Canadian journalist's post on 1971 war's 'great irony' goes viral amid India-Bangladesh tensions: 'Welcome back East Pak'

: Amid India-Bangladesh tensions, Canadian journalist's post on 1971 war's 'great irony' goes viral

A controversial post by Canadian journalist Daniel Bordman has gone viral on social media amid rising tensions between India and Bangladesh, with the journalist drawing parallels between the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh and the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War.

In the post shared on X, Bordman referred to what he described as a “great irony” of the 1971 war, arguing that India’s military intervention was a humanitarian victory that prevented a genocide and led to the creation of Bangladesh, yet continues to be viewed with resentment by sections of Bangladeshi society.

“Welcome back Eastern Pakistan,” Bordman wrote, claiming that growing radicalisation in Bangladesh has renewed ideological hostility towards India. His remarks triggered strong reactions online, with some users describing them as a blunt assessment of historical realities, while others criticised the post as provocative and inflammatory.

“There is a great irony to the 1971 war that a lot of Indians have yet to grasp. It was a great triumph for India as it prevented the Pakistani army from finishing off a full-scale genocide, and a humiliation to Pakistan because they lost territory,” Bordman wrote.

He went on to question Bangladesh’s response to India’s role in its independence, asking, “But what about Bangladesh? Should they not be appreciative of India for helping create their country and saving all their lives?”

Addressing what he described as internal divisions within Bangladesh, Bordman added, “The answer to the Hindu Bengalis is yes, but to the Islamists it is the opposite. Bengali Islamists will never forgive India for saving the lives of their ancestors and countrymen… Yes, they were about to be wiped out, but it was being done by other Muslims so it is no big deal.”

The post continues to draw widespread attention as debates intensify online over Bangladesh’s political trajectory, religious radicalisation, and the evolving dynamics of India-Bangladesh relations.

"So as Bangladesh goes further down the spiral of radicalism and Indians try and explain to them how they have helped them over the decades, just know it will only make them hate you more," he mentioned in the X post.

There is a great irony to the 1971 war that a lot of Indians have yet to grasp. It was a great triumph for India as it prevented the Pakistani army from finishing off a full scale genocide, and a humiliation to Pakistan because they lost territory. But what about Bangladesh?… https://t.co/vq930qLWPa

— Daniel Bordman (@DanielBordmanOG) December 21, 2025

The post comes against the backdrop of widespread unrest in Bangladesh following the killing of anti-India leader Sharif Osman Hadi, which triggered violent protests, attacks on media houses, and clashes with security forces across several cities.

Tensions deepened further after the lynching of 27-year-old Hindu garment worker Dipu Chandra Das in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, over alleged blasphemy. Bangladeshi law enforcement officials later said there was no evidence to support claims that Das had posted anything offensive, fuelling concerns over mob violence and the safety of religious minorities.

The developments have intensified scrutiny of Bangladesh’s internal security situation and its implications for India-Bangladesh relations, with Bordman’s post adding to an already heated public discourse online.