Pak Bars its Diplomats from Attending B’desh Armed Forces Day Events
In a recent decree, the Pakistani government has directed its diplomats worldwide not to participate in the programs of “Bangladesh Armed Forces Day.” The order, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, cites the lingering trauma of Pakistan’s defeat in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War as the reason for avoiding involvement in the events.
The Bangladesh Liberation War, which took place in 1971, witnessed a decisive victory for the Indian Armed Forces over Pakistan. The pain of defeat continues to haunt Pakistan, as revealed by exclusive information obtained from intelligence agencies. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has specifically instructed all its diplomatic missions and personnel globally not to partake in the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day programs scheduled for November 21.
On November 21, 1971, the Bangladeshi Army, Navy, and Air Force collectively launched an offensive against the Pakistani forces. The day is observed as Armed Forces Day in Bangladesh. The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, located in Islamabad, issued a directive to its High Commission in India and Bangladesh on November 13, explicitly instructing them not to participate in the Bangladesh Armed Forces Day events.
Ilyas Mahmood Najami, Head of the South Asia and SAARC Desk at the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a directive to all missions, especially the High Commissions in India and Bangladesh, to abstain from attending any invitations related to the 52nd Armed Forces Day of Bangladesh on November 21.
This move comes amid heightened tensions and historical grievances stemming from Pakistan’s actions during the Bangladesh Liberation War. Thousands were killed, and numerous atrocities were committed by the Pakistani military against civilians during its 24-year rule in East Pakistan, now known as Bangladesh. The fallout from these events led to the exodus of millions of Bangladeshis seeking refuge in India.
The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has previously faced international scrutiny, with Bangladesh urging the United Nations to recognize March 25 as “International Genocide Day” to commemorate the atrocities committed during the Bangladesh Liberation War. In February 2023, Bangladesh officially demanded an apology from Pakistan for the atrocities committed by its military during the 1971 war, during a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries in Sri Lanka.
The strained relationship between Pakistan and Bangladesh continues to be a topic of international discussion, with both countries occasionally making efforts to address historical grievances and move towards reconciliation.
