people and ultimately forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign on August 5, fleeing to India for safety. The violence has also led to an exodus of minorities, particularly Hindus, who have faced targeted attacks, including the vandalism of homes and lynching. Many have fled to India, especially to border states like West Bengal.
Muhammad Yunus, the interim leader, has condemned the attacks on minorities as “heinous” and urged citizens to protect Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian families from harm. Addressing the student protesters, who are leading the demonstrations, Yunus warned them not to let their movement be derailed by those seeking to undermine their cause.
As Bangladesh grapples with this turbulent period, the call for peace and protection of all citizens, regardless of faith, remains more critical than ever.