A statue commemorating the liberation of Bangladesh has been destroyed by what Congress leader Shashi Tharoor described as “anti-India vandals.” Tharoor, sharing an image of the shattered statue on social media, expressed his sorrow over the incident, highlighting the broader context of recent attacks on cultural and religious sites in the region.

The statue, located at the 1971 Shaheed Memorial Complex in Mujibnagar, depicted the historic moment when Pakistan surrendered after the 1971 war. The surrender, which marked the liberation of Bangladesh, saw Pakistan Army Major-General Amir Abdullah Khan Niazi sign the ‘Instrument of Surrender’ before Lt General Jagjit Singh Aurora, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of India’s Eastern Command, and Bangladesh’s Mukti Bahini. With 93,000 troops laying down their arms, it was the largest military surrender since World War II.

Saira Shah Halim, daughter of Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah, a veteran of the 1971 war, spoke out against the destruction of the memorial. She emphasized that her father, a hero of the war who participated in the Battle of Longewala as a young lieutenant, would be deeply pained by the vandalism. Saira highlighted the importance of protecting the rights and security of religious minorities in Bangladesh, urging the Bengali majority to take responsibility for ensuring their safety.

She also called upon the interim government of Bangladesh to maintain calm and facilitate a peaceful transition of responsibilities, stressing the need for a non-violent approach during this sensitive time.

Saira Shah Halim said:

“My father Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah (veteran) is a 71 war hero who took part in the battle of Longewala as a young lieutenant in his early 20’s,a bachelor raring to do anything for his motherland.

It pains me to see vandals in #Bangladesh destroy the iconic 1971 war memorial sculpture.

It’s the duty of every bengali majority community in Bangladesh to ensure that the rights and security of religious minorities are protected in Bangladesh.

Would urge the interim government to ensure calm and a smooth transition of responsibilities without violence.”

Congress leader and career diplomat wrote a detailed note on the events: “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. It is essential that Muhammed Yunus and his interim government 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.”