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Bangladesh's foreign ministry on Wednesday registered a protest with Pakistan High Commissioner Rafiuzzaman Siddiqui against a video posted on the Pakistan High Commission's webpage, saying that it "distorted historical facts" about Bangladesh's independence, BBC Urdu reported.
The video posted on the High Commission's website stated that Bangladesh's first president Sheikh Mujibur Rehman had desired self-rule for Bangladesh, not independence, BBC Urdu reported, quoting a statement issued by the foreign ministry in Dhaka.
According to the statement, Secretary (Europe, Africa, America) Qamarul Ahsan registered the protest with Siddiqui, who was summoned by the foreign ministry, and asked for an apology for the video.
"To state that Sheikh Mujib did not desire independence is an attempt to distort historical facts," said the BBC Urdu article quoting the official statement.
"This is deliberate misuse of social media by the High Commission," read the statement. "This is a violation of diplomatic norms. This kind of propaganda will cause harm to mutual cooperation [between Pakistan and Bangladesh]."
While speaking to the media after registering the protest with the high commissioner, the secretary said that Siddiqui had apologised for the video and removed it from the website, BBC Urdu said.
"Sharing of a video by a third party cannot be attributed to Pakistan High Commission Dhaka," the Foreign Office said in response to the protest.
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Comments (116) Closed
Nov 01, 2017 02:41pm
Is there any public speech or statement available which says then leader of Awami League demanded 'Independence"? Pak foreign office should ask for it before proceeding the matter.
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Nov 01, 2017 03:03pm
Good move
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Nov 01, 2017 03:19pm
No matter how bitter the historical facts are, a mature nation should learn to endure them.
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Nov 01, 2017 03:55pm
@Malhan Khan there are plenty, try looking it up. It was called the Liberation or Independence War that started after Operation Searchlight by those in West Pakistan. It is also common historical knowledge around the world for anyone that has read a bit.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:12pm
Pakistan foreign office should tell truth to people.
Pakistan zindabad.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:22pm
Still pain for Pakistan. But historical facts should remain as it is.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:29pm
Pakistani high commissioner apologized. That's the moot point. Talk of it only. It's the same history he read while he was a student in pakistan. This is how pakistan grows its children and makes its future. He didn't know the facts that why he posted a wrong video. He had apologize and news broke out shaming pakistan as whole.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:37pm
is this really something to argue about now 46 years later?
Surely both sides should be putting their energies together for helping the Rohingya refugees, than wasting time on this nonsense.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:38pm
It is beyond my comprehension that what purpose does this latest episode serves? Bangladesh is an independent country and propagating historical twists without any backup documentation is very undesirable towards a brotherly nation. We are living in 21st century and revisiting happenings almost 55 years back, is not very pleasant for both nations. Let us not cause turbulence to otherwise calm waters and move on. A diplomatic apology is a wise step taken.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:42pm
@Malhan Khan Is there any public speech or statement proving Sheikh Mujibur Rehman desired for self rule and not indepence? Pakistan has claimed it so it your responsibility prove it, not of Bangladesh.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:45pm
Now even Bangladesh is upset with Pakistan behavior.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:46pm
Why can't we just accept the facts on ground and move on. For us Bangladesh should be just another distant nation like Myanmar, Bhutan or Cambodia. We have nothing in common with them.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:49pm
Pure mischief to fish in troubled waters by muddying it first. Pakistan always does this and is never apologetic.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:49pm
@G Mujib wanted self-help until very late stages of the movement.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:51pm
Pakistan is a master in distorting history and irony is people believe it.
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Nov 01, 2017 04:54pm
Hope the episode is over and both sides move on.
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Nov 01, 2017 05:00pm
Modi's work finally paying off!
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Nov 01, 2017 05:00pm
Who cares about Bangladesh. Pakistan knows the truth and should stand by its position.
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Nov 01, 2017 05:00pm
No wonder why bangladesh doesn't want to send their cricket team in Pakistan!
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Nov 01, 2017 05:09pm
Bangladesh leadership needs to grow up. In mujib's first meeting with Bhutto after fall of Dakka, Mujib did say that. Moreover it is time to move on.
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Nov 01, 2017 05:09pm
Who said on 7th March 1971 at Racecourse Ground, then Dacca, East Pakistan?....'a bari shongram shadinitar shongram, a bari shongram shongram ar shongram'....this time the revolution is for independence, this time the revolution is ultimate revolution'.....It is clear he announced independence of East Pakistan as Bangladesh.
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Nov 01, 2017 05:14pm
@Malhan Khan Yes. Every speech has it. Suprising you didn't know and are finding excuses to twist facts and alter history.
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Nov 01, 2017 05:20pm
To be honest we didn't commit any crime in the than East Pakistan it's all propaganda created by bangladesh leaders to justify separatism from Pakistan by the way can bangladesh state even one world recognized achievement they've achieved since the independence the answer is NO so what was the point of separating from us? Just to drown in poverty even further more?
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Nov 01, 2017 05:21pm
@Malhan Khan yes readily available everywhere but you need to clean your spects
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Nov 01, 2017 05:32pm
@G "that started after Operation Searchlight "
What about before Operation Searchlight?
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Nov 01, 2017 05:37pm
Pakistan foreign office should clear this matter and bring facts on social media.
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Nov 01, 2017 05:46pm
@Realistic but those who put us through this pain and misery are regarded as the champion of democracy. whether it is right or wrong I wish BANGLA DESH the best. At least they are far better off than the so-called the mainland... the irony is still we have not learned our lesson...That is what I call the NASHA OF CORRUPTION... an intoxication of corruption. where they safeguard their self-interests and not the interest of the nation...
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Nov 01, 2017 05:49pm
@Asif A Shah Just like Pakistan initially reported that it had won the 1971 war but layer retracted and admitted defeat
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Nov 01, 2017 05:49pm
Well done Bangladesh..
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Nov 01, 2017 06:01pm
Only the winners of a war can write their history undoing any actions or activities which might incriminate them. That is true of the break up of Pakistan as well inspite of the facts reported by the independent observers around the world at that time. So today Sheikh Mujibur Rahman can be claimed to never have wanted to live as a Pakistani as that would degrade him in the eyes of his countrymen.
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Nov 01, 2017 06:02pm
Regardless of historical facts or distortions aren't diplomats supposed to be there to improve relations by talking to their counterparts thru official channels and not post random stuff on the internet? That's OUR job!
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Nov 01, 2017 06:09pm
Another diplomatic humiliation... You never tired of that...
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Nov 01, 2017 06:09pm
Pakistan is a master at distorting history !
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Nov 01, 2017 06:09pm
@Malhan Khan
Dear when ever self rule is denied then only one talks about Independence. Even Pakistans ruler wanted to get rid of East Pakistan regarding this many historians have written about it.
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Nov 01, 2017 06:11pm
@Asif A Shah
I salute you dear. It's easy to speak truth then describing lie as truth definatly has wings but lie even don't have feet.
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Nov 01, 2017 06:11pm
Each day brings new honor to my neighbors....someone should smell coffee right away
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Nov 01, 2017 06:16pm
B.D govt can not distort the historical facts I have record of several speeches made by the AWAMI LEADER saying he did not want tp break PAKISTAN/
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Nov 01, 2017 06:18pm
Bangladesh has the fastest internet in the world unlike Pakistan, Between the time the High Commissioner pressed "upload" button on his computer and it actually uploaded - BD could have acted and taken down this video however in the interest of free speech and in compliance with United Nations charter it abstained from doing so.
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Nov 01, 2017 06:22pm
So Bangladesh wants Pakistan to see 1971 war through their perspective that's why summons Pakistani envoy ??
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Nov 01, 2017 06:27pm
Bangladesh gains, Pakistan pains !
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Nov 01, 2017 06:40pm
Accept the mistakes and bow to the outcome. Jingoism is not an answer, compassionate approach heals the wound.
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Nov 01, 2017 06:40pm
What is happening? Even Bangladesh is forcing us to apologize?
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Nov 01, 2017 06:41pm
Does it matter at all now, some people always find ways to remain engaged
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Nov 01, 2017 07:00pm
We are so irresponsible and weak in everything that everyone can take us to the court and punish it. Tomorrow, someone may launch a complaint against our country that it did not come into being in 1947 and we would not be able to defend it.
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Nov 01, 2017 07:10pm
@Realistic "Still pain for Pakistan"
Sounds like more of a pain for Bangladesh.
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Nov 01, 2017 07:12pm
We are with Pakistan. Not Bangladesh.
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Nov 01, 2017 07:13pm
@Malhan Khan
Does Pakistan have speech available to support their statement?
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Nov 01, 2017 07:16pm
@Malhan Khan "Is there any public speech or statement available which says then leader of Awami League demanded 'Independence"?"
Why are many of us so dense as to not even google on so trivial a matter? Just google for videos on "mujibur rahman speech independence" and you will clearly see a speech in 7th March, 1971 some nine months prior to surrender. And of course many more, if one cares to search. Please do not start getting hot under the collar and all Ghairiyatmand before researching facts and internationally documented events by yourself.
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Nov 01, 2017 07:18pm
@Saba so should Bangal govt.
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Nov 01, 2017 07:29pm
The facts are on the side of B'desh while the prejudices are on the part of Pakistan.If Pakistan had treated East Pakistan with dignity and maturity, it would have continued as East Pakistan.
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Nov 01, 2017 07:40pm
Thank Mujib for three nation theory and move on
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Nov 01, 2017 08:02pm
The self-determination was the right of the people of Bangladesh but the use of bullets on either side was condemnable.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:06pm
The truth is that Shiekh Mujib never really wanted "Independence', he just wanted the 6 points accepted by West Pakistan, that gave greater autonomy to East Pakistan. Even then the 6 points were negotiable, it is a pity that vested interests in West Pakistan did not give up their intransigence.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:19pm
@G
Bangladesh independence struggle is distorted in Pakistani history books. it is shown as rebellion not independence struggle.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:21pm
@Realistic most of the historical facts are distorted in Pakistan's history books.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:25pm
History is bunk
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Nov 01, 2017 08:30pm
Good for Bangladesh to stand up against Pakistani propaganda.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:35pm
Why high commission sharing third party videos?
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Nov 01, 2017 08:38pm
Self rule is another way of saying independence. BD government making mountain out of a mole. Get real Bangla Desh instead always being reactionary
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Nov 01, 2017 08:39pm
The biggest problem with Pakistani narrative on history (as a non-Pakistani) is that it is full of distortion and lies, which tarnishes Pakistan's image and deprives Pakistani brothers of opportunity to learn from History. Well, I don't think now the Pakistani policymakers care any more for what the neighbors think, as long as China is by their side.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:40pm
@Malhan Khan
Actually he never really did ask for independence. Independence just happened automatically.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:50pm
It is a historical fact that Mujibur Rehman initial demand was for more autonomy under his 6-points and not complete independence. No need to apologize for presenting true facts.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:56pm
Those who refuse to learn from history are condemned to repeat it again and again.
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Nov 01, 2017 08:59pm
@Malhan Khan : there is an interview of sheikh mujibur to BBC. It is uploaded in YouTube
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Nov 01, 2017 09:06pm
What happened in 1971 has already happened, and we cannot turn back the clock. The main question now is how best we move forward so that we can secure a better future for our future generations. While research of historical facts is very important, it is better left for academicians than for politicians to engage in. Living in the past seems to be the preoccupation of our politicians.
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Nov 01, 2017 09:13pm
Unfortunately for Pakistan, not all historical facts can be distorted.
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Nov 01, 2017 09:16pm
@Malhan Khan
Please read the translated speech of Sheikh Mujib on 7th March, 1971. He figured it out by then that Bhutto is not going to allow Sheikh Mujib to become the legally elected prime minister and we did not want anything less. Peace.
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Nov 01, 2017 09:16pm
Whether Good for some and Bad for some but in reality true, real and factual historical facts must be produced and depicted to set things right in the history books without prejudice.
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Nov 01, 2017 09:17pm
good move by Bangladesh. Pakistan must learn to accept the bitter facts of history rather than twisting. It is time Pakistan started acting as a mature and responsible nation and accept its mistakes and take responsibility. that is the only way we will be able to move forward.
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Nov 01, 2017 09:26pm
@Asif A Shah Should bd learn history from pakistan
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Nov 01, 2017 09:28pm
What the audacity. Seems Bangladesh is right.
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Nov 01, 2017 09:32pm
Bengali leadership cannot change history by being sensitive, it was a terrible period in our history and we need to deal with it with honesty and respect. That does not mean you create a version to suit your needs. Independence was nowhere in sight till things got out of hand on both sides. As a Pakistan, I ask for forgiveness for the part we played, I hope Bangladeshi people can learn to atone for any wrongdoings on their side.
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Nov 01, 2017 09:44pm
While I have no problem with Pakistan HC's handling of the matter - I remember distinctly that Mujib had demanded for autonomy not independence till very late into the saga. The 6 point charter initially did not ask for independence. It was very close to the actual independence of BD that Mujib actually demanded independence at Dacca race course. But then you could read this in any way - and there is no point in splitting hair specially where so much sensitivity is involved.
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Nov 01, 2017 09:44pm
@Saba What truth? Do you have any facts to back up that truth ? Why try to revise hostory ?
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Nov 01, 2017 10:04pm
They fool their own people. Kindly understand their problem.
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Nov 01, 2017 10:17pm
Pakistan is known to lie officially.
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Nov 01, 2017 10:18pm
We have painted our history in the colors we have wanted but this doe snot work outside Pakistan.
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Nov 01, 2017 11:14pm
Pakistan is the only place where people hide facts and are too scared and ashamed to accept their true history and true selves. We should learn to accept who we are and painful memories and mistakes are all part of what makes us. We are all humans not some divine being that never makes a mistake. This is how individuals in Pakistan think and this is how we even proceed with our history. We always blame others for problems. We never look at what wrong we have done
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Nov 01, 2017 11:18pm
Also on a side note someone I know was named Mujeeb ur Rehman at birth in the 50s. But his parents changed his name after Bangladesh issue, as they thought he might face bullying and all. Can you imagine if normal citizens think it that way how was state reacting to this. Ofcourse they had to change the name. We should be more accepting and acknowledging of ourselves and our past and talk about it as is, with maturity and dignity despite mistakes and blunders, and uncomfortable truths.
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Nov 01, 2017 11:25pm
First wrong picture at UNGA now wrong video?.....not very encouraging is it?
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Nov 01, 2017 11:32pm
@Malhan Khan Is there any public statement to the effect Awami Leader only wanted Self Rule
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Nov 01, 2017 11:42pm
Mujibs six points did not include independence
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Nov 01, 2017 11:45pm
@Saba
Pakistan foreign office should tell truth to people. Pakistan zindabad."
The truth is that Bhutto did not accept result of elections of 1970 by which Mujib should have been made PM of Pakistan.Can anyone deny this fact.
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Nov 01, 2017 11:49pm
I was in Dhaka from 1952 to 1972 and I can say with certainty that Shaikh Mujibur Rahman never wanted independence. The people of then East Pakistan were more patriotic then any one else. It was only due to the wrong policies of the Pakistan government that Bangladesh came into being.
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Nov 01, 2017 11:51pm
Existence of Bangladesh is a grave of our dual nation theory.
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Nov 02, 2017 01:21am
Is it not a fact that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman always demanded provincial autonomy (under 6 point demand) for East Pakistan until Pakistani military authority started cracking down on East Pakistan? At that point, even an ardent supporter of Pakistan like Sheikh Mujibur Rahman found coexistence absolutely impossible and demanded a total freedom of the land called Bangladesh. We the Bangladeshis now feel that that was a very sensible decision.
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Nov 02, 2017 01:32am
Distorting history is Pakistani speciality.Look at the history taught at their schools.No mention of histories of their heritage,civilization, architecture(destruction of holy places apart from mosques) and even conclusion of wars started(all of them) by Pakistan.The genocide of Bengalis(3000000) of Bangladesh,hardly any mention.Never publish any results of public inquiries or if any existed were destroyed.
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Nov 02, 2017 01:33am
I am a living witness to Shaikh Mujib’s address to Pakistani students in London in 1969 in which he stated that his 6 points were to achieve autonomy for East Pakistan in economic matters. And that Pakistan would be stronger for that. Now that was his position during the election campaign.
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Nov 02, 2017 02:13am
There is no proof he ever fight for independence!
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Nov 02, 2017 02:15am
Pakistan's view is absolutely correct. Our brother's assertion is distorted due to misinformation and not facts.
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Nov 02, 2017 02:46am
Living in the past...
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Nov 02, 2017 02:53am
Facts are distorted for sure .
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Nov 02, 2017 03:32am
Sare pakistaniyo Ko bachpan se galat padhaya jata hai. Ulti history padhate hai .
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Nov 02, 2017 03:32am
Bangladesh has been telling their youngsters a lie since 1973. Those of us who are old enough know the facts because we lived it and heard it every day. Pakistani government should ask Bangladesh government to go to hell, or at least apologize for the lies they have been telling their own people.
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Nov 02, 2017 04:01am
Islamic republic of denial of facts
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Nov 02, 2017 05:25am
The statement by the FO is funny as I wonder how third party videos find online space in a site managed by the FO about history without authentification.
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Nov 02, 2017 05:40am
Pakistan treated bengalis like slaves and called them “black” uncivilized. Pakistan should apologize for that.
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Nov 02, 2017 06:11am
@G the question was is there any such speech.if you know of any pls give the dates and place and pls don’t give a speech
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Nov 02, 2017 06:33am
Awami League under the leadership of Shaikh Mujib ur Rahman whole heartedly took part in the 1971 general elections as a Pakistani political party. Awami League won majority of seats in the elections but everything changed when Mr. Bhutto not only refused to accept the verdict of the people of East Pakistan but clearly threatened Gen.Yahya Khan of dire consequences in case if the later handed over power to Awami League.
There after rest is history. Bangladesh FO's ridiculous statement and protest is based on distorted history.
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Nov 02, 2017 06:39am
Whether it is UNGA or embassies -Pakistan diplomats are busy in twisting histories and adding lies.
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Nov 02, 2017 06:51am
The root cause of corrupt minds of our youth is the basic contents we have in our history books.
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Nov 02, 2017 06:52am
You can't change history. At least give accurate info to next generations please
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Nov 02, 2017 07:11am
Surprisingly, many Pakistani does know that founding father of Bangladeh Bangubhundhu Sheik Mujibur Rahman
declared independence of Bangladesh on the 26th march 1971 which was broadcast through T&T wireless and
relayed to most of of the police station and also post offices through telegraph. Pakistani should read book "witness to Surrender " written by a Pakistani Military officer Siddique Salik.
.
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Nov 02, 2017 07:12am
What else can you depend on except lies and brainwashing of pakistanis.
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Nov 02, 2017 07:13am
Bangladesh- please move beyond 1971.
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Nov 02, 2017 07:17am
Please read the book "Witness to Surrender" written by Siddique Salik
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Nov 02, 2017 07:31am
History have been distorted in Pak when they all Pakistanis are generations of Kurds . Arabs etc
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Nov 02, 2017 07:40am
Bangladesh wants to change history.Soon they will say that the had no contribution in creation of Pakistan.
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Nov 02, 2017 07:45am
What's new. Distortion has been done freely in Pakistan forever
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Nov 02, 2017 08:27am
We all from our generation whether in Bangladesh or Pakistan know well that Sh. Mujib did not contest 1970 elections to create Bangladesh. He was the elected Prime Minister-to-be of the whole of Pakistan. If the Democratic norm was followed by Pakistani Establishment Sh. Mujib would have become the Prime Minister and steered the whole of the country together with other politicans. But upon his arrest on 25th March midnight, I remember on 26th March listening to Major Zia Ur Rahman on the make-shift Radio, declaring Independence (but he attributed this to Sh. Mujib, not as his own decision).
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Nov 02, 2017 08:28am
Another ample proof to show how much pakistanis lie.
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Nov 02, 2017 08:40am
Pakistan is misleading its own people. Now it tries to mislead UN and bangladesh. We are enough mature to understand it.
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Nov 02, 2017 09:31am
You share only if you endorse. Don’t you?
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Nov 02, 2017 09:37am
It will be good for people of Pakistan to say the truth to its people and seek closure to the issue. Bangladesh is a fact now even recognised by Pakistan.
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Nov 02, 2017 09:59am
@Malhan Khan
On 7th March 1971 at Ramna race course Sheikh Mujib in his speech in Bengali said"This time our struggle is for independence then he sat down with yahya Khan for fifteen days in a long negotiation for maximum autonomy within the frame work of Pakistan. These negotiations broke down on the 25th March 1971
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Nov 02, 2017 09:29pm
@F Khan Thank you for quoting his exact words !!
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