Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, on Wednesday, said no country in the world except India had supported the autocratic Sheikh Hasina regime over the last 16 years.
Alleging that the Indian Prime Minister has demeaned the Liberation War of Bangladesh, he said, "The neighbouring India, due to its pride, feels and acts like as a lord. So, Narendra Modi has said 16th December is the historic victory day of India. He disparaged our Liberation War and our liberated land."
Rizvi made the comments during a programme at Shantinagar in the capital, which called for boycotting Indian products.
He said young people of different backgrounds participated in the Liberation War, and India just played a friendly role in it.
"How could December 16 be a victory day for India, rather than for Bangladesh? Three million Bangladeshi people had sacrificed their lives during the war, which India wants to belittle."
The BNP leader said France helped America during its independence war against the British from 1776 to 1781. But France never says that America's victory is also its victory.
"The whole world knows how peaceful and harmonious country Bangladesh is. Those who belittle and demean us should bear in mind that we'll continue our political protest against India," he added.
BNP Joint Secretary General Abdus Salam and Swechchasebak Affairs Secretary Mir Sorafat Ali Sopu, and Gazipur district BNP President Fazlul Haque Milon were present, among others.
Meanwhile, in another event on Wednesday, BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said his party's expectation for an election roadmap was not fulfilled. It should not take more than four to six months to hold the national election.
"The first and foremost task of the (interim) government is to hold a free and fair national election. For this, some legal, institutional and field-level reforms are required. We think that it shouldn't take more than four to six months to complete those reforms."
Salahuddin Ahmed made the comments at a healthcare service providing programme, organised by Ziaur Rahman Foundation in the capital's Banani area.
He called upon the chief adviser to remain cautious so that none could plan any scheme in the country's journey towards democracy after the Hasina regime's fall.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com