International Webinar Highlights the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide
On July 13, an international event organized by ‘Genocide 71,’ an initiative of Mukto Ashor and Bangladesh History Olympiad, called for justice and recognition of the 1971 Bangladesh genocide. The event featured diverse voices, including human rights activists, researchers, and former legislators, emphasizing the need for global acknowledgment and education about the atrocities committed by the West Pakistani army and their collaborators.
Eyewitness Accounts and Advocacy
The webinar, titled ‘International Webinar on Bangladesh Genocide, Justice for the victims 53 years and counting!’ was hosted by Priyajit Debsarkar, an independent geopolitical analyst. Priyajit highlighted the horrific events of March 25, 1971, when the West Pakistani army targeted civilians, including students, women, and children, who were anticipating the restoration of democracy after the 1970 General Election.
Ian Martin, an English human rights activist, shared his memories of witnessing the conflict in Dhaka. He stressed the importance of remembering these events, which remain relatively obscure in the West.
Preserving History and Educating Future Generations
Syed Muntasir Mamun, Chief Innovation Officer and Director General of MoFA Dhaka Bangladesh, emphasized the necessity of preserving eyewitness accounts and tangible evidence to educate future generations. He invited external agencies and experts to carry out independent assessments in Bangladesh.
Ayreen Khan, a visual artist and researcher, focused on the experiences of women and minority communities during the genocide. She highlighted the atrocities committed against women, including systematic rape and torture, underscoring the urgency of ensuring their stories are heard.
Bob Lancia, a former American legislator, stressed the importance of international recognition through resolutions like the one pending in the U.S. Congress. He advocated for educational initiatives and memorialization efforts to ensure the world does not forget the victims of 1971.
Commitment to Awareness and Recognition
Abu Sayed, General Secretary of BD History Olympiad and an author, reiterated the organizers’ commitment to elevating the Bangladesh Genocide to the international forefront. Their efforts include educational workshops, exhibitions, and publications aimed at fostering awareness and recognition worldwide.
Background on the Bangladesh Genocide
The Bangladesh Genocide refers to the systematic atrocities committed by the Pakistani military and their collaborators in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in 1971. Following the declaration of independence by Bengali nationalists on March 26, 1971, the Pakistani military launched ‘Operation Searchlight,’ targeting civilians, intellectuals, political activists, and minority groups. The campaign involved mass killings, rapes, torture, and forced displacement, resulting in an estimated three million deaths and widespread human rights abuses.