OP-ED: Bangladesh’s greatest ally

Remembering Indira Gandhi and her pivotal role in 1971


The astute and decisive leadership of Indian premier Indira Gandhi in 1971 is a source of inspiration. Mrs Gandhi was Bangladesh’s greatest ally. She wanted a democratic Bangladesh. She envisioned a mature, parliamentary democracy in Bangladesh. She wanted Bangladesh to be a part of the community of democratic nations.

At the National Press Club in Washington, DC on November 5, 1971, Indira Gandhi told the assembled audience that “if democracy is good for you, it is good for us in India and it is good for the people of East Bengal.” The sub-continent was fortunate to have a politician like Indira Gandhi grace its history. She was dedicated to democratic values, due process, and constitutionalism.