Why this misadventure

Pakistan still cannot accept the Independence of Bangladesh! They cannot forget the disgrace which they feel after a deplorable defeat during the War of Liberation in 1971. For this reason, the country is continuously hatching various conspiracies against Bangladesh. This time, they have spread propaganda over the Declaration of Bangladesh’s Independence, staying in Dhaka.

According to news reports published in different media outlets, Pakistan High Commission in its  Facebook Page -- Pakistan Affairs-- shared a video on Thursday last in which Pakistan said the then Major Ziaur Rahman declared independence in 1971 and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not want to wage war against Pakistan.

The 13:45-minute video which had initially been posted on the High Commission's Facebook Page said that ‘Ziaur Rahman, not Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, announced Bangladesh’s independence’. The video also mentions that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman did not want Bangladesh’s independence; he sought autonomy.

Soon after the incident, the government of Bangladesh lodged a strong protest and warned Pakistan against distorting history through misleading video-footage posted on the webpage maintained by the Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka. The Government of Bangladesh strongly rebuts such baseless and unfounded narratives.

Bangladesh foreign ministry also summoned Pakistan High Commissioner and sought apology for the misleading video post on Declaration of Bangladesh’s Independence. The misleading video-footage was removed from the High Commission’s Facebook page after it sparked controversy. Such misadventure from Pakistan can never be accepted.

There were also many other strong allegations against Pakistan High Commissioner. Pakistan issued controversial statement over the trial proceedings and executions of the Supreme Court verdicts against death penalty for war crimes convicts who committed crimes against humanity in 1971. The Pakistan High Commissioner also issued controversial statement over the number of martyrs during the Liberation War in 1971. In the face of strong protest, Pakistan withdrew its high commissioner from Dhaka. Besides, a Pakistan diplomat was removed for his alleged involvement in financing militancy and keeping communication with militants. There were also allegations against them in financing some political parties.

Who declared the Independence and who was in the lead role-- all about this was destined. Pakistan military forces carried out barbaric genocide of the history on the Bengali people on the night of March 25. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared Bangladesh’s independence on that night soon after the Pakistan military forces carried out the operation. The Declaration of Bangladesh’s Independence by Bangabandhu was published by different national and international media outlets.

On June 21, 2009, the High Court bench comprising of Justice ABM Khairul Haque and Justice Mamtazuddin Ahmed passed the historic verdict where it was stated that Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman proclaimed the Independence of Bangladesh. But we have to find out the reason why Pakistan High Commission is attempting to distort real history. What is their motive?

We often notice anti-country and anti-liberation activities among us. There are still many people inside the country who oppose the Liberation War and try to spread propaganda regarding our Liberation War. Just like them, Pakistan is carrying out misadventure and spreading propaganda about the proclaimer of Independence, spirit of Liberation War and the number of war martyrs.

Such breach of diplomatic norms and practices and  deliberate propaganda to spread shameless lies shall not only jeopardize bilateral relations, but would render a great disservice to succeeding generations of historians, intelligentsia as well as common people who champion the cause of truth and justice. We cannot take the matter lightly. We have to find out the exact reason behind their misadventure and motive and take action accordingly.

risingbd/Dhaka/Nov 3, 2017/Ali Nowsher/Amirul