Iconic statue of Pakistan army surrendering destroyed in Bangladesh; MP Shashi Tharoor blames 'Anti-India' forces

NEW DELHI: The iconic statues erected to commemorate the liberation of Bangladesh in Shaheed Memorial Complex, Mujibnagar, have been vandalized by anti-India elements. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor condemned the attack and highlighted the plight of Hindu minorities in the neighbouring nation.

“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.

The agenda of some of the agitators is quite clear. Muhammad Yunus and his interim government must take urgent steps to restore law & order in the interests of all Bangladeshis, of every faith. India stands with the people of Bangladesh at this turbulent time, but such anarchic excess can never be condoned.” Wrote Shashi Tharoor on X.

The war of 1971 not only freed Bangladesh but also dealt a heavy blow to Pakistan. The statue depicts Pakistan Army Major General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi signing a 'document of surrender' to the Indian Army and Bangladesh's Mukti Bahini.

Major General Niazi surrendered to Lieutenant General Jagjit Singh Arora, then General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India's Eastern Command with 93,000 troops. It was the largest military surrender made by any troops since World War II.