Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa observed National Genocide Day of Bangladesh on 25 March 2021. The programme includes the observance of silence, reading out of the messages followed by a special discussion. Bangladesh High Commissioner H.E. Dr. Khalilur Rahman, Deputy High Commissioner and all the officers and officials of the High Commission were present in the event. One minute silence was observed to pay homage to all the martyrs and then messages of Hon’ble President and Hon’ble Prime Minister were read out by the officers of the High Commission for the audiences. Subsequently, an open discussion was held on the importance and the significance of the day.
All the speakers opined that 50 years back, on 25 March 1971, Pakistan Army launched “Operation Searchlight” resulting in the worst genocide in human history over a period of nine months till the Pakistan Forces were defeated by the Bangladesh Freedom Fighters under the leadership of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. All the speakers emphasized that this day should be internationally recognized, and all should work together in this regard. High Commissioner Dr. Khalilur Rahman in his deliberation, first paid homage to the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for leading the nation to achieve the Independence. He also paid respect to all victims of Genocide in 1971, the martyrs and tortured women and the valiant freedom fighters for whose sacrifice we achieved our Independence. He said that the observance of the Genocide Day should have been started earlier than since 2017as it is an immensely important day in our national history. He expressed his gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her decision to observe the day as Genocide Day from 2017.
He mentioned that efforts are on get the Genocide Day recognized internationally. He added that it was the decision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister to establish the International War Crime Tribunal after winning the elections in 2008. He mentioned that the International War Criminal Tribunal already tried and convicted Bangladeshi collaborators and associates of the Pakistani war criminals. He further mentioned that the Pakistani war criminals should be brought under due trial without which the process of doing justice to the victims of the 1971 Genocide in Bangladesh would not be done.
He also informed that he is trying to establish a genocide corner in the Human Rights Museum in Winnipeg with the objective of mobilizing public opinion in support of getting Genocide Day recognized internationally. He also mentioned that it was our duty to inform the international community about the genocide that took place in Bangladesh. The programme ended by offering a special prayer for eternal peace and salvation of all the martyrs. The photographs of the event are attached herewith.
Best wishes, (Dewan Hossne Ayub) Minister, Political
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