India has, for the first time, officially acknowledged the historic March 1971 radio address of former President Ziaur Rahman, a move widely seen as a significant gesture towards Bangladesh’s BNP-led government.
The High Commission of India in Dhaka issued a statement on May 30 marking the 45th death anniversary of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam, who was assassinated in Chattogram on May 30, 1981.
The statement said: “As the people of Bangladesh gather today in memory of one of their nation’s bravest sons — Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, Bir Uttam — we recall his famous radio address of March 1971, which electrified the masses, inspired them on a path of resistance against oppression and led to national liberation.
“Today, as then, India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people of Bangladesh in a saga of shared sacrifices and a common journey towards the progress and prosperity of both our peoples.”
A significant gesture
Diplomatic observers described the statement as a positive signal from New Delhi towards the BNP-led government that assumed office on February 17, ending 17 years of Awami League rule.
A former Bangladeshi diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said India had appeared reluctant to engage closely with the Interim Government led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus and had repeatedly indicated its preference for dealing with an elected administration.
“It is no secret that the Indian government was not entirely comfortable engaging with the Interim Government. On several occasions, New Delhi signalled that it would work more closely with the next elected government,” he said.
The diplomat noted that recent interactions between Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had created expectations of improved bilateral relations.
“The relationship is likely to gain momentum in the coming months. However, both sides now need to translate these positive gestures into tangible benefits for the people of the two countries,” he added.
Mixed reactions online
The Indian High Commission’s statement sparked discussion on social media, with many users welcoming the recognition of Ziaur Rahman’s contribution to Bangladesh’s Liberation War, while others urged both countries to address longstanding bilateral concerns.
Former US diplomat Jon Danilowicz questioned whether the gesture would be matched by policy changes, writing that “actions speak louder than words”.
Another social media user welcomed the statement but called for greater cooperation to prevent border killings and resolve disputes over alleged pushbacks of Indian nationals into Bangladesh.
Others praised India for recognising the contributions of freedom fighters irrespective of political differences, describing the statement as a positive step towards improving ties between the two neighbours.
