Genocide Day observed at Bangladesh Embassy in Washington D.C.

Shamim Ahmad, Washington, D.C, 25 March 2018: With an air of profound melancholy, officers, employees of Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C., their family members and members of the Bangladesh community observed the “Genocide Day” Sunday evening marking the horrendous episode of human massacre in Bangladesh by the Pakistan army in 1971.

They joined a candle light vigil and paraded through the embassy compound under the leadership of Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Mohammad Ziauddin renewing the demand that the United Nations recognize the 25^th March as the Genocide Day.

Observing the Day, the embassy organized a discussion and screened a documentary on genocide in Bangladesh in 1971. Ambassador Mohammad Ziauddin and Minister (Press) Shamim Ahmad took part in the discussion while Deputy Chief of the Mission Mahbub Hassan Saleh read out the message of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

In his remarks, the Ambassador said the systematic genocide of the people of Bangladesh by the then Pakistani regime left over three million people dead; a quarter of a million women and young girls dishonored and around 10 million people as refugees in India.

He said the Pakistan army began the “Operation Searchlight” on the night of March 25 when people were deep in sleep. “The military tanks and armored vehicles crammed with battle ready soldiers rolled out of the Dhaka cantonment, and suddenly the quiet night was shattered by the rattle of gunfire. The bullets mowed down ruthlessly the people on sight. Throughout the night, the killing machines were on a murderous rampage in Dhaka.”

The Ambassador said at the time of the crackdown, the Pakistani military cordoned the home of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the great leader of Bengali nationalism. Before they could enter his home, the leader sent a written message to the people declaring the Independence of Bangladesh.

Later, the Ambassador along with embassy officials, employees and Bangladesh community members joined simultaneous rendering of the National Anthem following the National Anthem rendered at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Counsellor (Political and HOC) Dewan Ali Ashraf conducted the program.

In celebration of the 48^th Independence and National Day, the embassy has drawn up a two-day program that includes hoisting national flag and discussion on March 26 and Independence Day reception on March 28.