Stockholm syndrome? Bangladesh civil society commemorates Jinnah, chides India

In what can only be termed as a classic case of Stockholm Syndrome, members of theNational Press Club in Dhaka, Bangladesh were seen commemorating the 76th death anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah -- the founding father of Pakistan. Bangladesh, previously known as East Pakistan, was liberated from Islamabad's clutches in 1971 with India playing a pivotal part. However, the speakers at the press club not only serenaded Jinnah but also chided India.

One of the speakers said Pakistan would not have been created without Jinnah and that "Bangladesh too would not exist", without him.

Nagorik Parishad convenor Md Samsuddin went a step further and claimed that Bangladesh avoided a fate similar to Kashmir by being a part of Pakistan in 1947.

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"If Bangladesh had not been part of Pakistan in 1947, we would have been in the same position as Kashmir today, with the Indian junta holding weapons to our necks. Bangladesh gained independence because of Pakistan, which Jinnah helped create," Samsuddin said.

He added that Dhaka should look to foster ties with China and Pakistan.

"Why should we change the name of Allama Iqbal Hall or Jinnah Avenue? These changes were made because Delhi wanted them, but we did not. Bangladesh must foster strong relations with China and Pakistan."

Md Shakhawat, another attendee claimed that the 'political incompetence' and 'strife' in the Indian subcontinent were ended by Jinnah.

"Had Jinnah not taken responsibility for Bangladesh in 1947, we would have been in the same situation as West Bengal, remaining a part of India. It was because of his leadership that East Pakistan remained united with West Pakistan. Now we must assess our friendship," he added.

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Bangladesh's liberation

Notably, despite being part of Pakistan, erstwhile East Pakistan received a step-motherly treatment as the region's economy nearly crashed, people suffered while the ruling class, sitting in Islamabad looked the other way.

Consequently, political leaders in East Pakistan protested and declared independence on March 26, 1971, under the leadership of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who would later earn the moniker of 'father of the nation'.

A year prior to the declaration, the Pakistani government had sent troops to East Pakistan and unleashed a massacre which further flamed the cause of independence.

East Pakistan on its own could not have gained liberation. India was forced to intervene and under the leadership of then prime minister, Indira Gandhi, New Delhi supported the Mukti Bahini while providing arms, ammunition and its soldiers.

It was on December 16, 1971, that Lt Gen AAK Niazi, commander of the Pakistan Eastern Command, signed the Instrument of Surrender in the presence of Lt Gen JS Aurora of the Indian Army in Dacca (now Dhaka) that birthed the country, now known as Bangladesh.

(With inputs from agencies)