March 25, 2022
2 mins read

Bangladeshi diaspora in Europe seeks int’l recognition of 1971 genocide

A total of around 72 participants, mostly university students from different universities in the Netherlands joined the conference and took part in the discussion during the two Q&A sessions….reports Asian Lite News

Highlighting the great importance and an absolute necessity to honour the victims of genocide and their descendants, speakers at an international conference have demanded international recognition of the Bangladesh genocide that took place during March-December 1971.

The demand came during an international conference held on Thursday titled, ‘Bangladesh: Justice after genocide’ held at Leiden University in the Hague and organized by Europe based Bangladeshi diaspora organization European Bangladesh Forum (EBF) in collaboration with the Leiden University UNICEF Student Team the Hague & SESA (Southeast and South Asian) Club by CIROS (Community of International Relations and Organisations Students).

A total of around 72 participants, mostly university students from different universities in the Netherlands joined the conference and took part in the discussion during the two Q&A sessions.

Former member of the Bangladesh Parliament M Mahjabeen Khaled shared her personal story saying, “that topic is very personal to me and my family” and “The war of liberation defines me and what I am today.” She further stated, “1971 liberation war has narrated thousands of personal stories and I hope that in the 21st century the global community will stand alongside Bangladesh, not just to remember, but also to recognise the Bangladesh Genocide of 1971.”

Paying rich tributes to Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, founder of Bangladesh, former ambassador of Pakistan to the US Hussain Haqqani said, “had he lived, I am certain he would have supported the idea of a formal apology from Pakistan for the tragedy inflicted on the people of Bangladesh during their war of liberation. This demand is supported by fair-minded people, like Pakistani dissidents like me,” the Pakistan diplomat said adding, “collective apologies help heal wounds and enable nations to deal with past wrongdoing. Bangabandhu’s (Sheikh Mujibur Rehman’s) life and struggle make him a hero for the people of Bangladesh and other nations but in a fairer world, he would not have had to face the repression and injustice that he fought at great cost to himself and his family,” Haqqani further said.

EBF also plans to organize a two-day long demonstration in front of the historic ‘Broken Chair’ at the UN building in Geneva, Switzerland starting today. The demonstration is being organized in collaboration with the International Human Rights Commission Bangladesh, Geneva. The demonstration will reiterate the demand for trial of the perpetrators responsible for the genocide in Bangladesh and international recognition of the 1971 genocide committed by the Pakistan army.

During the 1971 Genocide in Bangladesh, the Pakistan military deliberately harmed hundreds of thousands of Bangladeshi citizens. Rights group says the horrors of 1971 are considered one of the worst mass atrocities in history.

The damage they inflicted can be described in the following numbers. As many as three million people were believed to have been killed, up to 200,000 women were violated and over 10 million people were forced to cross the border to India to seek shelter. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Human chain in Dhaka for int’l recognition of 1971 genocide

Previous Story

Rishi denies wife’s Russia link

Next Story

Yogi sworn in as UP Chief Minister

Latest from Asia News

Pakistan Faces Backlash Over NGO, Media Attacks

Human rights groups criticised the Pakistani government for a “deeply irresponsible” smear campaign against media and NGOs….reports Asian Lite News Several human rights organisations and advocacy groups have criticised the Pakistani government

Afghanistan Offline: 72 Hours of Chaos

Afghanistan restores internet after three-day blackout; humanitarian aid, trade, and banking resume slowly, while UN warns repeated disruptions threaten recovery and livelihoods for millions of citizens. Internet and telecom services were partially

Over 1,000 lives lost in Pak floods

Pakistan’s floods kill over 1,000, hit agriculture and supply chains; economy shows resilience amid devastation, while Karachi experiences minor earthquake, raising fears in already-stricken areas. Pakistan continues to grapple with one of

Trump Urged to Back Baloch Rights in Pakistan

The letter urged President Trump to recognise the Baloch people’s right to self-governance and to raise his voice against the alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani military…reports Asian Lite News In a

ISI Steers Bangladesh Closer to Turkey

The Jamaat-e-Islami, at the behest of the ISI, coaxed the Muhammad Yunus government to stitch a closer alliance with Turkey. …reports Asian Lite News Bangladesh, which is facing turmoil following the fall
Go toTop